Page 19 of Bound to the Guard

But it’s not me I’m scared for. Damien is leaving, diving headfirst into a dangerous situation. And I’ll be left here all alone.

6

Isnap out of a nightmare, my heart pounding as I gasp for air.

Where am I? Panic rises as it registers that I’m in a bed. A bed!

No, no, no.Flashes of cruel faces and rough hands assault my mind.

I can’t breathe.

Got to get out, get away.

I scramble out from under the covers, almost falling in my haste. The floor chills my bare feet, but it barely registers. I’ve been cold so long that being warm is what’s foreign.

On my hands and knees, I crawl under the bed, wedging myself as far back into the dark corner as I can, where only a sliver of light filters in. The shadows wrap around me like a protective cloak.

I press my cheek to the cold hardwood, trying to slow my ragged breaths. My pulse pounds in my ears, too loud, like a drum. I curl into a tight ball to make myself as small as possible. If they can’t see me, they can’t hurt me.

Memories claw at the edges of my mind. Pain. Humiliation. Fear. I clamp my hands over my ears.

You’re not there anymore, I remind myself. I got out. I’m safe.

But I don’t feel safe. I feel vulnerable.

The urge to hide, to disappear, overwhelms me. If I stay under here long enough, maybe I’ll finally vanish. Become no one. Nothing. Not even a number.

Please, just make it stop.

The door creaks open, and I freeze, holding my breath. Footsteps approach the bed and pause.

Please go away. Please leave me alone.

“Seven?” Confusion and concern lace Damien’s voice. “Where did you go?”

Damien. That’s right. This is Damien’s suite. Damien will keep me safe.

The Alpha kneels, one hand braced on the floor as he peers beneath the bed. His brow furrows as he takes in my huddled form. I brace myself for anger or annoyance but receive only gentle concern.

“Hey, there,” he murmurs. “Mind if I join you?”

Uncomprehending, I stare at him. Why would he want to come under here? It’s cold, dark, and cramped.

When I don’t respond, he shocks me by maneuvering his tall, muscular body under the bed frame, pushing a pillow ahead of him. He grunts as his shoulder brushes the frame’s underside and stops halfway, with plenty of space still separating us. Once situated, he reaches for the corner of the blanket and pulls it off the bed, dragging it in with us.

“It’s a little tight, but not bad,” he remarks, as if discussing the weather and not the fact we’re both lying on the dusty floor. He props his head on the pillow and drapes the blanket over his legs. “Pretty cozy, actually. I can see why you like it under here.”

I gape at him, struggling to process this turn of events. But Damien appears at ease, watching me with calm patience.

Hesitantly, I uncurl, though I keep my back pressed to the wall. “What…what are you doing?”

He shrugs, the movement constrained by the low clearance. “You looked like you needed some company. And maybe a bit of warmth. The floor is freezing.”

A lump forms in my throat. It’s been a long time since anyone did something like this for me. Shown me such simple, unconditional kindness. I don’t know how to respond.

“You’re safe here, Seven.” Damien extends his hand, palm up in offering. An invitation. “No one will hurt you ever again.”

Tears blur my vision, and I blink to clear them away. I want so badly to believe him. To reach out and take his hand. But I’m terrified. Terrified of being hurt again. Of daring to hope, only to have it shattered.

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