Page 119 of Hawke

As I moved the unlocked window up, it gave off a small squeaking noise. I looked in either direction to see if anyone was coming around the cabin, but no one came. I grabbed the red cape, wrapping it around me so it didn’t catch on the bushes, and jumped through the window, feet first.

As I touched down softly. All was still, and I slowly and carefully made my way inside. The cabin wasn’t in its glamorous two-bedroom style any longer, returned to the basic cabin when Hawke and I first arrived.

Bram must have used his powers to make us comfortable for days.

I moved my head from side to side in disbelief. This cabin was nothing out of the ordinary, but the warlock inside was someone who had a heart full of kindness and generosity.

Gosh, he was a stubborn warlock.

I pulled one of Hawke’s old shirts from a bag on the floor and threw aside the red hood. I didn’t need to go topless during a rescue.

Once covered, I rushed over to Bram, shaking his shoulder.

“Bram? Bram? Wake up?” I whispered.

I carefully placed my hand on his cheek, feeling the warmth of his blood as it ran down my fingers.

“No, Bram? Please wake up!” I panicked.

I gave a light shake to his shoulder, slowly pushing his head back. His heart beat rhythmically, echoing in his chest like a metronome. His eyes brimmed with salty tears, threatening to spill over.

His throat bobbed, eyes tightening. “Is it over? Is it done now?”

I shook my head, wiping a tear away from my cheek. “No, it isn’t over. We need to leave. We need to get out of here before he comes back. Can you walk? Can you–”

“Ah, I’m afraid he can’t walk out of here, Delilah.” His smooth voice boomed from the open doorway.

A sudden jolt of electricity zapped through my body as I spun away from Bram. I used my body to protect my friend. I was small, and I couldn’t shield him from much, but I would do my best.

Shane walked into the room. He was stealthy, more so than when he had left the room. Now I wondered if he left the room on purpose to lure me inside. Stupid on my part, I should have known, but coming in here was inevitable.

I couldn’t leave Bram alone.

“Bram’s life is almost over, I’m afraid, and my patience has run thin. Now…” Shane stepped forward, and his nostrils flared. “You need to wash the filth from your skin. You smell like an animal.”

His nose turned in disgust, and he waved two fingers, looking behind him. Chad’s hulking form stepped into the room.

“Watch the warlock while I take her to the ladies’ room. I believe that’s the last magical room left in this god forsaken cabin. Come, Delilah.”

I felt my heart beating quickly inside my chest, the wolf within me no longer making a sound. And there was no way I was calling for Hawke. Not when he was in the middle of a bloodbath of his own.

My gaze turned to Bram. He was unconscious, his head hanging over his body once again.

I helplessly followed Shane to the bathroom just a few steps away.

“I’ve missed you, my wife. I understand that you never had a rebellious period in your lifetime. I hope you enjoyed it because it will not happen again.”

I ground my teeth together, determined not to utter a single word. Hawke would be back, I knew he would. I just had to bide my time.

Shane spun around as I followed behind him. “Will it, Delilah?” Shane grabbed my chin, forcing me to look into his cold eyes.

“No, it won’t.” My voice shook.

I hated that it shook.

He pinched my chin harder. “Good.”

Shane leaned closer, staring at my lips, but his breath deepened, and his eyes dilated.

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