Page 33 of Tempest

“Where is she?” I snarled, my face inches from the terrified man. His eyes were wide, reflecting the flickering lights overhead. His lips trembled, forming words that wouldn’t come.

My fist connected with his jaw, silencing him. Behind me, Octo materialized from the shadows, his grin splitting his face like a jagged scar. “Damn, brother.” He whistled low. “Save some for the rest of us.”

I ignored him, focusing on the zip ties I was using to bind the unconscious men. If we were in Reapers’ territory, I’d have slaughtered them all. My heart hammered in my chest, adrenaline singing in my veins. I fought to keep my rage in check, knowing I needed a clear head to find Kasen.

“You good?” Octo asked, his voice laced with concern.

I nodded curtly. “Let’s go.”

We plunged deeper into the ship’s bowels, the air growing thick with the stench of fear and desperation. Each step fueled my fury, threatened to consume me.

A door burst open ahead, revealing two more traffickers, their eyes wide with terror. One fumbled for his gun, his hands shaking. Had to be someone new to this type of work. Hell, they all seemed too inept.

I didn’t hesitate. I lunged forward, a whirlwind of controlled violence. My fists connected with their targets in rapid succession -- jaw, ribs, temple. The first man crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The second tried to raise his gun, but Octo was there, a swift knee to the gut followed by an elbow to the base of the skull.

“Clear,” Octo called, his voice calm and collected.

But I barely heard him. My mind was focused on one thing: finding Kasen. Each second felt like an eternity.

“Tempest.” Octo’s voice cut through my fog of rage. “We need a plan.”

I spun around. “The plan is to tear this fucking ship apart until we find her.”

We moved further and came to a door. Something told me Kasen would be behind it. Or at the very least, it would lead me to her.

My fist slammed against the door, the impact shooting a jolt of pain up my arm.Son of a bitch! The fucking thing hadn’t looked like metal. There wasn’t much I hadn’t been able to bust my way through over the years. I narrowed my eyes.

“Stand back,” I growled to Octo, my voice a low rumble that echoed in the tight space.

With a thunderous crash, my boot connected with the door. Metal screeched, hinges groaning in protest. Another kick. The lock splintered, sending shards of metal flying.

The door swung open, revealing a dimly lit hold that reeked. My breath caught in my throat.

There, huddled in the corner, was Kasen. Bound, terrified, but alive. Around her, other women cowered, their eyes wide, yet still filled with hope.

“Kasen,” I breathed, my voice rough with emotion. The sight of her, so vulnerable, ignited a fire in my chest, a primal mix of protectiveness and something deeper, something I couldn’t quite grasp.

I moved swiftly, kneeling beside her. My hands, so often used for violence, were suddenly gentle as I worked to untie the ropes that bound her.

“I’ve got you,” I murmured, forcing my voice to stay steady, “You’re safe now.”

Kasen’s eyes met mine, shimmering with unshed tears. The helplessness in them tore at me, a stark contrast to the fiery spirit I knew burned within her.

“We need to move.” Octo’s voice cut through the tense silence, his words carrying the weight of urgency. “More could be coming.”

I nodded, my focus razor-sharp. “Can you stand?” I asked Kasen, my voice soft, a stark contrast to the growl I’d used moments before.

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “Y-yes.”

“Good girl,” I said, helping her to her feet. I turned to the other women, my voice firm but reassuring. “We’re getting you all out of here. Stay close.”

There was a flicker in their eyes, a fragile flame that I was determined to protect. We had a fight ahead, but for now, we were free. And as long as I had breath in my lungs, I would keep them safe.

My eyes met Kasen’s, the connection between us sparking like a live wire in the dim hold. Her face, etched with fear just moments before, softened with relief as my fingers worked with practiced ease, untying the last of her bonds.

“You… you came,” Kasen whispered. I couldn’t remember ever hearing her sound so… breakable.

I squeezed her hand, a silent reassurance. “Always will, Kas. Did you ever doubt I’d track you down?”

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