Page 114 of Shifters Awakening

“No, it’s empty of enemies,” Torbin rumbled, stepping closer and leaning over us to study Logan’s face. “Found an SUV in a hidden garage. We can use it for the trip back.”

Marcus held up a small bracelet. “Also found this. Belonged to my nephew. He was here. In the SUV, at least.”

“We’ll find him, Marcus,” I said.

If he’s alive. The words didn’t have to be said. We all knew what was possible with Acheron.

“I believe you.”

I tried to climb to my feet, but a wave of dizziness knocked me down. “I have to help Riley now. Acheron kidnapped her, and she’s in the metal tube over there.”

“What an asshole,” Jasper cursed, his face tight, probably thinking about the shifters he’d sent to keep Riley and Shannon safe. He shared a long look with his brother.

I pressed my hand to the bright pink flesh in the center of Logan’s chest, glad for the heartbeat thudding away. His heart was now made of mine.

“Can one of you stay with Logan while I help her?” I asked.

Torbin settled on the ground beside him. “I will.”

I tried to climb to my feet once more.

Marcus darted toward me and caught my arm before I took a step. “You sure that’s a good idea?”

“She’s hurt. Maybe dead.”

The last word practically choked me. As soon as we got out of here, I had to check on Shannon, my mom, Sheila, and so many others. Who all had gotten caught in Acheron’s scheme?

“I don’t think that’s a problem for you,” he murmured, leading me to the metal torture chamber.

“Everybody isn’t Logan, and I think that only worked with him,” I said, grasping the support arms for the tube as Marcus unlatched the lid and raised it.

Riley’s eyes were closed, moisture covered her cheeks, but her chest rose and fell. Her matted red hair stretched out beneath her head. Dozens of puncture wounds covered her, blood soaking the shroud she’d been wrapped in. She’d gone incredibly pale, and it sounded like one of her lungs was punctured.

“I don’t have much time,” I whispered.

Marcus and Olivia helped me keep my balance as I pressed my hands to Riley’s chest. Flynn waited nearby. When I lifted my hands from Riley’s cold skin, I swayed, aware of how much I’d pushed myself today but regretting nothing. As I watched, I smiled, pleased that the punctures were already beginning to look less angry than they had before.

Suddenly, a realization hit me, and I scowled. “What happens when she wakes up and remembers what happened?”

Torbin stepped forward. “I can delve her mind and ease the trauma.”

My scowl deepened as I studied her. “Is that okay? Shouldn’t we ask her first?”

Jasper draped his arm around my shoulders. “If she wakes up before Torbin tries, she’ll remember everything, and he won’t be able to help her at all.”

Not sure I had the mental capacity to make a difficult decision, I said, “You’re all alphas, so whatever youthink.”

“No, that’s not how that’s going to go.” Logan’s gravelly voice sounded from behind me, and I squealed as I whirled, throwing my arms around his neck.

He wrapped his arms around my middle, and I relished the warmth of him, the life inside him.

I pressed my now-healed palm to his cheek. “You didn’t sleep as long as I thought you would. You’re going to need sleep again soon.”

“Thank you for saving me, but if you ever risk yourself like that again…” he whispered in my ear, lowering his arm to my waist.

“Don’t get yourself murdered again.”

To the others, he said, “We may all be alphas, but Emma is the multimorph, and she must make the final decision. Torbin is a master delver, and he’s an alpha. Both truths make his ability better than any other shifter in Louisiana.”

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