Page 63 of Kai's Hunger

Creeg’s expertise was a beacon in a sea of pain. Kai’s protective instincts might have flared at Creeg’s proximity, but I was grateful for his presence. His expertise was vital, his touch a source of hope amid my despair. As he assessed my injuries, I winced at his touch along my wounded ribs. A hiss of pain escaped my lips, but I forced myself to remain still.

Tears welled in my eyes once more, but this time they were born not only of pain but of gratitude. Creeg’s calm demeanor and practiced movements eased the tension within me, offering a semblance of control in a situation that had spiraled beyond my grasp. This was about healing, nothing more.

As Creeg cleaned and bandaged the cuts along my ribs, his touch careful, I clenched my teeth to stifle the groans of pain that threatened to escape, my fingers gripping the edges of the examination table as if it were my lifeline. Each movement amplified the fiery ache in my body, but I reminded myself that Creeg was not Patterson. That I was no longer in that hell.

When he offered me pain medication, I eagerly accepted this time. The prospect of a reprieve from the unrelenting agony was a small comfort, yet one that I welcomed with gratitude. As the medication took effect, a soft sigh of relief escaped my lips, and my muscles relaxed from their tense state. I closed my eyes to let the soothing embrace of the medication dull the edges of my pain.

Throughout the process, Kai’s presence was beside me, his silent support a constant reassurance. The tension in his frame hadn’t fully dissipated, his protectiveness still simmering just below the surface, but I knew that his anger was not directed at me. As my eyes met his, I smiled in gratitude.

In that moment, as Creeg continued his work and Kai stood steadfast, I felt a glimmer of hope flicker within me once more. I was safe. Kai would keep me that way. Of that I had no doubts.

****

Kai

My arms crossed tightly over my chest, and I clenched my jaw. Every movement of Creeg’s hands, every pained wince from Lily, fanned the flames of my protective instincts and anger.

Once Creeg had finished bandaging the wounds and offered Lily pain medication, he turned his attention to me. “Her injuries are serious, but with proper care, she should be able to recover fully,” he said in a calm tone.

My response was a low growl. “I need to feel my claws around Patterson’s throat,” I practically seethed, my voice laced with barely contained fury. “I won’t rest until I find him and make him pay. With blood.”

Creeg’s gaze met mine, and there was an understanding there—an acknowledgment of the fire that burned within me. “I understand your anger. I feel it, too,” he replied softly, his voice tinged with empathy. “But right now, her recovery is the priority. The emotional trauma of what she went through can be just as damaging as the physical injuries.”

My fists clenched at my sides, knuckles turning white. “You think I don’t know that?” I practically spat. “They hurt her. They violated her. I won’t let them get away with it.”

My words hung in the air, heavy with a promise of vengeance that reverberated throughout the room. Creeg’s expression remained compassionate but firm as he said, “I’ll be right by your side, brother. Let us find Patterson.”

A muscle twitched in my jaw, my gaze never wavering from Lily, who had since closed her eyes. She was asleep, thanks to the meds. I lowered my voice to keep from waking her and replied, “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, to help her heal. But that bastard will die by my hand.”

Creeg placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I believe you,” he said, his voice rife with understanding, as well as caution. “For now, we’ll be glad we got her back. Got Dad back.”

My brother was right, but all I could see were those cuts and bruises. Lily’s tears. Some of my anger was tempered by my deep concern for my mate’s well-being. Creeg’s words had struck a chord—the balance between vengeance and healing was a precarious one. With a determined resolve, I turned my attention back to the woman who had captured my heart. I knew that the journey ahead would be arduous, but I was ready to face it.

“Go, see to Dad,” I ordered. “He’ll need you.”

Creeg nodded, then stared down at Lily. “Let me know if she wakes.”

“Yeah.” I took the chair next to the table and sat. The soft rise and fall of her chest took me down a few notches. When she woke, we would have to talk. And I would need to tell her everything. No more secrets.

As I sat by Lily’s side, my gaze unwavering, the door creaked open and a figure stepped into the room, drawing my attention like a magnet. Fostine, always a striking woman and so like our mother in appearance. Her long, flowing black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall of darkness. Her attire was a blend of casual and edgy—fitted jeans ripped at the knees showcased her slim figure, while a black tank top accentuated the curves of her body. A leather jacket, worn with an air of effortless cool, completed her ensemble. Her creamy alabaster skin was a stark contrast to the blackness of her clothing.

Her eyes, the same shade as mine, widened as they landed on Lily. Her lips parted, but no words came out as she took in the sight before her—Lily lying battered and bruised, a testament to the violence she had endured. The room grew still as my sister’s gaze moved toward me.

“Did you need something?” I asked, frustrated that she was interrupting Lily’s recovery.

“I won’t ask if she’s okay,” she bit out. “I know what Patterson is capable of.”

I nodded, my voice laden with fatigue, “Physically, she’ll recover. But it’s been ... a nightmare.”

Fostine’s steps quickened as she moved closer, her leather-clad arm reaching out to touch mine. “I know how much you care about her,” she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her understanding.

I’d always had a bond with Fostine. One that I’d thought had been severed when she’d left. But in the quiet exam room, our kinship felt stronger than ever. It went beyond mere siblinghood. Maybe it was because Fostine had suffered at Patterson’s hands as well. I didn’t know. But her presence eased the tension riding me.

Her concerned gaze returned to Lily. “I know what she went through. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.” Her heart clearly ached at the sight of Lily’s injuries.

“Perhaps when she wakes you could speak to her,” I replied. “I think she would like that.”

She nodded, then reached out, her fingers gently brushed against Lily’s hand. “I will.”

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