Page 67 of Kai's Hunger

His hand reached for me, cupping my chin gently. “No?”

“I’m not sure what happens next. I’m not sure what role I play in this, but Patterson won’t come between us.” My fingers traced the edge of the blanket that covered my legs as thoughts swirled like leaves caught in a gust of wind. Knots tightened in my stomach, a visceral reaction to the secrets Kai had shared. The truth was both a balm and a torment.

The door swung open, revealing Creeg with a tray in hand. The rich aroma of something hearty permeated the air, providing a stark contrast to the emotional intensity that lingered. My gaze flickered to the tray, my appetite grappling with the tumult within me.

Kai nodded toward his brother. “Thank you,” he offered, his tone conveying his gratitude.For the food or the reprieve from the conversation?I wondered.

Creeg’s gaze warmed with a touch of compassion, then shifted to me, lingering for a moment before placing the tray on the small table beside the bed. “Bone broth will nourish you, and I brought you a cup of hot tea to soothe your nerves,” he explained, his words filled with the reassurance only a doctor could provide. “Are the pain meds wearing off?”

“A little, yeah.”

Creeg nodded, then picked up a bottle sitting on the desk and brought it to me. “I know you don’t like pills, but these aren’t addictive, I promise.”

“Under the circumstances, I’m perfectly happy to shelve my normal contempt for those things.”

Concern furrowed his brows as he handed me two small round pills. “I didn’t get a chance to say this before, but I think you’re very brave, Lily.”

I didn’t speak, couldn’t without crying. Instead, I snagged the pills, popped them into my mouth, and swallowed. After Creeg departed, my fingers trembled as I reached for a cracker. My body felt heavy, a manifestation of the pain and the weight of the revelations I’d just heard. I took a tentative bite, my eyes distant, as if staring into the depths of my thoughts.

Beside me, Kai’s presence grounded me. He reached over, his touch gentle as it covered my hand. Our fingers intertwined and my breathing slowed.

“Take your time,” he whispered, his voice a calming murmur. “There’s no rush.”

Tears welled in my eyes. I was grateful that I was no longer in that dark, cold cell. Thankful that Kai had come for me. That he appeared content to watch over me like a dark guardian. I met his gaze, my heart raw with the intensity of my emotions. “Thank you,” I breathed, my voice tinged with a fragile sincerity.

“I will keep you safe, Lily.”

I leaned in closer, my forehead resting against his, our breaths mingling in the stillness of the room. “We’ll face whatever comes our way together.”

He nodded, his eyes locked onto mine, determination burning within his gaze. “Together,” he echoed, his deep voice carrying an unwavering promise.

As we resumed eating, I felt stronger. I wasn’t sure if it was the food or Kai. Both, I suspected. The darkness began to recede. Ironic that in the depths of Patterson’s prison, the bond between me and Kai had strengthened. Patterson only wanted to destroy, but that plan had backfired. The thought made me smile.

****

Kai

I watched as Lily slept. It’d been an hour since she’d finished eating. She seemed more at peace now. The pain medicine had kicked in and she’d nodded off, the spoon still clutched tightly in her hand. I released it from her grasp and placed it aside, then covered her with a thicker blanket, content to watch her sleep. All that she’d been through, the pain and the revelation of my true nature, and yet she hadn’t run screaming. Her strength was admirable.

The door behind me creaked and I craned my neck to see Fostine entering the room. I quirked a brow. “What is it?”

“Wyatt wants a meeting.” She nodded toward Lily. “I’ll sit with her in case she wakes.”

Reluctant to leave Lily even for a moment, I asked, “Is there news of Patterson?”

She shrugged. “Wyatt didn’t go into detail, but he wants you in his office now.” When I still hesitated, Fostine nudged my arm. “I won’t leave her, Kai. Swear it.”

I slowly got to my feet, then bent and placed a gentle kiss on Lily’s forehead. She didn’t stir. A testament to her fatigue. “If she wakes, I want to be alerted.”

“Of course.” Fostine fell into the seat I’d vacated. She crossed her legs at the ankles and added, “I’ll text you.”

I made my way to Wyatt’s office. When I shoved open the door, I found my brothers filling the room. Our father sat in a chair near the desk. He bore the visible marks of being at Patterson’s mercy. His face, once full of life, now carried a pallor. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, telling of sleepless nights. Bruises adorned his skin like morbid artwork, mottled shades of purple and blue that stood out starkly against his complexion. Everyone watched the man, who was once their alpha, with equal amounts of concern and curiosity.

I cleared my throat. “What is it?”

Wyatt stood in the center of the room, his overwhelming presence setting me on edge. “Dad’s been filling us in on Patterson’s motives.”

“He wants our DNA,” I replied. “This isn’t new information.”

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