Page 24 of Kai's Hunger

She licked her lips, watching me as if ready to cut and run. “I don’t understand any of this. Why is Wyatt waiting to speak to you, anyway? What does he have to do with what happened back there?”

I couldn’t explain, not without explaining everything. Instead, I replied, “When we were at the waterfall, you spoke of a connection between us.”

“Yes, but—”

“That connection is true, Lily. Youcantrust me. I just need a little time.”

She wrapped her arms around her middle and grumbled under her breath before shaking her head and saying in a firmer voice, “You have one hour. After that, I’m out of here. Even if I have to ask one of your brothers to take me to the nearest bus station.”

My brothers wouldn’t dare, but I was smart enough not to tell Lily that. “Thank you,” I murmured, leaning down and kissing her cheek. She turned, muttering to herself about irritating men as she took the stairs to the upper floor. I waited until she was out of sight before I headed for Wyatt’s office. When I opened the door, I found all my brothers there, as well as Fostine.

I rushed up to her and hugged her tightly. “Fostine, never thought I’d see you again. We’ve been searching for you and Father for years.”

She pushed her long black hair away from her face and smiled wearily, flopping into a straight-back chair. “Glad to see you, too, big bro.”

I gazed at Fostine, my expression softening. “Why did you leave? We’ve been worried sick.”

Fostine’s eyes narrowed as she met mine. “Why did I leave? You should ask Creeg. He’s the one who couldn’t stop using me as a guinea pig.

Creeg flinched, guilt written all over his face. “I was trying to understand your immunity to the virus. It was for the good of the pack.”

She scoffed, shaking her head. “Good of the pack? Or good for your research? I was your sister, not some lab rat.”

Wyatt’s eyes widened, realization dawning on him. “We pushed you too far. We made a grave mistake.”

Fostine’s shoulders slumped, exhaustion evident. “You think? Every day it was another test, another vial of blood. I couldn’t take it anymore.”

Trakker stepped forward, his voice thick with regret. “We were just trying to protect you. You’re the last femaleYucilonleft. The other packs want you.”

She looked around at us—her brothers—and her expression softened. “I know you were trying to protect me, but it felt like a prison. I had to get away.”

Miggs nodded, understanding clear in his eyes. “We’re sorry. We didn’t see how much we were hurting you.”

Creeg sighed deeply, his head hanging low. “I never wanted to drive you away. I just... I thought I was doing what was right.”

Fostine looked at Creeg. “I know you meant well, but it was too much. We need to find another way to protect our pack without tearing each other apart.”

Wyatt nodded, his determination clear. “We will, Fostine. We’ll make it right. You’re home now, and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and happy.”

Fostine gave a small, tentative smile. “Thank you. I just want to feel like I belong here again.”

I stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You do belong here. We’re family, and we’ll figure this out together.”

The room fell into a heavy silence. We had made mistakes, but now, we had agreed to make amends and protect our sister, not as a specimen, but as the cherished member of our family that she is.

I cleared my throat and asked, “Where have you been anyway?”

Before she could answer, Wyatt cleared his throat. Everyone turned toward him, waiting for our alpha to speak. “Fostine has just been telling us that she was a hostage of Gregory for the last two years.” His gaze landed on me when he added, “And according to her, our father is a prisoner as well.”

The knowledge had me stumbling backward. “That’s not possible. You’re sure?”

Wyatt nodded solemnly. “Pretty much what I said, too.”

Fostine shot out of the chair and closed the distance between her and Wyatt. “I’m telling the truth. Father is being tortured as we speak!”

The air in the room thickened as the pair faced off. Wyatt’s expression softened, and he gently took her hands. “Fostine, I’m not doubting you. Easy. We’re just so relieved you’re back. Please, tell us everything.”

She collapsed back into her chair, tears swimming in her eyes. “You don’t know what it was like. Patterson used us like lab rats. Test after test.” Her gaze landed on Wyatt, tears shining. “He’s twisted, Wyatt. Completely insane.”

---