Page 23 of The Hunt

“Let me help you to your feet first. Your ankle is swollen pretty badly but I don’t think it’s broken. Just place all your weight on your good foot in the meantime.”

Kaliah had no chance to protest before he lifted her up as if she weighed no more than a baby.

Their eyes locked and he brushed his thumb across her bottom lip.

He leaned down and just as their lips were about to meet, she turned her head away. Colt’s lips brushed her cheek. He suddenly captured her chin between his forefinger and thumb and turned her head to face him. This time when he brought his head down their lips collided.

He nipped her bottom lip, drawing blood.

“Ouch.” Kaliah tried to pull away but his grip on her chin was strong. He swiped his tongue across her bottom lip.

“Delicious.” He finally pulled back with a wolfish grin.

She shrank away from him.

“Wash up, I left some flowery soap, shampoo and a loofa to get the rest of that mud off of you.” I’ll wait on the other side of the curtain to help you to the other room.”

Colt closed the shower curtain, leaving her leaning against the wall. Kaliah absently touched her lips. It was her first kiss. In all her 28 years. Well, she’d been kissed on the cheek by her ex-boyfriend but nothing beyond that. She’d read so many romance books and seen so many romcoms and hoped for a love like the ones she’d seen in media. But as she got closer to 30, she wondered if it would ever happen.

Yes, Colt was very attractive but he was a stranger.

In a town full of monsters.

Kaliah could pretend, what happened last night was a terrifying nightmare but what about this new ordeal she’s found herself in. Colt was one thing but what about his brothers?

And that monster from last night who’d taunted her? What if he came back?

“Hurry up and wash yourself, Kaliah. Or I could scrub your back if you want me to.” Colt called from the other side.

She had no doubt he’d do exactly that if she didn’t get moving. For now, she’d have to do what he told her to do because he might seem calm now, but there was no telling what would happen if she disobeyed.

Hanging on the shower head, was a tray with all the hygiene accessories she needed to clean herself. Keeping all of her weight on her good foot, she moved directly under the shower spray, allowing all the caked on mud to wash away.

Even in this dire circumstance, getting clean made her feel a little better. She scrubbed her skin as hard as she could, making sure to wipe away the blood, mud, urine and grime from her body.

She washed her hair with the soap that smelled of fresh fruit and perfume. It wasn’t ideal to wash her hair in this manner withbraids, but she had no choice. By the time she finally cleaned them to her satisfaction they felt heavy on her head.

She stayed in under the warmth of the spray for as long as she dared.

“It sounds like you’re finished in there.”

Her heart pounded so hard, she was certain anyone listening could hear it. “Could you please give me a few more minutes?”

“You smell pretty clean to me. And like I said, my brothers are waiting. It’s time to get out of the shower.

He pulled back the shower curtain, turned off the water and held out a towel to her. “Here. If you’re worried about your modesty, use this.”

“Thank you.” She gratefully accepted the towel and wrapped herself up in it. Once the towel was secured, Colt scooped her into his arms.

He carried her out of the bathroom where they were met with two men that practically took up the entire hallway. She thought Colt was huge but these two were larger than life.

The larger of the two had long black hair and the other, had wavy russet colored hair. They both had the same startling green eyes that Colt had.

The one with the russet hair approached with a wide grin. “I told you, I’d find you little rabbit.”

Kaliah screamed.

CHAPTER 12

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