Page 6 of Hidden Pain

“We should keep those rooms for your mate. You aren’t getting any younger, Hunter. You’ll need an heir soon,” his beta continued.

“That time will come, but for now, I’m moving Lily into them. I don’t think she’s a monster like we’ve all been led to believe. I’m certain there’s more going on behind the scenes than we all realize. Lily could be vital in giving us a head start on whatever plans Nuka Lincoln is making. Kingsley and I will work on finding out what we can from her.”

“Why not just torture it out of her?” Christian questioned. The beta also getting to his feet.

Hunter was furious. He was struggling to control his temper now and not lash out at the man who seemed to be deliberately trying to provoke him.

“Because she’s a victim in this as much as anyone else. This matter is not up for discussion any further. Lily will be moved to the rooms next to mine, and she’ll be treated with respect. She’ll be my responsibility and Kingsley’s. Is that understood?” Hunter looked around the room, taking each member of his council in. His dark brown eyes bore into them, daring them to challenge him on his ruling. Nobody did. Even Christian backed down and resumed his seat.

“Thank you.” Hunter acknowledged their respect for his position as alpha. “The pack’s well-being and future is my main concern in everything I do. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think it would be beneficial to us. Plus, I honestly believe Lily and Kingsley both need help and support. They’ll be an asset to the pack if we guide them.”

A few of his loyal members tapped their fingers on the table in agreement with this opinion. Christian remained silent, though, and Hunter made a mental note to have a word with him at a later date.

“Is there any other business?”

The room fell silent.

“Good. Christian, I’m putting you in charge of dealing with the trespassing on our lands. Deal with it as you see fit.” Hunter made his way toward the door, and when the members of his pack stood as a mark of respect, he said, “Thank you.”

On leaving the room, an overwhelming urge to get back to Kingsley and Lily hit him. Hunter hoped that showing favoritism toward them in front of his council wouldn’t lead to issues. His decision to end his marriage to Ebony had already caused friction among the council members, and they needed to be a strong unit now, more than ever, to survive whatever was coming their way.

Chapter Four

“You sure this is wise?” Kingsley asked Hunter for the hundredth time. The human had to admit he was a little concerned about Jessica bringing down the magical wall between him and Lily. The bear shifter was unpredictable still, and he didn’t have the strength or the ability to fight her if she turned on him and attacked.

Hunter pulled a gun from his pocket. Kingsley’s eyes went wide at the sight.

“Don’t worry, it’s loaded with tranquilizer darts. I don’t expect you’ll need to use it, but just in case.” Hunter handed him the weapon, and he put it in the pack of his jeans before Lily could see it.

“You ready?” Hunter asked.

Kingsley nodded.

“Jessica, remove the barrier,” Hunter spoke into the air. Kingsley still didn’t fully understand how the witch could hear what was being said from all the way in Montana. One of the many curses he experienced being a human in a world full of magical and mythical creatures. But given the current situation the shifters found themselves in, it didn’t really seem too much of a hardship to be human.

The air crackled, and the barrier preventing Lily from leaving the dungeon dissipated to nothing. The bear shifter looked up from where she was huddled in a corner of the room. Her eyes warily traveled around the dungeon area before landing on Kingsley and Hunter in confusion.

“Up,” Hunter ordered. His deep commanding voice causing Lily to rapidly scramble up onto her feet.

“Is it my time?” she stuttered out, and Kingsley felt an overwhelming urge to protect and comfort her, flooding through his broken body. He knew he needed to allow Hunter to dictate the situation, though. The man was the alpha around this place and therefore he was in charge.

Hunter simply nodded his response, and the small bear shifter stumbled toward them.

“What has Kas decided for me? Am I to die?” Lily questioned, her lips quivering as she tried to hide her emotions and not look weak in front of them.

“This way,” Hunter responded, ignoring her questions.

Kingsley wasn’t impressed with the way Hunter was treating Lily. The bear was breaking apart, thinking she was about to die. The alpha wolf led the way out of the dungeon, followed closely by Lily while Kingsley took up the rear. She looked back over her shoulder at him, and he gave her a smile that he hoped would give her reassurance. They climbed the stairs, and this time, Lily looked back at him with confusion.

“This way,” Hunter grumpily decreed again. They followed him down the corridor toward a door situated at the end. Hunter opened the door and motioned for Lily to walk through. Earlier, Kingsley had been in the room Lily now entered and knew what was inside. He waited for it to register on the small bear’s face. Her eyes widened, and she spun around. Her little mouth open in a perfect ‘o’ shape.

“I don’t understand.” She waved her arm at the luxurious bedroom they’d led her into. It was the alpha partner’s suite which was beautifully furnished and had all the modern conveniences: mirrored dressing table, bedside units, a walk-in wardrobe already filled with clothes to fit Lily, and a marbled bathroom containing a bath big enough for three at least. The bed was enormous and covered with pale cotton sheets and lots of fluffy pillows in a plum purple color with a matching throw. Isobel had taught Kingsley all about the importance of making a bedroom look inviting with warm colors. He compared it to making sure the tones he used in tattoos were correct.

“These are to be your quarters for now. My rooms are next door. Kingsley will move to the guest room on the other side.” Hunter was still behaving in a matter-of-fact manner.

Kingsley pulled a chair up and sat down. He placed his hands on his knees and looking down, he was reminded once again of his missing finger.

“You’re giving me one night of luxury before I die?” Lily questioned.

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