Kaydence had almost made it out the door when Graysons large arms circled her waist and lifted her off the ground. She thought about kicking and screaming but her wolf told her she had nothing to worry about.
He’s not going to hurt us, Kay. Mist reassured her. And almost like clockwork, Graysons deep voice reassured her as well.
“Woah, woah! I’m not gonna hurt you. You’re safe now, love.” In one swift movement, he turned around and enveloped her in a big hug, her frame pressed tightly against his body. Almost as if he had crushed the dam holding back all of her emotions, Kaydence began to sob, burying her face in his chest. His scent was calming, but she needed this release. Everything Dutch Mountain had done to her, the beatings, the whipping, the countless hours she had spent alone, chained up in the dungeon. It was all coming to the surface now. She felt so stupid, because all she could do was cry. Kaydence was thankful for the warm hug Grayson was giving her, it comforted her in a way she’d never felt before. He really was her mate, and he wasn’t gonna let her go.
Kaydence let her tears stain his shirt as she clung to him. Her body was relaxing, for the first time on a very long time. She didn’t know how long they stood like that, but she felt herself drifting off to sleep. All the years of working herself to death, getting whipped and beat and starved, it was all catching her in this moment. Her body began to slump in his arms, but he held on as she quieted down and fell into a deep a sleep.
•••
Kaydence awoke suddenly, her heart pounding and her breathing fast and uneven. She looked at her surroundings and saw that she was in Graysons room. She looked next to her and saw him fast asleep, his arm secured around her waist. She recounted the events of the previous evening remembering everything that had happened. He has saved her from being choked to death by Gemma, listened to her cry her heart out, and he knew who she was. He knew she was a Harloquin. He was still here, too, so that counted for something.
Taking a deep breath, she calmed her breathing and carefully stride to untangle herself from his grip. It took a moment, but she finally managed to free herself. She saw the bathroom, and made her way in. She had to pee so bad, her kidneys were throbbing. She quietly closed the door and relived herself. Letting out a sight of relief she locked her eyes in the shower. She wondered if she was allowed to use it. She sure could use a real shower, after all she had been bathing in the creek for the past 9 years. Deciding she would take her chances, she turned on the shower, watching as steam filled the room.
Kaydence wasted no time getting undressed and into the shower. The hot water rolled across her body, causing her to let out an audible moan. It felt so good. As she turned to rinse her back, the hot water stung her gashed from where Alpha Darius had whipped her. She grabbed the shower curtain, using her other hand to brace herself against the shower wall. As the water continued to rinse through her wounds the let out a loud groan. It was painful. Suddenly, the bathroom door swung open, and in walked Grayson.
“Kaydence! Kaydence! Are you okay?” Graysons voice was thick with worry. Kaydence saw him reach for the shower curtain, but she quickly popped her head out of the side.
“I’m fine, really. Just a little sore, that’s all.” She offered him a smile, making it as believable as possible. She watched as a wave of relief washed over him. His tense demeanor relaxed as he moved closer to her.
“I heard you groan in here, I thought you were in pain.” She watched as he tried to peek in the shower to check her for wounds. She pulled the curtain tighter, blocking his view.
“I’m okay, I promise. I’ll be out in just a second.” Kaydence ducked back into the shower, biting back another groan as the hot water washed over her again. She heard the door close as Grayson left the bathroom, She quickly washed her hair and body making sure she melted halfway decent for shutting the shower off. She climbed out and grabbed a towel off the rack, first drying her hair, then the rest of her body. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, seeing deep purple bruises across her neck. Goddess. She thought to herself as she wrapped the towel around her small body. She looked in the mirror one last time, taking into account that her skin was stretched over her bones. She was skinny, but that was due to the fact that the pack left her to fend for herself when it came to meals. She wasn’t allowed to eat anything in the pack kitchen, but she snuck a few snacks now and again. And when she went to town to grocery shop, she always picked up a few small things for herself.
Before opening the door, she remembered she was in Graysons room, and she didn’t have an extra set of clothes with her. Cursing herself, she opened the door just enough to poke her head out. She saw Grayson sitting on the couch, mindlessly scrolling through his phone.
“Uhm, Alpha Grayson?” Kaydence spoke hesitantly. She watched as his head turned to look at her, a smile on his lips.
“Honey, to you it’s Grayson, Gray or any other pet name you’d prefer. You do not have to use titles with me.” He stood from his spot and turned to face her. She took him in in all of his glory. He was gorgeous.
“Okay, uhm, Gray. I don’t suppose you have any extra clothes I could borrow. I didn’t bring any in here with me.” Kaydence avoided eye contact, but she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. Grayson was staring at her, she could feel his eyes on her.
“Of course, honey. Let me grab you a few things.” Kaydence watched as he ruffled through his bag, pulling out a green long sleeve shirt and a pair of black jogger sweatpants. “Do you have a bra, at least?” Grayson looked up at her, his eyes soft.
“Uh, yeah, I have one.” She spoke quietly. He nodded in approval and handed her the clothes. She quickly shut the door and got herself dressed. Goddess, he was huge. She pulled on the shirt and looked down, it went down to about mid thigh on her. Shaking her head and stifling a laugh, she pulled on the joggers and checked herself out in the mirror. She looked ridiculous, but it would have to do until she could get some of her own clothes.
Kaydence ran her finger through her damp hair, trying to get some of the knots out. When she decided she didn’t look totally atrocious, she opened the door and walked out of the bathroom. She clasped her hands together in front of her as Grayson combed his eyes over her. She thought he was gonna laugh at how big his clothes were on her, but instead he smiled and patted the seat next to him on the couch.
Kaydence made her way to him, and gently lowered herself onto the couch, sinking into its comfort.
“You look adorable, by the way.” Grayson broke the silence, his eyes finding hers. Kaydence blushed and pulled her knees to her chest, resting her head on her knees.
“Thank you, your clothes fit perfectly.” Kaydence grinned lightly, watching his reaction. He let out a soft laugh and reached towards her, putting two fingers under her chin.
“That they do.” He spoke, his tone a low growl. Kaydence noticed he had lifted her chin slightly and was staring at the dark purple bruising on her neck. “I’d like to take you to the pack doctor to get this looked at.” Kaydence opened her mouth to argue, but he held his hand up to stop her. “It’s not a suggestion. I need to make sure you’re okay, and that you can travel in the next few days.”Travel? Why do I need to travel? Kaydence asked herself.
He’s taking us back to his pack, he’s accepted you as his mate. Mist chimed in, her voice giddy. Kaydence knew it was slim chance. There’s no way Alpha Darius would let her leave. Kaydence let out a sigh and she looked around the room, finding her sneakers laying on the floor next to the bed. She rose from her spot and picked them up, tugging them onto her feet. She turned to face Grayson, who was standing by the door with his hand out towards her.
“Shall we?” Grayson smiled. She took his hand and he led her outside and in the direction of the packs hospital.