4. Kaylani
Chapter 4
Kaylani
" W hat the fuck happened?" Candi asks, her bright blue eyes coming into view.
Oh, god.
Without Hux here, Candi is more vulnerable than ever. I have to tell her what Michelle has planned. "Candi," I whisper.
"Shh, don't talk," she says. "Set her on the pool table," she instructs Creed. "I'll get her some water."
I whimper as I'm set down on the felt, my mind racing as I stare up at the exposed beams of the ceiling. Creed's strong hands lift my head gently, helping me take a sip of water. His vibrant green eyes meet mine, and my heart breaks for what I'm about to tell him.
"I need to tell you all something," I start, knowing that once I do, he'll do everything he can to protect Candi. Without Hux here, he'll feel responsible for her. I don't blame him, not really. I just wish I had someone like him. Someone who puts my needs above all else.
But I do, don't I?
My eyes search the room for Vaughn, and when our eyes meet, he comes over and places a steady hand on my shoulder. The entire room is silent, and the weight of everything settles around us. I am the reason Adam was so obsessed, and because of that, they all have suffered.
Like Bex.
"Michelle plans," I swallow thickly, trying to get the words out. Creed's jaw tightens as he lifts the water glass back to my lips, and I take a sip, hoping that will help.
Candi's eyes widen with worry, her hand reaching out to grasp mine. "Kay, you're safe now. We're all here for you."
The room feels like it's closing in on me, the weight of their support almost suffocating. But in this moment, surrounded by those who care for me, I also feel a flicker of hope.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "She wants Candi as Adams omega," I begin, my voice trembling slightly. "I'm afraid for Hux too. I didn’t see him there, and I don’t know what she plans for him."
Creed's expression darkens, his jaw clenched. "We'll get him back, Kay. I promise."
Vaughn's gaze meets mine. "We'll do whatever it takes to stop her. We’ll bring Hux home and avenge Rebecca."
My fists clench at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I fight to keep the storm of anger raging inside me from consuming everything in its path. I want to scream, to lash out at the injustice of it all. But all I can manage are choked sobs, each one tearing at my soul.
The Sterlings need to pay for everything they have taken from us.
There is no way Hux will let Michelle get away with this, not if he has any say. My gaze connects with Candi's, and the fire burning in her eyes reflects the rage burning within me. "She really is delusional if she thinks I'd ever bond with that sick fuck." Her eyes bounce between all of us. "Well? What the hell are you guys doing just standing there?" she asks.
"Help Kay and stop worrying about Adam fucking Sterling. He’s not worth our time." Candi's declaration cuts through the silence like a knife, her words sharp.
I open my mouth to respond that I'm fine, that I just need to sleep this off. But Creed speaks before I get the chance.
"Candi's right. We need to focus on you right now. Sabotaging my brother and mother's plans will have to wait."
Vaughn nods in agreement, his jaw clenched so tight I'm surprised it doesn't shatter.
Creed's sweet scent washes over me, his strong hand brushing against my face softly. His hand on my cheek is a lifeline in the darkness, grounding me in the midst of this storm.
"I'm so sorry he did this to you tiny. We should have stopped him," he whispers, his voice heavy with guilt.
"It's not your fault, Creed," I manage to choke out. "You couldn't have known—"
But he cuts me off with a shake of his head, his blond hair flopping against his forehead. "That doesn't matter. I should have protected you," he insists, his voice firm. Something raw and primal flickers in his eyes and I find myself drawn to the darkness lurking within him. "Adam will pay for what he did to you, Kaylani. I promise you."
I reach out, my fingers trembling as I brush the hair from his forehead. "Creed," I whisper, my eyes filling with tears again. "They’re the ones who took all those innocent omegas," I sob, the weight of loss crashing down on me again.
"I know," he says. "We will free them." His soft, tender voice warms my heart.
Candi moves to my side, offering me a small smile. "You're knot alone, Kay," she says. "I'm so sorry about your friend."
With a watery smile, I settle back against the cushions, allowing myself to relax for the first time in what feels like an eternity. A sense of peace washes over me despite the pain throbbing through my body. Knowing that I'm surrounded by people who care about me calms me.
"Can I check you out, tiny?" Creed asks.
"Oh, so now you're just using my injuries as an excuse to get your hands on me, huh?" I tease, raising an eyebrow playfully. I don’t feel the emotions, but I'll do anything to wipe that look of pity off his handsome face.
Creed feigns innocence, his expression mock-serious before he laughs, the sound lightening the mood in the room. "Who, me?" he replies, and I'm so grateful he plays along, flashing that familiar grin I love so much. "Always here to lend a helping hand, tiny. Especially for you."
I swat at him playfully. "Flatterer."
His smile slowly fades as he takes in my appearance, swallowing thickly. "Can I examine you? I need to know if you're okay." He looks at Vaughn and Candi. "I think we all need to know, Kay."
"Yeah, okay," I nod reluctantly.
I swallow back a whimper as he begins to examine me, his touch gentle. Each movement still sends jolts of pain shooting through me, but I grit my teeth and bear it.
Creed's gaze flickers to me, his eyes scanning over my injuries. "She's banged up pretty good," he murmurs, grabbing my hands gently and examining my fingernails, which are caked with dirt.
His green eyes meet mine with such ferocity that I'm sucked into his intense gaze. "You fought him."
It isn't a question, but I nod anyway, my lower lip trembling. "I tried. If Vaughn hadn’t found me..."
Creed's jaw tightens, his eyes glossing over. "I'm so fucking proud of you, tiny."
I bite the inside of my cheek to stop the tears that threaten to spill. "Don't make me cry again, Creed," I force a laugh between the tears. "I'm tired of crying," I breathe. "Tired of feeling weak…" I inhale sharply again. I am doing everything I can to stop the tears from falling. "I'm just so damn tired."
Creed's expression softens as he reaches out to brush a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle against my skin. "You're not weak, Kaylani," he says firmly, his voice filled with conviction. "You're one of the strongest people I know."
I meet his gaze and find nothing but sincerity in the depths of his emerald eyes. But I don't feel strong in the slightest. I feel weak and useless.
"Everything hurts," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "Physically and emotionally. I don't know how much more pain I can take."
He offers me a sad smile, his thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of my hand. "You've been through hell and back, but you're still standing. That takes strength, Kay. Real strength. And when you can't handle the weight alone, we are here for you. Always."
I lean into his touch. "Thank you, all of you," I whisper, my voice trembling with gratitude. "For everything."
"We’re your pack, tiny. We protect our own," he says.
"Besides," his tone lifts, lightening the heaviness in the air, and a teasing smile tugs at his full lips. "I have to keep you around. I haven't proved to you that coffee isn't as good as an orgasm yet."
I can't help but laugh, the sound echoing softly in the room. Despite everything, Creed has a way of making me smile, of reminding me that I'm knot alone. I glance around the room, my gaze settling on Candi, who's been watching our exchange.
"Hey, Candi. Do you think I could... maybe... get a shower? I just need to clean up and sleep this off."
"Of course, Kay," she says, stepping forward. I'll help you get cleaned up. I have scent-cancelling shampoo you can borrow."
I offer her a grateful smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over me at the thought of washing away the remnants of the night's events. Creed and Vaughn each grip one of my elbows, their support giving me the strength to stand. The promise of hot water and scent-canceling shampoo urge me forward. But the thought of these people—my pack—standing with me gives me hope.
Tonight, I will let the water cleanse me. Tomorrow, I will rise stronger. And together, we'll face whatever darkness lies ahead.
.