Page 30 of Alpha Fate

“You’re up, Heller,” Jagger says after a pause. “Looks like you’re not done with this assignment yet. I’ll get the team back to HQ for a debrief. We’ll fill you in when you’re done.” He moves off before I get a chance to agree.

But of course I’ll agree. Just looking at Savannah, I feel a strange swell of protectiveness. As much as I know she needs medical attention, the thought of letting her out of my sight makes my chest tighten. If that means drawing out this grueling rescue mission a little longer to get to Doc Bea’s rooms, I’ll gladly do it.

“It’s okay, sunshine, I’ll come too,” I assure her.

Sierra nods and links her arm through Savannah’s, leading us through the maze of narrow alleys toward the old clinic that serves as our med bay. We find Dr. Bea just inside, her kind face creasing into a smile at the sight of us.

“And so our conquering hero returns,” she teases me, then turns her attention to Savannah. “Well, look at you!” She smiles over at Sierra. “Peas in a pod.” Her brow furrows. “Except you look like you’ve been run through a wringer, honey.” She runs her palm down Savannah’s bony upper arm.

Sierra pinches her lips together. “They had her there…where they had me, Doc.” There’s a moment as we all take this in. The three of us know more than any what that means – the doctor because she treated Sierra, and Sierra and I because we’ve been there.

Savannah says nothing.

“Bring her in; let’s take a look,” Dr. Bea says gently.

Sierra ushers a still-silent Savannah into the exam room. She seems overwhelmed by it all, reaching to take a grip on my arm when I hang back a little.

“Gage?” Savannah says. “Are you coming in?” I glance at the doctor, who levels me with a look.

“Give us some privacy now. You can see her soon.”

Sierra pats Savannah’s shoulder. “You’re in good hands, Savvie. I promise.”

Savannah tears her eyes from me, and with great reluctance, I back away from the room. Sierra gives me an odd glance but says nothing as she follows and pulls the door shut behind them.

Now, all I can do is pace and wait anxiously for them to emerge, hoping Savannah is alright.

And that surprises me. Since the moment I laid eyes on the vulnerable female, I’ve been anxious about letting her out of my sight. Leaving her behind during my first escape had felt like I was ripping a piece of myself away.

And when I’d seen that male back at Leadmills put his hands on her…

A taut sensation feels like it’s knotting in my gut. I’d wanted to rip his arm off. Even though the way he emerged out of nowhere is curious. He saved me the first time, and we wouldn’t have made it out without his help the second time.

Edirn Alpen.

Who the fuck is he? And why would he help?

I think on this as I wait for them to finish, but whichever way I look at it, it makes no sense.

It takes far too long until the door finally opens again. Dr. Bea and Sierra guide Savannah out, their expressions strangely guarded.

“Is everything okay?” I ask. Savannah doesn’t meet my eye, and my concerns start to ramp up.

“She’ll be right as rain with some rest and a few good meals,” Dr. Bea replies, although she’s bustling around the waiting area in a way that seems too studiously casual. Even Sierra is frowning as she waits for the doctor to fill up a couple of bags with small bottles and boxes.

“Multivits, a tonic, and electrolytes for dehydration.”

Sierra nods attentively as the doctor gives her instructions on Savannah’s care for the next few days. Through it all, Savannah lingers close by me, still not looking at me. She seems shell-shocked. Or just plain in shock. Which makes sense, considering what she’s been through.

Curiosity gnaws at me, though. It’s clear they’re hiding something, but I don’t press. For now, all that matters is that Savannah is here, safe.

The rest can wait.

Chapter 11

Savannah

“Sorry it’s such a mess.” Sierra is standing with her hands on her hips, looking around the cluttered living area. “We’re in the process of moving in. When we found out you’d be coming, Jagger found us a family unit. I literally had us moved over this morning.” She grimaces ruefully.

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