Page 48 of Revenant

Or something more?

The soldiers are on high alert, their shoulders rigid as their hard gazes follow our every move. The grip they have on the guns in their holsters says they are expecting trouble. An itchy trigger finger never bodes well for anyone, but I can’t say I blame them after reading some of the reports about what they allow to happen in this place.

They’re afraid, not only of us, but the doctor as well. They were selected for this job specifically because they don’t give a shit about the atrocities they witness. I suspect anyone who protested vanished long ago.

How the fuck did we miss the signs?

The guards don’t follow us onto the floor, the one holding the door speaking for the first time. “The whole floor has beenreassigned to your group.” Then he releases the door, the metal slamming shut with a heavy thump as the locks engage.

None of us bother to check the door. Instead, Jaceson grabs Rue’s hand before hustling us down the hallway to the last room. Gunner and Jameson follow quickly on their heels, while Hicks and I remain behind to guard the rear.

When we finally slip into the room, Gunner snaps the door shut, planting himself in front of it. The twins split up and begin searching the room. The space isn’t large, so it doesn’t take long to locate the cameras.

Jace doesn’t hesitate to tear them out of the walls, punching a hole in the drywall to yank out the cords. James follows behind him, smashing the cameras to the ground, then stomping on them for good measure.

When Hicks opens his mouth to speak, I hold up my hand. The scratchy sound of static creeps along my senses, and I slowly stalk the sound until I find three more hidden cameras disguised in the furniture.

It’s only when we’ve destroyed the electronics that the static vanishes, and the headache wrapping around my skull like a vise abates a fraction. When I look up, the others are watching me curiously. “We’re safe now.”

I debate for a second if I should tell them my suspicions. Gunner twitches like he’s strung out. Hicks remains as stoic as always, so I doubt I would see any outward symptoms. The twins don’t appear to be affected, but again, they are usually so manic that I’m uncertain if I would be able to tell the difference.

“Ellis.” Rue touches my arm to gain my attention, and sparks snap under my skin at the contact. My dick snaps to attention at her nearness, and I can’t stop the blush that heats my cheeks.

Sure, that’s my normal reaction around her, but something about her touch feels different, more intimate. It’s like she wrapped her dainty little hands around my cock and squeezed. Iinhale sharply and clench my eyes shut in the hopes that I don’t come in my pants.

While the last thing I want to do is break the connection, I can’t concentrate with her touching me. I slip from her touch, and my gut clenches when every expression on her face vanishes at the rejection.

I feel like a fucking ass, and it’s all I can do not to sweep her up in my arms and show her just how much she means to me.

Unfortunately, now is not the time or the place.

All logical thought disappears from my mind as I desperately attempt to explain myself. “They put something in our IVs when we were unconscious. I don’t feel high, but when you touch me, I can’t concentrate.” Swearing that my brains are seconds away from oozing out of my skull, I cradle my head in my hands and squeeze in an effort to relieve the pressure.

Rue looks like I slapped her in the face, hastily stepping away from us, and I follow her without thought, needing to be close to her like I need air to breathe.

“But he promised…” Her hoarse voice shatters. Tears glisten in her eyes, and her shoulders slump in defeat. Her gaze drops to the floor, like she can’t bear to look at us. She is so forlorn that my resolve to keep my distance vanishes.

I gently pull her against my chest, my insides aching when she doesn’t struggle, and my grip reflexively tightens. “He never had any intention of keeping his promise.”

She rears back with a scowl. Though her eyes are red, I relax slightly when I see the raging fire for vengeance burning in them. When she opens her mouth to protest, I speak quickly, pushing home my point. “The only alternative would be to kill us.”

Her mouth snaps shut so fast that her teeth click together. A shudder goes through her, and she burrows closer, as though she can prevent that from happening by will alone. My whole bodylights up like I’m hugging a sparkler. It’s not painful, more like my body is waking up from a long slumber. With her in my arms, the pain is dulled…or maybe the pleasure just overwhelms it so completely that I no longer feel it.

My cock jolts at having her near, the fucker trying to gain her attention, and I cut that thought off before it can form. I grit my teeth as I struggle to keep myself in check, but I can’t seem to force myself to release her, not when she’s been gone for so long.

Tucking her against my side, I glance at the rest of the guys. “Do any of you feel different?”

Gunner’s eyes widen, then he grimaces and rubs a hand against the dark stubble on his chin. “Yes.”

Rue trembles, a shuddering breath leaving her, as if her worst fears were confirmed.

The twins glance at each other, then they both shake their heads.

Everyone turns toward Hicks and waits.

His eyes narrow, and he tilts his head, his expression contemplative as he assesses himself, much like he does after a fight. He lifts a hand, a furrow forming between his brows when he rubs his fingertips together. A moment later, he runs his tongue over his teeth, and his expression darkens.

When he lowers his hand, his attention snaps toward Rue. His head lifts in the air, and he inhales deeply, his chest expanding impressively. I swear his eyes dilate at whatever scent he catches. He remains perfectly still, but a quiver goes through him as he battles against the urge to pounce. “Yes.”

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