Page 152 of The Lycans: Vol Three

My sweet little mate was far too weak to break free from her restraints, even if she weren’t clearly drained of energy, hurt, and malnourished.

“Lass.” The word was nothing but a brutal croak from my throat. I wanted to be strong for her, to show her everything would be okay, but I couldn’t break free to get to her. I couldn't protect her… again.

And when one of the humans stepped closer and gripped her hair hard enough she cried out, I roared, the chains rattling against the wall as I pulled on the cuffs so hard my skin broke open and rivulets of blood poured down my forearms.

“No more. No more, please,” she murmured hoarsely over and over again, and I didn’t think my heart could break any more.

What had they done to her?

“Awe, my sweet Larkin. My sweet girl.”

She turned her head in my direction then, her blue eyes so big and wide with fear, her body tight as she anticipated pain.

She’s used tae this. Aw gods, she’s used tae this.

Her vision cleared, her eyes flaring for another reason as we stared at each other. Recognition.

“Od—Odhran? Is that really you?” She was crying now, big tears streaming down her face, her pale skin streaked with dirt.

It was then I truly took in the state of her, how the gown she wore was tattered and ripped, the skin I could see dirty, her feet bare, bruising covering her legs and arms.

They’d hurt her. Repeatedly. All these years.

I was a growling feral mess, never taking my gaze off her, my chest feeling like someone ripped it open and tore out my heart.

“I’m here. I’m here, baby, and I’ll take ye away. I’ll protect ye this time.”

The deep laughter in the room had me slowly looking at each man, memorizing their faces, knowing I’d kill every one of them.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the voice over the speaker announced, “enjoy the show.”

The End.