Page 15 of Hellfire

I pulled her tiny frame into my arms. A sob escaped her. Her body convulsed with each breath. My heart ached for her, and I wished I could do something to take away her pain.

I stroked her hair from her face and whispered, “Whatever you’re going through, let me help you.”

Her sobs came harder now, and I knew I had to convince her. I was terrified that she might run again and I wouldn’t be there to protect her this time. My gaze connected with Leona’s. The little girl who had seen too much. She gave me a sad smile, a look that shouldn’t be on a child’s face.

There was something special about these two. If the Hive wanted them, then I needed to do everything in my power to protect them. The only way I knew how to do that was at the clubhouse. The MC thrived as a unit, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt we could keep them safe. Nothing was stronger than the bond of family.

Katrina’s sobs began to subside. Her shoulder sagged with fatigue. I rubbed small circles on her back as she took a calming breath and buried her face into my chest.

“You don’t always have to be so strong, Katrina. Please let me help you,” I begged.

I needed her to understand how serious I was. Just when I thought she might not respond, she pulled back and looked into my eyes. I wiped the last of her tears from her eyes. Even though her face was red and splotchy, she was still breathtakingly beautiful.

She finally nodded and gave me a watery smile, a smile that changed everything.

Chapter Seven

Katrina

In the most comfortable bed I’d ever slept in, I watched the sunset on the horizon, lit the sky with soft pinks and oranges. It was nice to get a moment alone. Molly had gotten Leona a few hours ago, and I had been lying in Tank’s bed ever since. After discovering the supernatural existed yesterday, I had holed up in Tank’s room, avoiding everyone. A part of me felt guilty for taking over his space for so long. I felt safe here and wasn’t quite ready to be social yet.

Burying my nose in the pillow, I inhaled deeply. I was quickly becoming addicted to Tank’s unique scent. I couldn’t get enough. It reminded me of a campfire; burning wood and smoke. There was an undertone of something sweet that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Every time I inhaled his scent, my body reacted. My hand traveled down the swell of my stomach. The ache between my thighs was almost unbearable.

Knock. Knock.

Bolting upright, I clutched the blanket to my chest.

“W-who is it?” I stuttered.

“Tank. Can I come in?”

Tank’s massive frame came into view, and my breath hitched. I swallowed thickly, my throat suddenly dry. He truly was gorgeous, with bronze skin and waist-length black hair.

“Hi,” I breathed.

“How did you sleep?” he asked, brushing damp hair back from his face. The fabric of his black t-shirt pulled taut against his corded muscles with the movement.

“Good. Want to come in?” I asked, feeling shy. Just being this close to him was driving me crazy.

Tank took two steps into the room and stopped. His shoulders became rigid with tension. Tilting his head slowly toward me, his nostrils flared. A sexy-as-sin smirk overtook his handsome face.

Was he smelling me?

I suddenly remembered all those shifter romances I had read. My cheeks flushed crimson, and I forced myself not to squirm.

“Dinner is in twenty minutes, and you’re welcome to join us.” His voice was raspy, needy, and all I could do was nod as I attempted not to express how much he was affecting me.

“I’ll leave you to get ready.”

Setting down a stack of clothes I hadn’t noticed he had been holding, he turned toward the door. My heart drummed wildly in my chest. I didn’t want him to leave.

“Hey, Tank,” I said, placing a hand on his arm. Butterflies danced low in my belly at the contact. “Thank you. For everything.”

His eyes softened as he looked down at me. His gaze roamed over my curvy frame. I wore a large black T-shirt, the hem falling mid-thigh. His gaze darkened as his eyes met mine again. Something primal and predatory swam in their depths.

“Anytime, pretty girl.”

His words sent my heart racing. I inhaled his smoky scent. Feeling bold, I pushed up onto my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. His skin was smooth against my lips. His arms wrapped around me in a flash, pulling our chests together as my back hit the wall.

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