Salvation (Wild Heat)

Chapter 23 – B R O O K L Y N

I walk as fastas I can, trying to get away from the sound of the Alphas’ voices. If I have to listen to them anymore, there’s no way I’ll be able to hold back the tears. I pinch my arm, hard, trying to get them to stop welling in my eyes.

They mean well. I know Camden and Memphis are just asking me about my family because they want to know more about me. With anyone else, asking about their family is basic, polite small talk with easy answers. I’m close with my Dad. I miss my brother. I can’t wait to be with them again.

Not for me. For me, there are no easy answers. My so-called “family” is nothing but a sick joke. I don’t even have the comfort of a clear good-and-evil story. Yes, Greyson did horrific things to me, but I didn’t tell him no. I didn’t try to stop him.

I wanted him. I wanted his knot.

That makes me just as disgusting as he is.

I’ve walked fast enough that I reach Denver quickly. I don’t move into his eyeline—I don’t trust myself not to cry yet. I just breathe in his scent, warm steel and peppercorn. It’s cold comfort.

We made a deal that I wouldn’t run away anymore. When the pain of my heat was so terrible, I felt sure that it would kill me, Denver saved me. I owe him for that. But now that I’m lucid again, it’s hitting me what I’m walking into. And I don’t know if I’ll be able to bear it.

I know exactly what will happen to me once I’m back in the Castle mansion. Papa will lock me up, keeping me confined to the grounds where he can keep an eye on me. Where Grayson will have total access to me, whenever he wants. I’m sure they’ll have a nice story to tell the world about it, too. About how I was so traumatized by getting lost in the wilderness that I’m scared to leave the house now. Who would question it? I look different now, after surviving the past year. Thinner, sharper.

I look haunted.

Even if Papa did let me leave the mansion, I’m an Omega. There are laws, making sure I’d have escorts no matter where I go. Men on my father’s payroll, who can report back to him on everything I do. Everyone I talk to. They’ll make sure that if I tell anyone what Grayson did, that I’ll be punished for it.

The rest of my life, I’ll be trapped. I’ll be a glorified cum dumpster for my evil, psychotic brother. He’ll use me for his sick pleasure, whenever he fucking feels like it. He’ll probably get off on me begging him to stop. And during my heats, I won’t even do that. No, I’ll be right back to where I was over a year ago. So desperate for a knot to end the pain that I’ll let him do it. I’ll want it, even. My body betraying my mind in the most disgusting possible way.

Nobody’s going to save me. Clearly, Roger Castle doesn’t think of me as a daughter. Even if he married Momma, he’s technically my stepfather. It’s why he let Grayson bond with me. Maybe Roger will get in on the fun, too. Force a bond on me, and make me part of their sick little Pack. The idea of it makes me want to vomit up my lunch of trail mix and rabbit.

No way. I won’t go back into that house. I’d rather die.

For a moment, I think about how I’d do it. It has to be before we get home—I’ll be under constant supervision back at the mansion. They’ll stop me from swallowing extra pills or finding a high place to jump from.

Ending my life is the only way I can get away from them for good.

Yet I know, I won’t do it. I couldn’t. Not when I’m the only one who really remembers Momma. She did so much to keep me safe, with everything she taught me about living out here in the forest. I know that she would want me to find a way to survive, no matter what.

Whatever happens, I’ll endure it. It’s the least I can do to honor her.

When the sky darkens,we find a clearing to make camp for the night. There’s enough space for the two tents we have left. We can’t find dry wood after the storm, so we’ll have to go without a campfire. The nights in Olympic are cool, even during the summer, but we’ll manage.

The Alphas insist I rest while they figure out dinner. Memphis sets his tent up while the others divide tasks—Camden will figure out water and rations, Denver will set some of Memphis’s snares to see if we can get more rabbit for breakfast. I don’t bother volunteering to help. As soon as the tent is ready, I crawl inside. After a year spent alone, I’m starting to itch for time away from the others.

I curl up on Memphis’s sleeping bag and try to sleep. After twenty minutes of tossing and turning, I give up. I might feel bone tired, but my mind is wide awake. I can’t stop imagining what it’ll be like to be back with my family. What horrors might await me in the mansion.

I blocked out a lot of what happened during my first heat, but a few moments are burned into my memory. Grayson tearing my favorite blue dress in half, silk splitting under his bare hands. His overwhelming scent, like overripe apples, rotten and cloyingly sweet. The pain of Grayson’s teeth sinking into my neck—the shock I felt, realizing too late what was happening. That his emotions were bleeding into mine, his triumph smothering my fear.

