Page 36 of Haven

“That was impressive.” Cole cocked his eyebrow at Char, keeping his eyes on her face. “But you need to shift, Char.”

Char nodded, did as Cole ordered, shifted, and then laid down but kept her head alert. It was a much different world, one Sadie had only glimpsed until now. There were no rules, only survival.

Suddenly, all of it became too much. The violence, the blood, the sheer savagery of it all. Sadie felt her body slump as the shock and fear she had held back for so long finally caught up with her. She slowly went to the ground, her body shaking uncontrollably.

Sadie felt strong arms wrap around her. Kile pulled her into his chest, holding her tight against him as she buried her face in his skin. He was all she needed at the moment.

“It’s over,” he whispered, his voice rough from the fight but filled with tenderness. “You’re safe now.”

Sadie nodded against him, clinging to him as if he were the only thing keeping her tethered to reality. Her world had been turned upside down, but she found comfort in his arms in the chaos.

“He’s fucking gone,” Alex growled, making his way toward them.

“Who?” Eric asked, standing alert.

“Colton,” Alex hissed, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “The bastard was tied up. Someone must have untied him.”

“Lily!” Sadie gasped, not knowing what to do.

“Go,” Kile said, his face a mask of pain. “I’ll get Sadie back.”

“I’m not leaving you here unprotected while you’re hurt.” Eric cursed, then looked at Alex. “Could you pick up a scent?”

“No, and we are wasting time.” Alex frowned, then glanced at Char before talking again. “Let me go ahead, and I’ll send someone back with a truck. The road runs next to this area about a half a mile.”

“Come on, I’ll go with you,” Eric said, then looked around at everyone else. “Ten of you come with us, and the others stay here with Cole and Kile. Stay shifted. Search the area for the bastard.”

“Alex,” Sadie called out, her voice tinged with fear for her sister. “Please hurry.”

Alex nodded, then took off with Eric, and the rest followed. Sadie looked at Kile, staring off with a frown. “Are you okay?” She whispered, her eyes searching his battered face. She knew he was naked but kept her eyes on his face.

“I hate feeling weak. I’ll be fine once I shift for a few hours.” He replied, then reached up and touched her bruised and swollen cheek. “Did he do that to you?” He growled, his eyes narrowed in anger.

“No, his mate did,” Sadie replied, then touched his face and gently brushed the blood-caked hair out of his eye. “Thank you for coming for me.” She whispered, realizing that this man had literally fought to the death for her and won.

“I would walk through hellfire for you, Sadie,” Kile said as he watched her closely. “Why did you take off alone? Do you not trust me to keep you and Lily safe?”

“I didn’t think.” She admitted looking away from him, feeling guilty that she was the reason he was in pain. “It’s been a long time since anyone has watched out for us. I’m so sorry, Kile. I never meant for you to get hurt. I was trying to find Lily.”

Leaning his forehead against hers, he sighed. “You scared the life out of me,” Kile whispered, then pulled away, looking at her. “I will always look out for you. You and Lily have a home now. I know this is fast for you, but for me, it feels like I’ve been waiting forever for you. I love you, Sadie.”

“Trucks here.” Cole interrupted them, but Sadie continued to stare at Kile in shock. He loved her? “Larry was able to drive it through the woods. Sadie, come with me, and then I’ll help them get to the truck.”

“I can make it myself,” Kile protested. He then tried to stand, but his leg gave out, sending him back to the ground. “Fuck!”

“You need to shift, brother,” Cole told him as he helped Sadie to her feet. “She will be safe. I’m taking her to the truck, andyou know Larry’s packing. So do as I say for once, you stubborn asshole.”

Sadie waited, looking down at Kile. “Go on,” he nodded toward the truck not looking at her. “I’ll be right there.” Frowning, she turned and started walking with Cole. She kept looking back only to see him shift. His wolf stumbled to the ground and just lay there. “Is he going to be okay?” Sadie’s voice shook with concern.

“He’s had worse, but yeah, he’ll be fine in a few hours,” Cole said as they made it to the truck. “Ride with Larry. I’ll stay in the back with Char and Kile.”

“But I can ride in the back.” Sadie stopped when he opened the door.

“Girl, let Cole take care of his brother,” Larry said, his tone gentle. “Ain’t no man wants his woman to see him weak. Come on.”

Cole nodded in agreement, helping her get up into the truck. “He’s going to be fine.” Cole reassured her as he closed the door then headed back to Char and Kile.

She watched as Cole bent, picking up Char’s wolf, and Kile stood walking slowly behind Cole. The closer they got, the more she could see Kile’s wolf staring at her. He then disappeared around the truck. She watched as Cole went to grab Kile and lift him, but his wolf snapped at Cole and then jumped up in the back of the truck. A loud thud sounded inside the truck as Kile lay down.

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