Page 28 of Haven

His gaze met Eric’s, who was frowning. He had a feeling his brother was thinking the same thing. They needed answers for the safety of everyone at the Sanctuary. He needed answers for himself because he’d be damned if anyone hurt this woman. His wolf growled restlessly inside him in total agreement.

“Sadie?” Lily’s voice drew his attention as she rushed forward. “What’s going on?”

Before Sadie could answer, Lily spotted the young girl. Her hand flew to her mouth, and a cry escaped her lips. “No!” She shook her head, and Kile saw the moment terror overcame her. “What did he do to her? Did he find us? Sadie, is he here? We were supposed to be safe here.” Lily’s questions came out in a garbled cry.

Sadie headed her way. “Lily, I don’t—” She stopped when Alex took Lily in his arms, and she curled into him, her body shaking as sobs escaped her.

“No one is going to touch you, Lily,” Alex growled, sounding more animal than human. “I swear it.”

Kile watched as Sadie wrapped her arms around herself and then turned away from them. Their eyes met briefly, and he saw the unshed tears of defeat in her eyes before she looked away. He started to go to her to reassure her that she was safe but stopped when Phil called out to him.

“We have to get her up to Lance’s.” Phil stood with a frown. “I need a sterile place to get this arrow out. Thankfully, it’s notdeep, but infection is already starting to set in. She doesn’t want anyone else but you to carry her.”

Nodding, Kile passed Sadie, who looked lost. “You’re coming with us,” he said, not caring if it sounded like a demand. He didn’t want her unprotected. Kile remained standing in front of her, staring down until she nodded. Only then did he turn toward the young girl, Char.

“You are going to have to be careful picking her up,” Phil told him, then looked at Char. “We have to move you. Kile will be as gentle as he can, but it will cause you pain.”

Char licked her dry lips as she nodded. “I trust him, and I’m already in pain.” She then looked up at Sadie. “Don’t leave me.”

“I won’t,” Sadie promised, stepping closer as Kile bent toward Char.

“Tell me if I hurt you.” He said, keeping his voice calm, but inside, he wanted to kill whoever did this to her. If he found out that it was that bastard, Colton, the fucker would never be able to outrun the rage he was feeling right now. His wolf clawed to be free, but Kile controlled the beast as well as his emotions. He knew Char, being a shifter, would be able to feel it, and right now, she just needed to focus on herself and nothing else.

Kile picked her up as carefully as he could. He stood still, watching her closely. He could see the pain on her face, but the brave girl never uttered a sound. She just laid her head on his chest and then reached out a hand, which Sadie took immediately.

“I got blood on your shirt.” She whispered as they exited the enclosure, following Gemma to one of the trucks.

“I have another one,” he teased with a gentle smile. Once they reached the truck, Eric had put a ramp so he could walk up it into the back. The less he bent his body while holding Char, the better. Thankfully, Lance’s place was right up the hill.

Eric helped Sadie into the back before removing the ramp into the back of the truck. Cole jumped into the back, standing next to Kile to help steady him and Char during the short ride.

“Sit down, Sadie. I don’t want you falling.” Kile looked down at Sadie, who stood on his other side, ready to brace him.

“I’m fine.” She said quickly, looking away from him and back to the young girl. “Char, what happened?”

“They found out I helped you and Lily,” Char whispered, her head against Kile’s bare chest. “I lied and told them I didn’t, but they didn’t believe me.”

“They?” Sadie frowned. “You mean Colton?”

Char sniffed, wiping her eyes, then moaned at the pain that simple movement caused her. “No one believed me.”

“That’s enough.” Kile frowned down at Char when she began to shiver in pain. “You can talk after Phil gets that arrow out of her back.”

“Colton told Sebastian you had taken Lily, and I helped.” Char ignored Kile and continued.

“Brace yourself.” Kile looked down at Sadie as the truck started to come to a stop. He began to walk toward the end of the truck bed, but Char reached out, grabbing Sadie's arm stopping him. He cursed at the cry of pain the movement caused her.

“Sebastian put a bounty on you, Sadie,” Char said, her voice weak and shaky. “I’ve been searching everywhere to find you. To warn you.”

“How much?” Kile growled, his gaze shooting to Cole and then back at Char.

“Fifty-thousand,” Char said, then winced.

Things just got more complicated. Kile frowned, hearing Cole’s whisper, “Fuck.” Cole had arrived just as they were pulling out. He had jumped in the truck while Larry gave him the details quietly.

“Lily is not Colton’s mate,” Sadie said, but there wasn’t fire in her voice. It was more of defeat and fear that sent Kile’s fury into overdrive.

“Your brother is Alpha?” The question came from Cole.