Page 167 of Fangs
“Someone was in my room,” I said, my voice shaking.
“In the loft?” Wolf’s brow drew together.
“I w-woke up, and they were standing over me. I couldn’t see their face. They dumped the b-blood on me.”
“No one went up or down the ladder.” Wolf frowned.
“Were any of the windows open?” Scar asked in a low voice.
“No,” Wolf answered. “They don’t open.”
In the silence, pain began to pound behind my eyes.
“Could it have been a nightmare?” Wolf finally asked.
“That blood was very real,” Scar said. “Just like those bruises on your arm are very real, Ember.”
I winced as Wolf demanded, “What bruises?”
“She has dark bruises on her arm like someone grabbed her,” Scar answered, her voice dark.
“Em—” Wolf started furiously.
I turned toward him, wrapped my arms around his neck, and pressed my face into his shoulder like I used to when I was little. He froze briefly, then slowly wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight. I squeezed my eyes shut and wished I was still a kid and Wolf would fix this—would fix everything like he used to.
“Who grabbed your arm, Emmy?” Wolf finally asked, but his voice was more gentle this time.
I hesitated, then whispered, “Hawk.”
I felt his entire body tense again, and he went unnaturally still and silent. If he and Scar spoke again, it wasn’t out loud. Eventually, the door opened, and Kai quietly announced he’d gotten the blood out of my quilt. Voices approached, and I recognized Nemo, Sable, and Tuck.
“Can you take her so I can talk to Nemo?” Wolf said to someone. He pried my arms from his neck. “I’ll be back, Em.”
I wasn’t at all surprised when Lee sat in his place. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and tucked me tightly against his body. I rested my head on his shoulder, wondering when Lee’s presence had become comforting.
Nemo and a few of his men entered the clinic with Wolf and his crew, casting curious glances my way. I pretended not to see them. I let my eyes close, suddenly exhausted.
I wished I hadn’t given them Hawk’s name. I didn’tknowhe was the person who did this. Hawk might hate me, and rightfully so, but to do something like this? The rage in his eyes flashed through my memory, and I felt sick. When did I start assuming peoplewouldn’tdo the worst possible thing?
I closed my eyes again, listening to Lee’s heart beating in his chest. We sat there for a long time, and I drifted into a half-asleep daze.
“—like to use my spare room again, you’re welcome to.”
“You goin’ right now?”
“Yes, Smith is roundin’ up a few more men.”
“You can go with him if you want,” Lee said in a low voice. “I’ll take her to Nemo’s.”
“Don’t leave her alone,” Wolf warned.
“I won’t.”
Lee stood, hoisting me into his arms. His steps were so graceful and smooth. I knew he was taking me to Nemo’s house, and I was strangely unbothered. Part of me was annoyed that Lee had somehow weaseled his way into my circle, but most of me was just relieved. I kept my eyes closed as Lee spoke to one of Nemo’s men at the door, who escorted us to the spare room. Lee laid me on the bed, and I listened to him speak in low tones to the guard as he built a fire in the fireplace. Finally, I heard him bid us goodnight, and the door shut quietly behind him.
I couldn’t hear Lee walking, but when I opened my eyes, he stood beside the bed. We stared at each other for a moment, and I didn’t know how to interpret all the emotion flickering through his eyes, but I did know one thing.
“Will you stay with me?” I whispered.
