Page 116 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

“That will stop the worst of the bleeding, but… I don’t know what else to do…”

I feel a hand in mine, a slight tremor as he holds on tight.

Dragging my heavy eyes open, I find a devastated Kai looking back at me.

“I hated that I had to do that, but I can’t fucking lose you.”

I squeeze his hand, my throat still feeling raw and swollen from Kaladar’s injuries.

Pleading with my eyes, I tell him it’s okay. He shakes his head, looking down, not believing me.

Just as I’m about to attempt to tell him off for feeling guilty for what he had to do, grunts and screams shout out around us, distracting me.

I try to move in the direction, wanting to make sure all the guys are okay.

“Baby?” Jax asks.

“… others.” My voice, still raspy but less broken, starts to get stronger. Thanks to Kai’s quick thinking, my ability can focus on healing and not doubling up with stopping the blood loss.

Jax gives me one of his killer smiles that doesn’t reach his eyes. “They’re fine, babe.” He glances over toward the sounds, a cruel smirk finding his lips as he looks on. “They’re just about done.”

“Kai?”

“I’ll be back in a minute.” Kai lifts my hand and places a soft kiss on it before looking at Jax.

“Jax?”

Jax nods his head, giving Kai a serious look. “I’ve got her.”

“We’ll make sure those twisted fucks pay.”

What about Luna?

My damaged heart takes a shuddering stop.

“Lu..na? Jazmm?”

He lets out a harsh breath, his eyes turning soft yet sad. “All good baby, you just worry about you. We’ll sort out the rest.”

Releasing a raspy heavy breath, I try to nod, but sharp blades shoot through my eyes, making me wince.

“Why… Jax?” I ask.

Jax’s eyes soften as he grips me tighter to him. “Later, baby. When you’re all healed up. We have a lot to talk about.”

I see the promise in his eyes. Swallowing hard against the burn in my throat, I turn my thoughts elsewhere.

A high-pitched screech pierces my ears just before Kai and the rest of the guys come into view. All covered in blood, but no sign of visible injuries.

I’m about to ask them what the hell happened, or at least attempt it, when Axel steps up beside Kai, distracting me.

“Shit! That looks bad.” Luka crouches down beside Jax, his clothes drenched in as much blood as my own.

“How’s she doing?” Axel kneels down, catching my eyes, his own full of anguish.

“Hey, princess.”

I attempt a small smile, but it comes out as more of a grimace.

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