Page 70 of Heart of Frost and Scars

We may not trust each other, but we all want the same thing.

And right now, she’s stable with me.

15

Kodiak

—

The adrenaline wears off, but the lump in my throat remains. Even though this crisis has passed, it’s only the beginning of a long road to recovery.

For all of us.

It’s not just Frankie’s nightmares that twist me into knots of protective fury. It’s Monty’s hands on her. It’s his fingers stroking her hair.

It’s him.

I can’t believe she passed out with her head on his lap. Does that mean she trusts him?

No fucking way. She was panic-stricken and not in her right mind before exhaustion took her.

Every fiber of my being screams to rip her away, to shield her from the man who’s caused her so much pain. But a territorial pissing match isn’t what she needs right now.

Leo and I stand at the kitchen counter, uncertain how to proceed. We need her off the floor and settled somewhere comfortable, but the state of her fragile mind is worrisome. How will she react when she wakes?

Monty looks up at me, his expression creased with guilt and concern. It infuriates me that he has the power to affect her like this, to send her so deeply into a panic attack with a touch of his hands.

Hands that are still touching her.

I swallow my anger, knowing we must work together for her sake.

Teamwork. Fucking yay.

“We need to move her.” The pulse in Leo’s neck stands out, a rapid beat of turmoil. “She can’t stay on the floor.”

With a tight jaw, Monty nods.

“Let’s get her to the couch.” Leo bends down to gather her in his arms.

“I’ll carry her.” Monty shifts, careful not to disturb her.

I want to protest his involvement, to intervene, but I know it would only cause more chaos. For now, I have to let him lead, no matter how much it burns.

He slides his arms beneath her, lifting her with a tenderness that momentarily softens my anger.

We maneuver as a unit, a fragile alliance forged by necessity. Monty escorts us out, holding my entire world against his bare chest.

Leo and I follow, our eyes never leaving her. I watch Monty’s every move, ready to break his teeth if he causes her more distress.

The maze of hallways, excessive living spaces, and outdoor trails took a couple of days to memorize, but I know the layout of the property now. The next turn leads to the front entrance and…

A hint of cigarette smoke. The creak of wood flooring. Footsteps so light they aren’t meant to be heard.

I grab Monty’s elbow, silently halting him. His eyes dart to mine, and I hold a finger to my lips.

Leo, already sensing my alarm, stalks ahead and creeps around the corner.

The instant his hands relax, I do, too.

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