Over and over, my mind dredges up the images. Makes me relive them. It almost makes me miss my heat, when the only thing I could think about was sex.

I wish I could think about anything else. I wish I could just sleep.

Night sets in, and the light in the tent is a deep blue. When I hear the door flap open, I smell who it is before I see him.

Camden.

My heat might be over, but my senses are just as attuned to this man. The way he smells like a stormy sea, like briny water and wet stones, with a hint of sweet clover. I practically whimper at how good it is.

I can barely make out his expression in the light, but I hear the concern in his voice.

“You okay?”

I nod, hoping that’s enough to satisfy him. I don’t trust my voice not to tremble if I say anything.

Unfortunately, Camden’s perceptive. He pulls his boots off and joins me on the sleeping bag, pulling me tight against him. The heat of his body burns through his clothes.

“We don’t need to talk,” he murmurs. “I got you.”

For several minutes, I just let him hold me. It’s nice, having him here to comfort me. But soon, we’re both reacting to our nearness. I feel his cock harden against my ass, and it’s all I can do to stop myself from rocking my hips back against him. It’s not my heat making me crave him right now. It’s him. Camden’s sweetness and humor and spirit. Plus the fact that with his deep blue eyes and crooked smile, he’s fucking gorgeous.

Every thought of Grayson fades away. The only thing real is the man holding me. My real Alpha.

Camden’s hand, which had rested on my stomach, starts moving. Stroking my arms and side. I hum softly, which he takes as the encouragement it is. Slowly, he reaches under my shirt, hand hot against my bare skin.

“You want me to touch you?” he murmurs against my ear.

I cry out, pressing back against him.

“Say it,” he pants. “I need to hear you say it.”

He sounds desperate, like he’s forcing himself to hold back. He won’t take me without my explicit permission.

“Touch me, Camden,” I beg.

His chest vibrates with a wolf-like growl. One hand gropes my breast, the other plunges under the top of my panties to cup my sex. He’s rough and claiming, just like I wanted. Showing me how desperate he is for me.

Almost immediately, he changes tack. Makes his touch gentle, light and stroking. One long finger traces my entrance, collecting the liquid seeping there. Carefully, he explores me, tracing my folds. I want to scream from frustration. He’s got too much self-control with me. I want to see him lose it all.

That’s how Memphis finds us, with one of Camden’s hands up my shirt, the other between my legs. We freeze, and I know we’re both remembering how jealous the tracker gets. He’s territorial, possessive. What if he’s angry that I’m letting Cam touch me, without the excuse of my heat symptoms?

“Don’t stop on my account.” Memphis’s voice is low and rough. He kneels to untie his hiking boots, then crawls into the tent with us. He sits on the sleeping bag, facing me. Watching us.

Camden’s hands move again, slowly at first. He kneads my breasts gently, molding them under his palms. My back arches, pressing them more firmly against his hands. Seeking something harder and rougher.

“You’re too soft,” Memphis says. “She likes it rougher than that.”

How does he know that?

My first time with Camden, I wanted him to ravage me. Not to be gentle, but to take me how he wanted. To dominate me.

Cam stills. “She’s had a hard day,” he murmurs. “I’m trying to be gentle.”

“She doesn’t care,” Memphis says. “She likes it when you make it hurt. I know you can be wilder than this, Camden. Show her.”

My mouth drops open as I realize the implications of his words. Memphis and Camden have been together before—probably last night, when they went off to get the herbs.

Wetness gushes from between my legs at the image of these two gorgeous Alphas, wrapped around each other. I know Camden feels it because he instinctively shoves his fingers deep inside my desperate cunt.

Memphis growls his approval. “That’s it,” he says, encouraging us both. “Show her how much you want her, Camden. Make that sweet pussy of hers weep for you.”

Camden removes his fingers long enough to yank my pajama pants and underwear down. The fabric tangles around my knees, and cool evening air hits my exposed pussy. He pushes his digits right back in, roughly fucking me with his fingers while I make a mess all over his hand.

“That’s it, sunshine,” Memphis says. “Let him stretch your tight little hole. You’re going to need it because I think Camden’s done holding back.”

With that, Camden rolls me onto my back, moving on top of me. His heavy weight feels perfect there, and I arch my back, rubbing my sensitive nipples against his light scattering of chest hair. Cam growls his appreciation, lowering his head to nip at my breast.

