Page 30 of The Haunting
“We will,” Inglorious said as Nanci appeared by his side. Nanci wrapped her arms around him. The Unwanted Bastards’ president had a soft spot for any woman, but especially the old ladies. This had hit him hard.
“Do you need anything?” I croaked.
“Nah, I’m good. I’m going to guard you,” he forced out.
“We all will. Whoever hasn’t showered, collect your shit, and bring it back here. The second group will take turns showering here,” Chance ordered.
It was a sign of how upset everyone was that nobody argued. I surged to my knees and picked Phoe up. Daniel and Inglorious held me steady as I stood with my world in my arms.
Gratefully, I held Daniel and then Lucian’s gaze. “I owe you everything,” I said, putting meaning into my words.
They nodded together.
“Drake, I completely understand,” Daniel said, his gaze on Sabine.
“You owe us nothing; this is my duty,” Lucian replied, and I thought his answer strange but didn’t challenge it. I carried Phoe into the bathroom to get her in the shower, wrapped some Saran wrap from the first-aid box around the bandages to keep them dry, and set about the task of washing my wife.
Chapter Seven.
Phoe
Quietly, I stood as Drake undressed me with tender movements. I could hear the murmurs coming from the bedroom and was relieved that other people were present. My mind raced, trying to absorb what had occurred.
Drake looked pained as he examined the stab marks from those claws in my waist. “Does it hurt, baby?” he murmured.
I nodded, unable to reply.
“Can you tell me what happened?” Drake asked. He sat me on the toilet as he turned the shower on. Drake left his hand under the water until he was sure it was warm, and then helped me in. Slowly, Drake began washing me, taking care around my wounds.
In a halting voice, I explained what I’d seen and what had attacked me. Drake didn’t scoff or try to reason with me. He listened patiently until I finished and then rinsed the blood from my hair and wrapped me in a towel. As I stepped out of the shower, Drake began drying me.
The love and care with which he handled me brought tears to my eyes. Drake was upset because he’d not been with me.Whatever the hell was in this house had waited until one of us was alone.
“Baby, I’m so sorry I left your side,” Drake murmured, holding me close.
“Nobody expected something like that.”
My mind was having trouble connecting what had happened to me with reality. Things like these events were scenes in movies—or horror books. Not real life.
Drake helped me into some thick pyjamas and wrapped my dressing gown around me. He leaned forward and kissed my forehead.
“Phoe, I was fuckin’ frightened. Your screams ran through me like ice, and I couldn’t reach you,” Drake admitted. Drake’s eyes held memories of the previous time I’d been hurt. The difference was that time, he’d driven me away, and this time, he’d been forcefully kept away.
Drake let me cling to him as I absorbed his strength. The fear was still balled up inside my stomach, and I felt weak. Drake picked me up and carried me into the bedroom and placed me under the covers that Clio hastily yanked back.
“The fire won’t restart,” Chance murmured, and Drake nodded. Rosie scrambled up in her own nightwear and climbed into bed as I smiled weakly.
“Anyone who needs a shower, get it now,” Drake said.
“Would you mind?” Sabine asked.
“Be our guest,” I replied and leaned my head on Rosie’s shoulder. Family was exactly what I needed right now.
Inglorious
I was carrying the mattress downstairs with Drake when we heard the first noise. Ignoring it because old houses made noises, we carried on.
“Death awaits,” a voice floated through the air.
