Page 122 of The Firebrand
“The coyote shifter’s on our radar, but he wasn’t here today.”
“I think Brandon’s right. Someone drew my blood. I was pretty out of it, but I kinda remember.”
“What else do you recall?” asked Kole.
“Aisen was in charge.”
“Silas’s half-brother.” Ram walked up on the end of the conversation.
“He’s not among the bodies. You saw him?” asked Kole.
She touched her jaw. “Saw him, felt him, smelled him.”
“Come to the stronghold, Braelyn. I want to pick your brain.”
Rein popped an answer. “No.”
“What?” The commander’s fingers sparked.
Rein shoved Brae behind him in case Kole shot flames their way. “If she remembers something else, I’ll get it to you.” When the commander frowned, he added, “You’d do the same if she were your female.”
Silence sucked the air out of the room, all eyes pinging to Rein.
Shit, I said it.
Kole recovered from the shocking announcement first. “Why draw blood? What does that have to do with selling humans? Ideas?”
The Firebrands shook their heads.
“Ram, have the healers take blood samples from each Earther before they return them. Be sure we have names and contact information. If Aisen wants their blood, so do we. We just don’t know why yet. Braelyn, we want yours, too.”
“Alarik already has a sample from her, Kole. It should be on file.” Rein tucked Brae under a protective arm.
Activity kicked up when healers arrived from the Ministry of Well Being with more supplies and medical equipment. Firebrands passed out blankets, clothes, food, and water while Alarik’s medics went from cell to cell, curing physical injuries.
The healer in charge of the operation stepped up to Kole. “We can take care of the scrapes and bruises, but these humans are traumatized. We’ll handle the minor trauma but can’t do anything for serious mental damage.”
Kole shook his head. “Did you bring mindwipers?”
“Yes. The Earthers will not remember what happened, but the permanent harm may already be done.”
Alarik’s people went into each cell either to wrap the prisoners in blankets or help them dress. Some patients whimpered, cowering in the corner away from the Ministry of Well Being medics. Those captives who were capable walked into the larger chamber. If they were up to it, a Firebrand questioned them.
Kole called Logan over. “Pack up computers, files, or anything that could be evidence. Bring it along.”
“This stockade is bare bones, Comm.”
Rein glanced around the lockup at nearly thirty shattered, terrorized humans, some clutching blankets, some sitting like catatonic patients in a psych ward, and others moaning as they rocked back and forth.
He growled, his gaze fixed on Brae.
“Don’t,” she said. “I’m fine. I’m pissed. I want to kick ass, starting with Aisen and Silas.”
ChapterTwenty-Six
Braelynperched on the edge of the vanity stool in the bathroom, her tight leather pants joining the torn, bloody clothing on the floor. “Your female?”
Rein kneeled beside her. “Huh?” He dabbed a wet washcloth on her cheek.
