Page 72 of Season of the Wolf

I was afraid. Afraid to look him in his eyes, to tell him that holding him here had all been my idea, to tell him I defied his wishes yet again. My only hope was that he’d understand, that he’d see I had no choice but to go after my parentsandkeep him safe. I shuddered to think what would have happened if I hadn’t, if the others hadn’t followed to come to our aid.

His broad, glistening chest heaved as he panted like a caged beast, resting on his knees in the center of this makeshift cell I assumed had once been used to hold Maisy. With clenched fists, he punched wildly at the air again, grunting through his teeth, determined to loosen the chains from the walls to break free.

To come for me.

I had to say something—explain, apologize … something. I couldn’t just watch him in agony like this.

Even if I was scared out of my mind what his reaction might be when he laid eyes on me.

“ … Liam. I—” My voice was weak as his gaze rose to meet mine.

That was as much as I could get out, wanting to go to him, to hold him, but I wasn’t sure he’d let me. Not with the promise I knew I’d broken tonight—the one where I vowed to put my safety first forhissake. But, in my eyes, this was different. The two I went after today weren’t just random people I put my life on the line for.

Few things hurt me more than causing Liampain, and I’d done that tonight. I’d sentenced him to hours of worrying, thinking the worst. Things that, when it concerned me, were torture for him.

Wetness touched my cheek and I swiped it away when I stepped further into the light, focusing on the blood he shed trying to break free, trying to do what he’dalwaysdone.

Protect me.

More steps to close the distance and those steps were met with mounting fear.

If I’d been brave enough, I could’ve reached out and touched him by now, but I just stood there, squeezing my hands in tight fists at my sides.

What was I supposed to say?

Before I could overthink it, a clumsy, “I’m sorry,” tumbled from my lips.

The silence was so loud my ears began to ring. Nervous breaths shuddered in my chest, puffing over my lips as I waited. For words, for an outburst, but neither came.

Only a look.

One that met my gaze without Liam lifting his head, only his eyes as a wild stare landed on me. It told of the night he had, the wicked thoughts that must have passed through his mind on repeat. With his heavy brow shrouding his gaze, I nearly backed away. If it had been anyone else in these chains, someone who didn’t have my complete trust like he did, I probably would have.

I wanted to fix this, wanted to help him understand why everything that happened tonight was necessary. I somehow found the courage to kneel before him at eye-level, but when I placed a hand on his rigid shoulder, the word, “Don’t,” spoken hard and unfeeling made me recoil instantly.

He didn’t want to be touched.

My chest moved with each rapid breath. I wasn’t sure what to think or say next, or even if Ishouldsay anything.

“Liam, I—”

“Are you hurt,” his sharp tone cut in, the abrasiveness of it making my skin crawl as he surveyed me—the torn sleeve of my shirt, the remnants of blood on it and my skin.

I shook my head and answered, “No,” but wanted to say so much more.

However, when he shut me down the next instant, there was no chance of that.

“Then leave,” he seethed, those shoulders heaving again as the rims of his nostrils flared with wrath.

I stared, unable to blink, but only for a moment before gathering myself. If he wanted me gone, I’d go. He was angry and I understood that, but if we could have just talked about it, maybe he would have sympathized. Even if only a little.

With my back to him, I didn’t feel the need to put on a brave face, so I didn’t. Tonight had been filled with so many emotions, so many close calls, and so many hearts on the line.

Including Liam’s.

Before I left him like he requested, I stooped to place the key to the shackles on the ground where he could reach it.

Maybe when he was ready, I’d have a chance to fix this.

---