I’ve never seen him look like this. The sweet, easygoing hiker is gone, replaced by a savage beast. One intent on ruining me. His pupils are blown so wide, I can barely see the dark blue of his irises.

“Spread her legs for me,” Memphis purrs. “Show me how our pretty girl takes your cock.”

Camden’s hands are bruising as he grabs my thighs, yanking them open. The stretch is almost painful, but it’s worth it seeing the hungry expression on his face. His blue eyes are glued to the juncture between my legs. He licks his lips, like he’s ravenous for me.

A pair of tanned hands comes into my line of vision. Memphis has finally joined us, grabbing Cam’s long cock and lining it up with my entrance. He grazes my swollen clit with the head, making it glisten with my arousal.

It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. Memphis holding Camden’s cock, using it to tease me. My hips tilt wildly as I try to get him to enter me. Memphis chuckles.

“Take her, Camden,” he orders.

With that, Camden impales me on his cock. I cry out, tears gathering in my eyes as he pistons violently into me. It’s hard and territorial and so, so good. His cock brushes up against a spot inside me that I didn’t even know existed. My entire body trembles with want.

While Cam’s hips thrust faster and faster, Memphis strokes my hair and wipes the tears away from my face. He’s gentle and nurturing, making sure I’m happy while Camden uses me for his own pleasure.

I realize that Memphis knew exactly what he was doing. He knew that I wanted Camden to be rough, but also that Cam couldn’t fully unleash himself without someone looking out for me. With Memphis checking in on me, Camden can be just as ruthless and selfish as he wants.

It’s perfect. Like we were made for each other.

Camden’s movements get rougher and faster, any rhythm he had gone. I can tell how close he is.

“I want you to touch your clit, sunshine,” Memphis croons. “I need you to come on Camden’s cock. Can you do that for me?”

I nod eagerly, reaching down to rub little circles on my clit. I’m already close, so aroused by the two Alphas touching me. Watching me. Caring for me.

“Good girl,” Memphis says.

The words push me over the edge. Electricity streaks through my body as I clench around Camden, crying out with his name.

Cam pulls out before he can knot inside me, rolling onto his back and fisting his cock. I watch, mesmerized, as cum spurts from him, landing on his flat stomach. His breath is rough and shallow as he comes down.

Memphis kisses my forehead gently. “You did so well, sunshine,” he murmurs. “Do you think you can take some more?”

I nod my head quickly. Ravaged as my pussy feels from Camden’s rough treatment, the line between pain and pleasure has blurred, and I want more. I want Memphis.

The tracker’s sitting cross-legged next to me, and he pats his thigh. Inviting me to sit on his lap. I follow the silent order, sitting facing him, my bare pussy lined up against the hard bulge under his cargo pants. I rock my hips, liking the idea of marking his clothes with me.

My fingers are clumsy as I undo his button and zipper. The first time I was with these men, I thought my clumsy impatience was just a side effect of my heat. But it seems like they drive me crazy even when my hormones are at normal levels. I still want them just as bad.

His cock throbs in my fist as I pull it out of his pants. He takes my hips in his hand, lifting me in the air and down onto his head. I try to take control, to sheath myself on him quickly, but he has full control. He takes his time, pulling me down, bit by bit. My eager cunt welcomes him in. When I finally reach the top of his swelling knot, I’m squirming and eager.

“You’re taking me so beautifully,” Memphis says. “My perfect girl, holding every inch of me.”

I smile into his neck, pleased at the praise. I realize that he’s almost entirely clothed while I’m on top of him, completely exposed. The idea of it is pathetically arousing.

Memphis lifts my hips, bouncing me on his cock while I slump against him, arms looped around his neck. In different ways, the Alphas took total control of me. Camden was brutal and aggressive, using me like a toy while he took his own pleasure. Memphis is more measured, but he sets the pace. He’s the one dictating exactly how I move.

Every thought, every worry has disappeared from my mind. I’m in the moment, in my body, taking whatever these Alphas give me and loving it.

Memphis’s knot swells at the base of his cock, brushing my clit with every downward stroke. My orgasm winds up again, spiraling me toward the edge. I squeeze my eyes closed, overwhelmed by sensation. Memphis nips at my earlobe in admonition.

“Eyes on me,” he demands. “I want to see your face when you come on my cock.”

Our eyes meet, and I feel like I can see right into Memphis’s soul. His deep brown eyes overflow with feelings—desire, satisfaction, and affection. Maybe even something deeper than affection. I don’t dare let myself think it could be love.

