Page 48 of Omega Scarred

I never realized that.

"Easy there," he murmurs, "you've been out for a while. How are you feeling?"

I try to form words, but my throat is dry and scratchy. He reaches for a glass of water and holds it to my lips, helping me drink. The cool liquid soothes my parched throat and I'm finally able to speak.

"What happened?" I manage to croak out.

Hawk's expression turns grim as he leans back, his arms crossed over his chest.

"We were ambushed," he says. "I managed to get us out of there, but not before you got shot."

The memories flood back and I wince at the pain in my side...and then I remember.

"Fallon and Rafe," I say. "What happened to them?"

Hawk's jaw tightens. "I had to leave them behind."

I cover my mouth with my hand, holding back the tears that threaten to spill. I just found them, and now they're gone...

...this can't be real.

As I lay there, my mind reeling with the news of Fallon and Rafe, Hawk's hand brushes gently against my forehead. His touch is warm and soothing, and I can't help but feel safe and protected with him here by my side.

But as my thoughts drift, I can't help but wonder about his real intentions. I've always known there was something different about him, the way his eyes would linger on me a beat too long, or the way he would stand just a little too close.

And I know he doesn't like me--which isn't the guy I wouldwantto get stuck with.

Now, lying here vulnerable and injured, I can't help but feel a twinge of fear at what he might do.

But then, I see it in his eyes - that same flicker of concern that I saw earlier. It's genuine. And as he leans down to whisper in my ear, his warm breath on my skin, I know that I can trust him.

"We'll get them out of there, if they don't get themselves out first," he says. "Rafe and Fallon are the smartest guys I know. They've escaped worse."

"Seriously?" I ask. "Hawk...they're stuck with my father. He's evil."

"Not exactly," Hawk says. "Your father is still at the leadership summit miles away. We have time to get them out before he comes back."

Relief washes over me at Hawk's words, and I can't help but feel grateful to have him here with me. Despite the danger and uncertainty of our situation, I know that he'll do everything in his power to keep me safe.

As he continues to tend to my wounds, his touch gentle and reassuring, I can't help but feel my thoughts drift back to the way he's been looking at me...the way his eyes lingered on my lips before he leaned in to whisper in my ear.

For a moment, I allow myself to entertain the idea of what it might be like to give in to the undeniable attraction between us. But then, I shake my head, pushing the thought aside.

Now is not the time for distractions, not with Fallon and Rafe still in danger.

With a deep breath, I focus my thoughts on the task at hand. We need a plan, and fast.

"Hawk," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "We have to go back for them right away. They're not safe."

"I already contacted the Enclave," he says. "They're sending backup--"

"No," I say. "That won't be fast enough."

I reach out and clutch his arms, like I'm going to convince him if I squeeze tight enough...but all it ends up doing is making a jolt of desire shoot through me.

I gasp and duck my head, and I feel Hawk move his hands to gently hold my elbows.

"Jade...you're tough," he says. "I won't deny that. But you're not tough enough for the two of us to get them out alone. We need help, and guns, and supplies..."

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