Page 79 of Wolf

I settle her into the passenger seat of my car, buckling her in with care. She looks so small, so fragile. It's hard to reconcile this broken version of her with the fiery, defiant woman I've come to know.

The drive to her old apartment is silent, the weight of what's happened hanging heavy between us. I keep glancing over at her, reassuring myself that she's really here and safe.

I help her out of the car and up the stairs when we arrive. Luna is waiting at the door, her face etched with worry.

"Oh, Kali," she breathes, pulling her friend into a gentle hug. "What did they do to you!" Tears flood down her cheeks as she takes in the sight of her bloodied and bruised. "Thank God you're alive."

I follow as Luna guides Kali inside. She'll take care of her, I know. Give her the comfort and support she needs right now.

Before I leave, I turn to Kali, cupping her face in my hands. "I'll be back soon," I promise, my thumb brushing over her cheekbone. "You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

She nods, her eyes filling with tears. I lean in, pressing a soft, tender kiss to her lips. It's a promise, a vow. I'll always protect her, no matter what.

With a final glance, I turn and head back to my car. I have unfinished business to attend to. Suarez will pay for what he's done. I'll make sure of it.

41

KALI

Ilie in my bed, my body hurting all over. The familiar surroundings of my old apartment should bring me comfort. Still, the only thing I think that can bring me comfort right now is Matias. My friends Alice, Luna, and Blake sit around me.

“Kali, how are you feeling?" Alice asks, her voice gentle.

I try to muster a smile, but it feels forced. “I'm okay,” I lie.

Luna places a hand on my arm, her touch grounding me. “We're here for you, Kali. You don't have to pretend.”

Tears prick my eyes as the weight of everything crashes down on me. “I was so scared,” I whisper. “I thought I was going to die.”

Blake squeezes my hand, her eyes shining with understanding. “But you didn't. You're safe now.”

Safe. The word should bring me comfort, but it rings hollow. Because as much as I want to believe it, it's hard to believe I'll ever be safe again. Even though I'm back in Brown, somehow I was kidnapped again and fucking tortured. All because of Matias.

“Kali, we need to talk about Matias,” Alice says, her voice laced with concern.

I tense, my heart already pounding in my chest. “What about him?" I ask.

“He's dangerous,” Luna chimes in. “Look at what happened to you. You were tortured because of him. Why did you move out to live with him? ”

“I wanted to,” I lie, despite not having a choice.

Blake clears her throat. “Wouldn’t it be best to end things with him?”

They could never understand, and I don’t have the strength right now to explain things. Despite everything, I've grown to care for him in a way I never thought possible. He's become a part of me, twisted and dark as our connection may be.

“You don't understand,” I protest weakly. “It's not that simple.”

Blake shakes her head, her expression solemn. “Kali, we're your best friends. We just want to protect you.”

“All three of you should understand to some extent. Yes, he may have been the biggest asshole out of the three who trained us, but Alice and Luna are with Taren and Thiago. How is it any different?”

Alice clears her throat. “Taren never forced me to do anything. He was practically in love with me at first sight.”

I chew on my lip. “Well, I love Matias. It may not be conventional, but it’s true. He’s opened up to and changed so much…”

I trail off, unable to find the words to explain the intensity of my feelings. How can I make them understand how Matias consumes my thoughts, dreams, and existence?

Alice reaches out and takes my hand, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I understand. If he’s what you want, and it’s entirely your choice, we’ll support that; we just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

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