I can’t help it—I press my lips against his, needing to taste him. Needing to show him how I feel for him. How much I want him, too.

His lips meet mine, all heat and desire. I bury my fingers in his dark, curling hair, holding on for dear life as my orgasm overtakes me. My inner walls clamp tightly around him, and I let go, lost in the feel of him.

My opening stretches to fit his knot, and he roars as he comes inside me. He grips me tightly as we fall to the ground, our limbs entangled.

I smell sea salt and clover, and I realize that Camden’s on my other side. The three of us lie together, a pile of sated lust and loose limbs. Finally, my mind quiets completely, and sleep comes on too quickly for me to even think of fighting it.

I awaken between two huge,warm bodies. Camden’s spooning me, while my hand and leg are splayed over Memphis’s body beside me. I can’t remember the last time I felt this comfortable warm and relaxed like I am here between my two human pillows. I vaguely remember Memphis pulling his shirt over me, and apparently Camden slipped his socks over my feet. They’re comically huge on me, the place where the heel should end practically halfway up my calf. The whole tent smells like them—it’s perfect.

I’m about to shut my eyes and go back to sleep when I hear something strange. It takes me a minute to place it.

Static. From a radio, moving between stations.

I’m up on my feet before I even realize it, tearing open the tent’s canvas door. I find Denver sitting outside near an electric lantern, fiddling with something black. He glances up at me, apparently not surprised to find me half-dressed in the other Alphas’ clothes.

“You’re up,” he says, shooting me a small smile. “There’s an MRE for you, if you don’t mind eating it cold.”

With that, he shifts his focus back to what he’s doing. Setting up a portable radio.

The blood drains from my face. He’s got service, which means he’s about to connect with the outside world. Roger Castle is about to know where I am.

Before my knees can go out under me, I sit on the ground by the tent. My limbs feel heavy and cold.

I want to beg Denver to stop. Once Papa knows I’m alive, there’s no going back. He’ll never stop chasing me. I’ll be back in Grayson’s clutches for the rest of my life.

Maybe I could beg Denver just to give me a few more days. But what could I even say? Denver wouldn’t agree without any kind of explanation. If I tell him what I’ve been running from, I’ll have to admit to everything. Then they’ll all know what I let Grayson do. What I asked him to do.

Camden and Memphis emerge from the tent behind me. When they talk to Denver, their voices sound distant and strange. It’s almost like I’m underwater, trying to make out the words coming from people on land.

“What’s with the radio?” Camden says.

“Trying to establish communication with the Castles,” Denver says. “We’re almost in range, so I should be able to let them know we’re en route.”

“Maybe we should wait,” Cam says in a low voice.

“I promised we’d make contact days ago. They’ll be wondering if the storm took us out.”

“I don’t know, Denver. I…something doesn’t feel right.”

My body vibrates with fear and desperation. I have to stop him…but I can’t. I taste something bitter, and realize I bit my tongue. Blood fills my mouth, metallic and hot.

The guys are still talking, but I can’t make sense of what they’re saying. They’re arguing about something, but they don’t want me to hear. Joke’s on them—they could be as loud as they want, and apparently my brain would still try to shut out the meaning. I can’t face the unbearable reality—I’m going home. For good.

There’s a loud burst of static then silence.

“This is Denver, come in.”

A quiet crackle. Then, a familiar voice breaks through the speaker.

“Denver, this is Grayson Castle.”

I see black.

Next thing I know, the radio’s in my hands and I’m smashing it on a rock. It only takes a few hits for the radio to fall apart, but I keep pounding my hands down. I feel metal parts scratching, hard cold marble, and something wet.

Strong, hard arms pull me back. I thrash against them, but the man holding me is too big. Too strong. I’m broken, helpless, trapped. Hot tears blind me, making everything blurry. I gasp for a breath I can’t take. I’m gone, underwater, drowning in rage.

“Shhh, princess. You’re okay. I got you, just breathe.”

The world comes back in pieces. The vibration of a deep voice. The smell of warm steel, Denver’s massive chest pressed against my back. His hands wrapped around my own, my blood dripping over both our fingers.

My neck prickles, but I feel nothing. Not even the ghost of triumph and predatory glee that I might have felt a week ago. The bond between Grayson and me is really gone, but it’s only a matter of time before he bites me again.

Then, he’ll make sure the bond lasts forever. I’ll never escape.