Page 286 of The Reluctant Hero

“I’ll never ignore your warnings again.”

I let out a weak laugh, tears building in my eyes. “Liar.”

“You didn’t think I’d give themanythingto have you back safe?” His tone turns into an angry snarl that breaks in the middle.

“You haven’t seen the house yet,” I whisper back. Maybe that joke will be funny at some point. Today isn’t that day. I start sobbing, and I can’t seem to stop.

Somehow, he manages to get me up the stairs. The overwhelming scent of blood clogs my nose. Through blurry eyes, I see a room full of dead bodies. I don’t count them, turning away as if I can unsee it. I see a man with a Covid mask nod at me and pass through the doors like a ghost with his gun in a ready position.

My eyes meet South’s, hiding in a darkened corner. She’s giving me her homicidal smile. One hand is gripping a straight razor, dripping blood. The other is rubbing along Shade’s thigh as he reclines against the wall behind her. He seems surprised that I can see him.

“There are innocent people down there. They need help to get out of the cages.”

Gabriel pauses and glances at the corner with a furrowed brow.

“We’ll take care of it, Mana. I think you’re in shock,” his careful tone is full of concern he tries to hide.

He thinks I’m talking to the wall.

South nods, and I look away to see Cade.

He’s standing still with his arms dropped to his sides. His freckles are really obvious with how pale he is.

“Amanda,” he chokes and runs to hold me as tight as he can.

This hug is just as firm and comforting as Gabriel’s, but my tit is starting to protest the abuse. I wish I could tell it to shut up. How can I explain that this is a good hurt to a body part?

I bury my face in his neck, trying to get a sniff of his cologne to wipe out the copper of blood.

“She needs a doctor,” Gabriel starts, only to get interrupted by Jake.

“On their way.”

My arm is yanked, pulling me away from Cade. Jake stares into my teary eyes with a nod.

“Have you given any thought to having a tracker?”

“Only for the last who knows how long,” I try to give him a grin, but it wobbles horribly.

“Consider it done,meine Seele,” he assures me with a gentle kiss on my forehead.

“Manda!” Ace roars from another room. I can hear things breaking to follow it up.

“He’s lost it,” Cade warns Gabriel quickly. “Mik, too.”

I blink, my tears slowing as I realize they’re here somewhere.

Anger snaps in with a rush, leaving me dizzy.

“Ace!” I bark out in rage. “You didn’t kiss me goodbye this morning! You can fuck right off, you dick!”

Gabriel and Cade gape at me while Jake smiles.

“Go get them,” he taunts me, letting my arms go.

Before I have a chance, Ace barrels through the doorway and snatches me away from Jake.

“Oh God,” he keeps repeating, his arms crushing me as he kisses all over my face. His complete freak-out settles my anger like he dumped a bucket of cold water over me.

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