Page 67 of His Forsaken Alpha

Up they raced, wobbling over bumps in the mountain’s gravel road. Within a few minutes, they pulled in front of a quaint cabin not far from the first farmstead. They all jumped out and rushed inside.

“You go get that blood washed off you,” Trout said. “I’ll start you a fire and get this place warmed up.”

Wynter stiffened at the thought of Cavanaugh leaving him for a single second. He had a death grip on his alpha’s hand.

“It’s okay,” Cavanaugh whispered. “I’ll go as fast as I can. You’re safe with Trout. I trust him with my life.”

Wynter wasn’t sure he’d ever feel safe with another man who wasn’t Cavanaugh again.“Hurry.”

Cavanaugh kissed him before exiting the room. Wynter turned to watch as Trout expertly started a fire. As soon as the first flames erupted, he moved closer, longing for the warmth. Withinminutes, the fire was roaring, warming Wynter’s fingers and toes.

“I’ll go make you something warm to drink. It’ll help,” Trout murmured.

“Thank you,” Wynter said, crowding closer to the fire.

“You should probably get out of those wet things,” Trout said from the kitchen.

Wynter ignored the suggestion. He wasn’t taking anything off until Cavanaugh reappeared. He stared at the flames, the events of the last few hours finally settling in. His body trembled, hands shaking as he reached toward the warmth. Trout appeared at his side, a steaming mug in his hands. He took one look at Wynter’s shaking and knelt.

Wynter scurried back a pace.

“I’mnotgoing to hurt you. No way you can hold this mug with all that shaking,” Trout murmured.

Wynter told himself to calm down, but he shook even more.

Trout eyed him. “You’re safe. Nothing’s going to get you here.”

Wynter held his gaze, not sure he fully believed the man.

“You’re safe,” Trout replied. “Say it with me.”

“I’m… safe,” Wynter whispered.

“Again,” Trout prodded.

“I’m safe,” he said, with a tiny bit more conviction, but not much more. “I’m safe. My alpha protected me.We’resafe.”

His shaking lessened.

“Keep telling yourself that until the shaking stops, okay?” Trout lifted the mug. “And I’ll help you hold this while you take a sip until you can do it on your own.”

Wynter placed his hands on Trout’s and drew the mug closer. It was almost too hot, but the warmth felt too delicious not to drink it in. He didn’t think he’d ever tasted a better cup of cider in his life. It warmed his belly while the fire warmed his outsides.

A few minutes after the most violent of the trembling was over, Cavanaugh reappeared, showered and in clean sweats. Wynter searched his alpha’s face, seeking a sign that everything was going to be okay. When he didn’t see it, he looked back to the flames, fearful that what he’d felt hadn’t been real. His chest ached, and he knew he still wanted Cavanaugh close.Neededthe alpha there, at his side.

Cavanaugh knelt at his side and drew Wynter closer. Wynter sighed, eyes screwed tight, the threat of tears still close.

“We’re okay, baby. I got you. No one’s hurting you while I’m around.”

Wynter snuggled his face into the crook of Cavanaugh’s neck. He smelled fresh—and likely ten times better than Wynter did. “Can I shower? I’m sure I’m a mess.”

Cavanaugh pulled back and caressed the side of Wynter’s face, reverence returned to his gaze. “How about a hot bath?”

“Yes,please,”Wynter nearly sobbed at the thought of soaking his aching body. Between the night they’d shared on the train and the chaos that followed, he needed it.

Cavanaugh chuckled. He turned to Trout. “I appreciate your help, man. I need to get Wynter comfortable after what we just went through.”

“Understood,” Trout murmured. “As soon as you two get settled, come by and catch me up on what the fuck happened out there.”

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