Page 64 of Stalked By the Alphas
As we shovel dirt over the graves, obliterating anytrace of the monsters who hurt Hazel, Noah finally breaks the silence.
“We need to decide what to tell her,” he says quietly.
I pause, leaning on my shovel. “About what exactly?”
“Everything.”
I sigh heavily. “I don’t know if she can handle the truth right now. She’s been through so much already.”
Noah nods grimly. “We may not have a choice. If she finds out afterwards, it’s all over.”
Ignoring him, I go back to work, flinging dirt over Ayden’s body parts. I don’t want to think about it. I don’t want to think about anything.
40
HAZEL
The car joltsalong the bumpy country road, each movement sending waves of pain through my battered body. I cling to Carter, burying my face against his chest, trying to block out the world. His strong arms encircle me protectively, his warmth seeping into my chilled skin.
“You’re safe now,” he murmurs, his lips brushing my hair. “I’ve got you, Hazel.”
I want to believe him. I desperately want to feel safe again. But the horrors I’ve endured replay in my mind on an endless loop. The pain, the fear, the helplessness...
A sob escapes me, and Carter holds me tighter. “Shh, it’s okay. You’re okay.”
But I’m not okay. I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay again.
I hear Carter murmuring instructions to Leah, and then the car slows to a stop.
I tense, panic rising in my throat.
“We’re here,” Leah says quietly from the driver’s seat.
“Thank you, Leah. For everything.”
She doesn’t reply.
I can’t bring myself to say anything. I don’t know what to say. Maybe one day, when I can form a thought, I will contact her, but right now, it’s impossible.
Carter shifts, preparing to get out of the car with me still in his arms. I cling to him harder, terrified of losing contact with the one person who makes me feel even remotely safe.
“I’ve got you,” he assures me again. “I’m not letting go.”
As he carries me inside his home, I keep my eyes squeezed shut. I wanted to go home, but I suppose he realised he would have to break the door down to get inside.
“I know this house won’t make you feel very safe right now,” he says as he carries me upstairs. “But I promise you, Hazel. No one will ever get to you again.”
I nod absently, my mind drifting back to the other two alphas. Noah and Zach. Why didn’t they say anything? Why are they here as well? It has to be about the pact. My stomach churns, and I struggle in Carter’s grip when he takes me into the bathroom. I lurch out of his arms and make it to the toilet in time to throw up. He croons to me and holds back my hair as I retch. Tears burn my nose, and the bile stings my throat, but I can’t stop. Even when there is nothing left, I just want to purge my soul into the toilet bowl.
Carter holds me gently as I dry heave over the toilet, his hands soothing on my back. When the nausea finally passes, I slump against him, utterly drained.
“I’m going to run you a bath, okay?” he says softly. “You don’t have to get in if you don’t want to. But it might help you feel better.”
I nod weakly, unable to form words. The sound of running water fills the small bathroom as Carter busies himself, preparing the bath.
“Do you want me to help you, or would you rather be alone?” Carter asks, crouching down beside me.
I open my mouth to respond, but no sound comes out. Tears well up in my eyes again. I feel so broken, so helpless.
