Page 65 of Stalked By the Alphas
Carter’s expression softens. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You don’t have to decide right now. I’ll step out and give you some privacy. If you need me, just call. I’ll be right outside the door.”
As he turns to leave, panic grips me. I reach out, grabbing his arm. “Stay,” I manage to croak out. “Please.”
He nods. “Of course. Whatever you need.”
He helps me stand up and turns the taps on over the sink so I can rinse my mouth out.
Carter’s gentle hands help me out of his shirt, careful not to touch me more than necessary, and he helps me into the warm water.
I hiss as the water stings my cuts and scrapes, but the heat soon soothes my aching muscles. Carter kneels beside the tub, keeping a respectful distance.
“Is the temperature okay?” he asks softly.
I nod, closing my eyes and sinking lower into the water. I ignore him and submerge myself completely. It’s like a baptism. The hot water soaking into my skin, my hair, my bones, my soul.
Strong hands grip my upper arms and haul me out. I open my eyes, spluttering. “Hazel!”
“I’m okay,” I say, pushing him away gently. “Honestly, I’m okay. I wasn’t trying to drown myself.”
He nods cautiously, although he doesn’t look convinced.
“Can you make me a cup of tea?” I ask, just to get him to go away. I appreciate all of his help, but his hovering is driving me nuts.
Carter hesitates, clearly reluctant to leave me alone. “Are you sure?”
I nod, forcing a small smile. “I’m okay, really. I need a few minutes to myself.”
He searches my face, then nods slowly. “Okay. I’ll be right downstairs if you need anything. Just call.”
As he leaves, closing the door softly behind him, I let out a shaky breath. The silence of the bathroom is a relief after the chaos of the past hours. I sink lower in the tub, letting the warm water envelop me.
My mind drifts, fragments of memories flashing through my head. David’s cruel smile. Ayden’s hands on my skin. The terror of being trapped in that dark cupboard.
I shudder, dunking my head under the water again to wash away the thoughts. When I resurface, gasping,the water has cooled off, and it’s no longer soothing.
Reluctantly, I climb out of the tub, wrapping myself in a large, fluffy towel. My reflection in the mirror catches my attention, and I pause, really looking at myself for the first time.
Bruises mottle my skin in shades of purple and yellow. Cuts and scrapes mar my arms and legs. My neck bears an angry red line where David’s knife pressed against my throat. Luckily, it wasn’t that deep, or I wouldn’t be standing here right now.
Tears well up in my eyes as I take in my battered appearance. Will I ever feel whole again? Will I ever be able to look at myself without seeing the marks of what they did to me?
A soft knock at the door startles me out of my spiralling thoughts.
“Hazel?” Carter’s voice comes through the door. “I’ve made you some tea. Can I come in?”
I hesitate, looking down at my towel-wrapped body. Part of me wants to hide away, ashamed of the marks that cover my skin. But another part craves comfort, connection.
“Okay,” I call out softly.
Carter enters slowly, his chest now covered up by a black tee, a steaming mug in his hands. His eyes sweep over me, taking in my battered appearance. Pain and anger flash across his face before he struggles to get his expression into something gentler. His scent washes over me, and I feel a deep purr stirring in my throat.
I choke on it, grabbing the tea and taking a burning sip.
“Careful, it’s hot!”
“Gah,” I splutter, spitting it back out into the sink.
Carter chuckles at me. “Bet you wish you had my mouth right about now.”
