Page 42 (1/2)

“Baby?” I lean down to pick her up to soothe her panicked body, but she flinches and stu to put distance between us My blood heats andto understand Her chest rises and falls chaotically as her dark eyes penetrate , baby?”

She shakes her head, but doesn’t break eye contact “I’m not okay”

“Okay” Kneeling in front of her, I gently place a hand on her leg She jolts fro ourbond soothe her After a moment, she cal?”

She ss and her eyes dart left and right before she lowers her head “Baby, just tell me” Tears threaten to prick h with her “Did I hurt you?” She adamantly shakes her head and ”

Her dark eyes finally find ain as shame washes over me “It—it reminded me” She doesn’t have to finish My hand falls as nizable mess

“It reminded you of—”

“Of why I started hunting wolves … after what one did to me”

My breathing nearly stops as dizziness overtakesThe moment that was by far the most memorable experience of my life, reminded her of … her assault?

“You were raped?” I don’t kno I get the question out

“Yes”

My hands on her body brought up trau nausea hitsback, I fall on my ass She moves to her hands and knees and crawls over to place a hand onme, “It’s okay”

“No It’s not” How could I let this happen?

I atteuilt overwhelm me With the pull of the moon, my mind whirls Barely able to focus

“What did I do specifically?” I question, and again atte ain”

“I just can’t I can’t be held down” It takes h Did I hold her down? When did I hold her down? I can’t think, I can’t control the shaking

“How?”