Page 47 of Hunt

I hesitate, torn between my desperate need to save Bella and the fear of walking into a trap. But as I look down at her ashen face, her lips tinged blue and her breaths growing shallower by the second, I know I have no choice.

"Fine," I grit out, my jaw clenched so tight it aches. "But if this goes sideways, it's on you."

Micha nods grimly, his eyes flickering to Bella's still form. "You have no choice but to take that chance. Now let's move, before it's too late."

CHAPTER 20

BELLA

Consciousness returns slowly,like surfacing from the depths of a dark, endless ocean. Pain is the first thing I become aware of— a deep, throbbing ache that seems to radiate from my very bones. Every breath sends a sharp stab of agony through my chest, and even the slightest movement feels like an impossible task.

I try to open my eyes, but my lids are heavy, weighed down by the lingering effects of whatever drugs they've pumped into my system. It takes a monumental effort, but finally, I manage to crack them open, squinting against the soft glow of the lamp on my bedside table.

At first, my vision is blurry, the shapes and colors around me bleeding together in a hazy swirl. But gradually, the room comes into focus, and I realize with a start that I'm back in my own bed, in the mansion that has been both my prison and my sanctuary for as long as I can remember.

The silence is eerie, broken only by the steady beep of the heart monitor beside my bed and the soft, even breathing of thefour men who sit in chairs around me like sentinels. My alphas, my mates, my protectors.

Silas is closest to me, his silver hair disheveled and his golden eyes rimmed with red. He looks like he hasn't slept in days, his chiseled features drawn and haggard. But when his gaze meets mine, the relief that floods his expression is palpable.

I try to sit up, but a searing pain rips through my chest, stealing my breath and sending stars exploding across my vision. A strangled cry escapes my lips, and instantly, Silas is there, his strong hands gently easing me back against the pillows.

"Easy, baby," he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion. "You're still healing. Don't try to move too much."

I swallow hard, my throat dry and scratchy. "W-what happened?" I rasp, my voice barely above a whisper. "How did I get here?"

Dante leans forward, his intense gaze fixed on my face. "Micha got us into St. Mary's through the back. Dr. Smith was able to remove the bullet and stabilize you, but it was touch and go for a while. You've been out for over a week."

A week. The words hit me like a physical blow, and I feel a wave of dizziness wash over me. I close my eyes, trying to process the information. The last thing I remember is the searing pain of the bullet ripping through my chest, the taste of blood on my tongue, and the sound of Silas's anguished screams echoing in my ears.

"Nic," I whisper, my heart clenching at the memory of his lifeless body crumpling to the ground beside me. "He's dead, isn't he?"

Hector nods grimly, his jaw clenched tight. I know he hated Nic, but the guy didn’t deserve what he got. The last thing I remember is….

“He took the bullet for me…”

Silas nods again. “Motherfucker did something right at least.”

Sam and Hector blink their eyes open. Sam stands immediately, coming to the bedside, while at the same time Dante rushes to the monitors to check my vitals.

My hand drifts to my chest, feeling the thick bandage beneath the thin fabric of my nightgown. The pain is a constant throb, pulsing in time with my heartbeat. I take a shallow breath, wincing as my ribs protest the movement.

"What about the others?" I ask, almost afraid to hear the answer. "Rosa, the girls...did they make it out?"

Sam nods, his expression grim. "Most of them. They're safe now, scattered to the wind. We made sure of it."

Relief washes over me, so intense it brings tears to my eyes. I blink them away, not wanting to show weakness, even in front of my mates. They've seen me at my lowest, but I still cling to my pride like a shield.

“Where’s Rosa? I need to see her.” A sudden desperation claws at me. Ten long fucking years. I need to see my sister. I need to know she’s real.

Hector comes to my side, sitting on the bed as softly as a man his size can without jostling me. “We’ve been taking care of your sister, don’t worry, sweetheart. She’s coming off of some pretty heavy drugs, so it’s going to be a while before she’s back to her normal self, but all things considered, she’s a fucking fighter.”

I blink back tears. “And Mama?” She wasn’t at the auction, but there were still men guarding the house that night.

As if conjured, the door to my bedroom opens, and a familiar face peeks around the corner. Mama's gentle eyes meet mine, shining with unshed tears. She steps into the room, her movements hesitant as if she's afraid I might shatter at the slightest disturbance.

Silas and Hector move aside, making space for her at my bedside. Mama sinks down onto the edge of the mattress, her warm hand finding mine and squeezing softly. Her touch is achingly tender, filled with a love that transcends the horrors we've endured.

"Oh, my sweet girl," Mama whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. She reaches out with her free hand, brushing a stray lock of hair from my forehead with a featherlight touch. "I'm so sorry, Bella. I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you from this."

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