Page 56 of Shadow Bonds

“But—”

He pauses his pacing to scan my face once more. “But they grew stronger each time. They learned about their abilities and how to wield them. And eventually even the commander became afraid of them. Though I doubt he’d ever admit it.”

But why send them. Why?! He said they were only kids. “Seth. Why would?—”

Knox saunters into the tent, looking all too happy with himself. “It’s a glorious morning for bloodshed and violence.”

Seth gives me a quick look, practically begging me not to say anything. “I’m just going to… go…” Seth rushes out of the tent as fast as he can, leaving only me and Knox here.

Knox gives me a savage look, but I see past it now. See past the dark look in his eyes to the sadness.

I also believe them when they say they didn’t know about the Wasteland test. They wouldn’t be causing this much trouble otherwise.

He frowns at whatever expression he sees on my face, and my heart breaks thinking about a younger Knox, trapped in that horrible place, scared and starving while trying to survive with the others.

They may still be assholes. But…

I get up and move in front of him. Leaning forward, I wrap my arms around him, hugging him and holding him tight. Wishing he and the others never had to go through something like that while also promising him silently that I’ll make sure they never have to again.

He stills, standing there with his hands by his side, as if in shock. I start to pull back, thinking I’ve crossed a line, when he snaps out of his shock and wraps his arms around me pulling me closer to him.

“I still think you’re all assholes,” I tell him as I relax into the hug.

He chuckles and pulls me even closer to him. “We are. But you’ll get used to it.”

CHAPTER 17

The portals to and from the camp are a bust. They only work one way. Malakai gave me a savage smile when he pointed it out.

I guess I’m not as subtle as I’m trying to be and will have to figure something else out.

Heading into the house, I make my way to my room and ignore the guys and their hushed conversations.

After having a nice long hot shower, I throw on a tee and shorts and head for my bed.

Malakai steps into the room without knocking, his eyes dragging down my body before lingering on my legs.

“I think you’ve got the wrong room,” I tell him.

He clears his throat. “We’ve decided that it’s best if we take turns sleeping with you.”

I raise a brow. “I slept just fine the last couple of times without being attacked,” I remind him.

He releases a harsh breath and drags a hand down his face. “We haven’t been doing as well as it may have looked. Being in the War Camps and near the Hollow usually helps. But it didn’t.” He looks everywhere but me. “Cyrus and Knox said they feltbetter after spending the night with you, and I’m too close to the edge. I…” He clears his throat. “I need this.”

I pause and look at him,reallylook at him. Every inch of him is tense. And his hazel eyes are so dark they’re almost black.

The madness. It has to be. And something that probably wouldn’t be as bad if not for the Void.

My heart clenches as he tugs on every fucking string I have.

“Fine,” I tell him.

His entire demeanor changes in an instant as he smirks and takes a step toward me, thinking I’m going to make it that easy for him. But I raise a hand, and he freezes.

“I still haven’t got you back for the forest incident. And you’ve been an asshole to me this entire time,” I remind him.

He narrows his eyes on me. “I ripped the hearts out of the two fucks who brought you to the Wasteland. I upturned the entire fucking camp and made everyone pay.”

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