Page 60 of Alpha Chained
This can’t be happening!
I stare in horror at the scene unfolding before me. Barrett lies motionless, blood pooling around his massive form. The others are wrestling Riot away, his powerful body thrashing violently against their restraints.
Guilt consumes me like a raging wildfire.
This is all my fault.
I promised Riot a safe haven here, a place where he could finally be free from the nightmare he’s endured for so long. But instead, I’ve led him right back into a new kind of hell.
My gaze shifts to Jagger, his chest heaving with exertion and rage. His eyes burn with an intensity I’ve never seen before, even from our fearless Alpha. The others avoid his piercing stare, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot.
“Jagger, I…” I trail off in the face of the raw power rolling from him, fighting the urge to drop my gaze.
Jagger’s expression softens slightly as he meets my eyes. “I’m sorry, Raura. This didn’t have to happen,” he says, his voice strained but steady. “We’ll discuss how to move forward, but first, we need to tend to Barrett.”
My throat works as I look over at where the giant shifter is motionless on the ground. Tarkin is hovering beside him, his hands pressed over his belly, staunching a gush of blood and gore. My stomach churns at the sight, and I look away.
“We need the doc,” Jagger snaps at someone nearby, then he strides off without another word, his form radiating waves of anger. I hurry behind him, my heart pounding in my chest. Seeing my Alpha in such a state fills me with dread. But even worse is the thought of what’s become of Riot, the man who risked everything to save me.
“Jagger…” I begin anxiously.
He raises a hand, not turning around. “Not now, Raura.”
My heart sinks, but I work to keep up.
There has to be something I can do!
We hurry through the barracks, my feet struggling to keep up with Jagger’s long strides. The narrow hallways are empty, the usual bustling activity replaced by an eerie silence in the wake of the confrontation. Occasionally, we pass an open door, revealing concerned faces peering out. I barely pay attention to them.
“Jagger, please,” I pant, my voice tight with desperation. “You have to understand. Riot saved my life.”
He doesn’t break stride, his jaw clenched tightly. “And now he may have cost one of my best men his.”
The words slice through me like sharpened steel. “That wasn’t his intention! I know it wasn’t! He’s a good man, Jagger.”
Jagger whirls on me so abruptly that I stumble back a step. “You expect me to excuse his actions based on intent? This kind of behavior cannot be tolerated here.”
I open my mouth to protest further, but the arrival of Doctor Bea cuts me off. The older woman’s eyes crinkle warmly as she greets me. “Welcome home, honey.” She pats my shoulder. “I really want to spend time with you – we’ll catch up as soon as I’m done, alright.” Not waiting for a response, she turns her attention back to Jagger, all business now. “Give me an overview, Jagger.”
Jagger’s jaw tightens. “Deep gut wound, Doc, possible organ damage. He’s bleeding out bad.”
Her face is grim, but her tone is steady when she responds. “He’s a tough one, Jagger. He’s dealt with worse. If I know Barrett, he’ll be up by morning, demanding breakfast. And I’m pretty sure that Cedara will be a dutiful nurse.”
“Yeah. Sure.” Jagger’s jaw is set in a hard line. “Give me an update as soon as you’ve seen him.”
“Absolutely.” Dr. Bea nods before moving briskly in the direction we just came from. Jagger resumes his previous course, and I fall in behind him, my stomach twisting into knots.
Poor Barrett.
And poor Riot – he never meant for any of this to happen. I’m sure of it. He must have been so overwhelmed. This has been his first taste of freedom. It’s not surprising that he hasn’t adapted yet.
“Jagger, you have to understand,” I start again, desperation creeping into my voice. “Riot has been through so much. He was a prisoner, forced to fight for his life over and over again. That’s the only way he knows how to react now. But deep down, he’s a good man. I’ve seen it.”
Jagger doesn’t respond, his face a stony mask. We round a corner into the hallway leading to his office. My heart pounds. I need to explain everything before he makes any rash decisions regarding Riot’s fate.
As we approach the heavy door, Jagger pauses, one hand on the handle. He looks down at me, his dark eyes unreadable.
“We’ll discuss this inside,” he says gruffly.