Page 73 of The Pack

“Hi,” I said gently. “What’s your name?”

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she looked nervously to the men behind me.

“It’s okay,” I said softly. “They won’t hurt you. I promise.”

Her wide eyes met mine, filled with a mix of fear and something I couldn’t quite figure out.

Finally, she whispered, “Amelie.”

“Hi, Amelie,” I said, keeping my voice low. “I’m Zara. Are you alone out here?”

She nodded, her hands twisting in the fabric of her dress.

“Where are you from?” I asked.

She glanced at the ground, and she shook her head.

I frowned, my heart aching at the raw fear evident on her face. “It’s okay,” I said gently. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head again, her small hands trembling. “No. Just scared.”

My chest tightened, and I fought the urge to reach out to her.

“It’s okay, Amelie,” I said. “We’ll keep you safe.”

“Zara,” Magnus said quietly.

I turned slightly, glancing over my shoulder.

“She’s scared out of her mind,” I shot back.

The girl flinched, and I softened my tone, turning back to her. “Amelie, it’s okay,” I said, holding out a hand. “We’re not going to hurt you. I promise.”

She stared at my hand, her lips trembling. Slowly, cautiously, she reached out, her small fingers taking mine.

Then she whispered, “Please… don’t leave me.”

My heart broke at the raw plea in her voice.

“We won’t,” I said, my voice unwavering despite the tightness in my chest. “You’re safe now. I promise.”

The girl’s small hand was trembling in mine, her dark eyes wide with fear. My heart ached for her, even as the unease of the moment coiled tighter around my chest.

“It’s okay,” I whispered again. “You’re safe.”

Amelie nodded, her lips trembling as she glanced past me toward the pack. Magnus was extremely tense. Callum had moved a little closer, his eyes filled with cautious concern. Tobias, Thorne, and Killian were more restrained, their stances rigid and their gazes sharp.

“We need to move,” Magnus said quietly. “This doesn’t feel right.”

He wasn’t wrong. Something about the air felt charged, like the forest was holding its breath, but the girl was here, shaking like a leaf in my hand.

What was she doing out here? Had the Regency dumped her out here too, like me? Whatever her story was, I wanted to help her.

She needed us. She neededme.

“Just a little further,” I said, giving Amelie’s hand a gentle squeeze. “We’ll get you somewhere safe.”

I stepped forward, leading her down the narrow trail.

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