Page 23 of Scarred Savages
He looks slightly younger than Alpha Hudson, maybe in his early thirties, like Ethan, though this one radiates something entirely different.
He wipes blood from his chin, smearing it across his chest. “Nightmare,” Axel says. His grin is all teeth. “Figured I’d make it better.” His gaze locks onto mine, shimmering with admiration and something darker. “She has one hell of a right hook.”
“Apologies, Luna,” Alpha Hudson says, concern softening his tone as he extends a hand to help me up. “Are you alright?”
Axel cocks his head, studying me with unnerving intensity. “No one’s broken my nose in years. I like it.”
My bare legs are exposed, scars and all.
“You like it?” I retort, finally finding my voice. “Try that again, and you’ll get more than a broken nose.”
Axel’s grin widens, blood staining his teeth a vivid pink. “Promises, promises.” He strides towards me, wrapping hislarge arms around my waist and lifting me off the ground, crushing me against his chest in what feels like a hug.
“Let her go,” Alpha Hudson barks. “You’re scaring her.”
Axel releases me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Did I scare you, Wildcat? You didn’t even hesitate. Straight for the kill. Beautiful.”
“Out. Now. We’ll discuss your punishment later.” Alpha Hudson snaps, but Axel’s gaze remains fixed on me, a wicked grin plastered on his face.
“Just wanted to make the nightmare go away.” He boops my nose playfully. “I promise to make it up to you,” he adds, his eyes shining wildly. “We’re going to have a lot of fun, I can tell.” He winks before turning to Hudson. “I like her,” he announces, laughter trailing behind him as he walks away.
“We’re giving her time to acclimate, Axel!” Alpha Hudson calls after him, and frustration is evident. “No repeated performances.”
But Axel has already vanished down the stairs.
“I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Hudson asserts, his tone firm. “You have my word.”
I meet his gaze, surprised to find not just anger at Axel, but genuine concern for me. It sends an unexpected flutter through my chest that I quickly suppress.
“Your word means nothing to me,” I reply, sharper than necessary. “If he tries again, I’ll aim lower than his nose.”
A ghost of a smile touches Alpha Hudson’s lips. “I don’t doubt it.”
He nods once before pulling the door shut behind him.
Alone again, I sink back against the pillows, staring at the blood spatter on my sheets. My heart still races, but not entirely from fear anymore. Something else pulses beneath my skin; the thrill of fighting back, landing that perfect blow, and seeing surprise bloom in those ice-blue eyes.
And beneath that, something more disturbing… the memory of Axel’s approving smile, the hint of fascination in his gaze as he called me “beautiful.”
I shiver, curling back into bed, pulling the blankets tightly around me.
I should feel disgusted. Terrified.
Instead, I ponder what kind of male considers a broken nose a compliment. And what sort of female finds that intriguing rather than horrifying?
8
Luna
Notebook: You’re not lost. You’re just taking the scenic route. And by scenic, I mean large alphas with boundary issues and unhealthy attachments to sharp objects.
Isummon the courage to head downstairs for breakfast as their voices filled with laughter reach me inside my bedroom.
Easy. Familiar. Pack.
You can do it, Luna, I tell myself, trying to steady my racing heart.
Last night was bewildering.
