Page 90 of Kai's Hunger

Chapter Eighteen

Lily

The atmosphere inside the house was somber as we walked in, hand in hand, our bond no doubt evident in our demeanor. We entered the kitchen to find the rest of Kai’s brothers gathered around the table, their expressions tense. All eyes turned toward us, the room falling into an expectant hush.

Kai’s gaze locked onto Wyatt’s. “What’s the news about Trakker?” Kai’s voice was a low, controlled rumble, revealing his tightly wound frustration.

Wyatt’s gaze was heavy as he looked at his brother, his expression carrying the weight of the news he was about to deliver. “Trakker is being held in a facility that is as secure as a fucking prison,” he said, his words heavy with a sense of defeat. “Patterson has taken every precaution to ensure that breaking in is nearly impossible. It would take an army to even attempt it.”

My heart sank at the news. I knew the torment Trakker must be enduring at the hands of Patterson. My mind filled with images of metal instruments meant to cause pain and induce fear.

As the brothers began to discuss possible strategies, I listened intently. Suddenly all their attention turned toward me. A sudden self-consciousness swept over me, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “What?” Oh, God, could they somehow sense the completed mating between me and Kai? Was our bond so obvious that it was evident to those with preternatural abilities?

Easy, my love. They are happy for us. That’s all.

I quirked a brow at Kai. We shared a mind link, but could he read my every thought so easily?

Your unease pushed me to slip inside your mind. Don’t worry, I’m not reading your every thought.He winked at me, his hand tightening around mine, his stance protective as he stepped forward. “Stop staring,” he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority. The warning in his golden eyes sent tendrils of heat through me as he addressed his brothers. “You’re making her uncomfortable.”

Creeg was the first to smile. “Congratulations,” he offered, his voice filled with warmth.

“Thank you,” I replied, as some of the embarrassment ebbed.

“Finally, another female around here,” Fostine chimed in. “You can help me keep these idiots in line.”

I laughed. “I’m happy to try.”

The others expressed their sentiments as well. Wyatt was the only one who didn’t speak up, and I wondered about it. I decided to ask Kai about it later.

“You okay?” Kai asked aloud, his protective stance surrounding me like a shield. I nodded in agreement, grateful for his support and the clear boundary he was establishing between his brothers and us.

“Back to the problem here. We need a blueprint of the place. And we’ll need to find out how many people he has guarding it.”

“There are cameras everywhere, Wyatt.” Miggs groaned. “The only way we’re getting in is to cut the power, and a place this big definitely has a backup generator.”

Fostine cleared her throat. “We need a list of people working for Patterson. We need someone on the inside.”

Lucian nodded. “Like Ricky,” he replied. “Good idea.”

“Miggs, think you can work some magic?” Wyatt asked, watching his brother with a gleam of hope.

“I’ll do some digging,” Miggs answered, his expression grim as he left the kitchen.

Kai tilted his head as he watched Wyatt. “We know for sure Trakker is there?”

“Put it this way,” he muttered, “if I was a crazy scientist and wanted to make sure my latest guinea pig didn’t escape, this is the place I’d pick.”

As the family meeting ended, everyone left. There wasn’t anything anyone could do until Miggs was finished with his search. I worried that the wait would drive us all mad. Creeg offered to make dinner, while Fostine headed for the workout room. Cage chose to go for a run, while Lucian shuffled off to his room. Still attempting to recover his strength after two years as Patterson’s captive, I assumed. It would be a long road for him.Yucilonor not.

When we were alone again, Kai turned to me, his eyes filled with a healthy dose of regret. “I’m sorry about all this,” he murmured, his fists clenched at his sides. “I wanted our first day as mates to go a bit differently.”

My lips curved into a small smile as I looked into his eyes, finding solace in his presence. “If I’m to be your mate then I’m all in, Kai. No half measures. Your problems are mine. Mine are yours. That’s how it’s meant to be.”

“Mine are a tad bigger than yours,” he admitted with a grin, pulling me into his arms and nuzzling the top of my head with his chin.

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