Chapter 38 – COSIMA #2
"I hate to interrupt whatever... this is," I say, gesturing vaguely at the testosterone-fueled drama unfolding before me, "but I really need to be going." I pause, considering. "Though I wouldn't say no to a shower first."
The reaction is immediate and almost comical. All three alphas tense, exchanging panicked looks.
"You can't leave," Nikolai says firmly.
"Absolutely not," Raven agrees. From the shocked look Geo gives him, it's probably the first and last time they'll ever be on the same page about anything.
"Look," I say with a tired sigh, crossing my arms. "I've been held captive more than enough for a hundred lifetimes, and I'm fucking done with it.
So unless you want me to feed you to my large and very carnivorous bodyguard—who's feeling quite peckish since I wouldn't let him eat the last few assholes who tried to take me against my will—I suggest you choose the easy way. "
The Knight's growl deepens right on cue, as if backing me up. I have to bite back a smile at how perfectly he's playing along.
I'm definitely keeping him.
Azarel owes me that much, at least.
After everything I've been through? He can deal with sharing me with a giant mutated alpha. And maybe the Knight will even eat Monty, assuming that bastard's still alive.
Win-win.
"Well, kid, ya tried," Geo says, clapping Raven on the shoulder. He turns to me with a resigned shrug. "You're welcome to make a pit stop in the bathroom down the hall. You can even use the nice hand towels I save for my most esteemed guests."
I scoff. "How generous."
"Wait!" Raven steps forward, those big blue eyes practically sparkling with desperation. "There must be something you want. Something that can convince you to stay."
I open my mouth to tell him exactly where he can shove his offers, but then I pause. These men are clearly well-connected in the criminal underworld. They probably know things. Have access to information networks I could never tap into on my own.
"There is something," I say slowly.
Raven perks up immediately. "Name it."
"I'm looking for someone." I watch their faces carefully. "His name is Azarel, but he could be going by any number of aliases. He's a Surhiiran commander in Reinmich's army. Ring any bells?"
I can tell by their blank expressions it doesn't.
"Not off the top of my head," Raven says carefully, "but I can find out. I can find anyone."
There's no mistaking the confidence in his voice, but he could be full of shit. I'm pretty sure he'd say anything to get me to stay here.
And I sure as fuck don't trust Nikolai.
I hesitate, glancing at Geo. "Is that true?"
His expression sours slightly, like he's tasting something bitter. "Yeah," he says with a grudging scowl.
Well. Considering he's clearly about as happy about us being here as I am, that reluctant admission carries more weight than any of Raven's eager promises.
"Alright," I say, drawing myself up to my full height.
Which isn't particularly impressive next to these towering alphas, but the Knight's hulking presence at my back more than makes up for it.
"Here's the deal. I'll stay for forty-eight hours.
If you don't have something for me by then, I'm leaving.
And if any of you fuckers tries to stop me… "
I trail off, hoping the Knight and I are on the same frequency. He growls loud enough that I can feel the vibrations in the floorboards at the perfect moment.
Someone's getting a handjob tonight.
And I'm getting a shower.
Talk about another win-win.
"I accept your terms," Raven says, so worked up I'm pretty sure he's about to turn into a fine mist. His golden hair catches the light as he shifts like he's trying to resist pouncing on me in his excitement.
Which would be a deadly mistake long before the Knight's claws could even sink into him.
"I'll have my contacts searching within the hour.
No one knows the Outer Reaches like I do. "
I catch Nikolai's slight sneer from the corner of my eye. His mismatched gaze is calculating, and I make a mental note to watch him closely.
He's planning something.
Probably how to use this situation to his advantage so whatever the Ghosts paid him doesn't go to waste. Typical alpha behavior.
Then again, Raven thinks I'm his mate.
Which makes him even more dangerous.
Still, what choice do I have? The Outer Reaches are vast and unforgiving. For all I know, Azarel isn't even out here looking for me. He could be searching the Capital, or maybe my father sent him on some other mission. If Raven can actually find him, or at least get a message to him...
Forty-eight hours is a small price to pay for potentially saving myself weeks or months of aimless wandering. Even with the Knight at my side, it's a journey from hell, and I'd be lucky if I survived.
"You must be exhausted," Raven says, his voice softening with concern that seems oddly genuine. "And starving. When's the last time you had a proper meal? I'm sure what this beast was feeding you wouldn't qualify as scraps for a dog." He shoots Nikolai a sneering look.
"Oh, fuck off, drama queen," Nikolai snaps.
My stomach growls traitorously at the mention of food. The berries from the forest feel like a lifetime ago, and I haven't exactly been prioritizing regular meals while running for my life.
"I need meds, too," I add. "Meds to keep me from getting pregnant. I had some help getting out of my heat last night, and I'm pretty sure if anything comes of it, I'll… uh… die."
Nikolai stares at me, then at the Knight, then back at me again.
I smirk at him.
"On it," Raven says immediately, already moving toward the door. "I'll show you to the guest room. You can get cleaned up and rest. I'll bring you food." He pauses, glancing at the Knight. "And, ah, perhaps some oil for your friend's… blade hands?"
The Knight's growl is intense enough that it rattles my teeth. I have to bite back a laugh. Even with the ornate mask hiding his face, which is too heavily scarred to have much of an expression anyway, I can tell he's deeply offended.
"Sure, sure," Geo mutters from his spot in the armchair by the fireplace. "Make yourselves at home. No need to ask me. I just own the fucking place."
Raven ignores him completely, gesturing for me to follow him through the door. "This way, my goddess."
Goddess, huh? Maybe I won't have the Knight turn this one into hamburger meat. If he follows through on the information about Azarel.
I hesitate for a moment, glancing between the remaining alphas. Nikolai's expression is unreadable, but the tension in his jaw speaks volumes. Geo just looks exhausted and fed up with it all.
Good. Maybe he'll keep Nikolai in line if he gets any ideas about keeping me here.
Come to think of it, why is Nikolai here?
In all the chaos, I forgot to ask.
It takes me all of two seconds to decide I really don't give a fuck. Not when there's a shower and real food calling my name.
Maybe an actual bed, too.
The Knight's massive presence at my back is constant as I follow Raven into the hallway. His heavy footsteps echo off the walls, and I notice with amusement that his gait is even louder than usual. Probably still pissed about the oil comment.
"The guest wing is just through here," Raven explains as we walk. "It's not exactly the Capital, but it's comfortable enough. The water pressure in the shower is divine—I made sure of that myself."
I perk up at the mention of a proper shower. "Hot water?"
"Scalding," he promises with a grin. "And I'm sure I left some of my products here. Geo never gets rid of anything."
"You live here?" I ask doubtfully. He seems a bit… fancy for this place. For all its additions, it's still essentially a series of tunnels in the Outer Reaches.
"Oh. Well, I used to," he corrects quickly. "It's a long story and I'm sure you're too tired to hear it all. But there will be plenty of time to get to know each other later."
"We'll see," I say sharply. "If you follow through on what you promised."
His smile doesn't falter. "Of course. A lady who demands results. I respect that."
I snort. "You are a strange alpha, Raven."
A strange man, period.
"Wouldn't be the first time I've heard that," he muses, coming to a stop near the end of the hallway.
We reach an ornate wooden door that looks like it was salvaged from some pre-war mansion. Raven produces a brass key from below the doormat with a shake of his head, as if he can't believe it's there, and unlocks the door to reveal a surprisingly luxurious suite.
"Your sanctuary awaits," he says with an elaborate bow. "The bathroom is through there, and I'll have food sent up shortly. Is there anything specific you'd like?"
I eye the massive bed longingly, wondering just how desperate I am for a shower. The exhaustion I've been fighting suddenly hits me all at once. When was the last time I slept in an actual bed? The tower doesn't count. I was too terrified to really rest there.
Even if there is a traitorous—and apparently, clinically insane—part of me that misses the nest I made with Nikolai's scent all over it.
I've been out here too damn long. The radiation is starting to get to me.
"Anything that isn't irradiated or previously owned by raiders will do," I say dryly.
Raven's face lights up. "I know just the thing. Give me twenty minutes." He pauses in the doorway, his expression softening. "I know you have no reason to believe me yet, but I'm so glad I found you. And I promise, you're safe here." He pauses, glancing up at the Knight. "You and the… gentleman."
Before I can respond, he's gone in a swirl of golden hair and expensive cologne, leaving me alone in the opulent room.
Well, not exactly alone.
The Knight's gaze drifts down to me, and I feel my own bewilderment echoed in those intense blue eyes.
"Tell me about it," I mumble, gesturing for him to come into the room with me. "But it's a chance to rest and recover, and you have my permission to eat anyone who gets out of line. Care to make sure it's above board?"
The Knight moves to inspect every corner of the room, his growl a constant low rumble as he looks for any sign of… well, I'm not sure what he's looking for, but I guess he'll know when he finds it. I let him do his sweep before he gives me a stiff nod I'm pretty sure means it's safe to come in.
I make a beeline for the bathroom and my breath catches at the sight of the massive clawfoot tub. An actual bathtub. With actual hot water.
I haven't had a proper bath since...
Since before the Ghosts took me.
That frigid shower in Nikolai's tower does not count.
I waste no time stripping out of my clothes, deciding I really don't give a shit if there are invisible cameras somewhere the Knight missed. Let them have a fucking show as long as the damn water heater doesn't give out.
I twist the taps and nearly cry when steaming water gushes out. There's an impressive array of bottles lined up on a shelf. Soaps, shampoos, oils, all clearly expensive. Raven wasn't lying about having the good stuff.
As I sink into the hot water, I can't help the moan that escapes me. The Knight's growl takes on a different note at the sound, and I remember exactly what he's capable of. What that long tongue can do.
But now isn't the time for that.
Is it?
"We're going to have to figure out a way to get you in here," I tell him. "You're covered in dirt."
He looks down at his new cloak in what appears to be confusion.
"Maybe one limb at a time," I muse, sinking into the water. I blow bubbles up to the top, my hair swirling around me. I'm going to have to empty this tub a few times before I feel remotely clean, but it's a start.
A luxurious one, at that. Even if I do have to deal with a few strange and overbearing alphas in the meantime.
Gods know I've dealt with worse.