Chapter 15: Her Ribs Were Protruding. It Made Me Sick
Dominic
The sun beat down through the trees as out cat approached the entrance to Tempest Howlers territory. I glanced at Avery, still asleep against the window the blanket wrapped tightly around her small frame. She looked peaceful for once–no fear, no tension in her face. just… calm. It was fucking beautiful.
“We’re here.” Julian announced from the driver’s seat, pulling up to the large, open entrance of our pack grounds.
Unlike Blood Moon’s hidden, cramped entrance, Tempest Howlers‘ territory opened like a grand garden gateway. Modern homes nestled among the trees, not towering buildings but spacious structures that blended with the forest. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting golden patterns across the common areas where pack members gathered.
As we drove in, I could see a group working together at outdoor tables, preparing fruit jams. Children darted between trees, playing some version of tag. This was home–warm, open, alive with activity. Nothing like the cold, damp prison Avery had been kept in.
I gently touched her shoulder. “Avery, we’re here.”
Her eyes fluttered open, confusion quickly replaced by alertness as she remembered where she was. Her gaze immediately went to the window, taking the scene outside with undisguised wonder. The way her eyes widened, drinking in the sunlit clearing and the people moving freely–it made my chest tighten. This was what freedom looked like to her.
“This is… your pack?” she whispered, her voice small but tinged with something I hadn’t heard before. Hope, maybe.
“Yes. Welcome to Tempest Howlers.”
For a brief moment, her face lit up with something close to joy. Then, just as quickly, anxiety clouded her features. Her hands clutched the blanket tighter, her shoulders hunching slightly.
“Will they…” She swallowed hard. “Will they accept me?”
“You don’t need to worry about that,” I assured her, watching as she discreetly shifted the blanket, checking something underneath before quickly covering herself again. I caught a glimpse of purple bruising before she hid it away.
She took a deep breath, visibly gathering courage just to step outside the car. Fuck, what had those monsters done to make her this afraid?
“Let me help you,” I said, jumping out first and coming around to her side.
When I opened her door, she was already trying to push the blanket aside, preparing to climb out on her own. I didn’t let her. Instead, I tucked the blanket securely around her and scooped her into my arms. Her body went rigid for a second before she relaxed against my chest.
“I can walk, she protested weakly.
“Not today,” I replied, carrying her through the entrance.
Ethan and Julian exchanged knowing looks as they followed behind us. A guard approached to take the car, nodding respectfully as I passed.
“Alpha!” called a cheerful voice. Mara, one of our older pack members, waved as she approached. “You’re back earlier than expected.”
‘Had to cut the trip short,” I replied, trying to move past without stopping.
“And who’s this?” Her eyes sparkled with interest as she looked at Avery.
“This is Luna,” I stated simply.
The word rippled through the nearby pack members. Heads turned, conversations paused.
‘Luna? We finally have a Luna?” Mara’s fage broke into a wide smile. “Oh, this is wonderful news!”
Other pack members started approaching, their faces curious and excited. I could feel Avery tensing in iny arms with each new person that came near.
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Chapter 15. Her Ribs Were Protruding. It Made Me Sick
We’ll have proper Introductions later, I said firmly, already moving toward the medical building. She needs rest..
I caught Avery’s gaze–grateful but terrified. She wasn’t ready for this attention. Not yet.
The medical room was cool and quiet compared to the bustle outside. I gently laid Avery on the examination bed, where Rachel was already waiting, her white coat pristine as always.
Rachel, quickly, I need you to check her condition,” I said, my voice tense.
My sister nodded, approaching the bed with a professional calm. When she reached for the blanket, Avery’s hands shot out, clutching the fabric like a lifeline.
Her eyes, wide with fear, darted between Ethan and Julian who stood near the doorway.
Julian leaned against the wall, watching with that infuriating half–smile of his. Ethan’s face showed only concern, but Avery clearly didn’t distinguish between them–they were just more men, more potential threats.
“Ethan, Julian, wait outside, I ordered, understanding immediately.
Once they left, I turned back to Avery. “You can trust Rachel. She’s my sister–Julian’s twin and our pack’s healer. Will you let her examine you?”
Avery’s grip on the blanket loosened slightly, but her eyes remained wary. She looked–at–me, a question in her gaze.
‘I’d like to stay, please” I said softly, understanding her unasked question. “I need to see what they did to you. I’m really worried about you. Please. But if you want me to leave too, I will.”
I wouldn’t, actually. Luca was already pacing inside me, demanding to see our mate’s wounds. If I didn’t witness her condition firsthand, he’d tear through my control like paper.
Rachel seemed shocked by my begging tone and looked at me with disbelief.
Avery studied my face for a long moment before giving a small nod. Permission granted. She slowly released her death grip on the blanket.
Rachel approached again, this time with scissors in hand. Avery flinched, eyes locking onto the metal with naked fear.
“I won’t hurt you,” Rachel assured her, voice gentle but matter–of–fact. “Your injuries are under your clothes, and I need to cut the fabric away to treat them properly. With my brother here, we can’t simply remove everything. I’ll find you some of my clothes afterward.”
Avery nodded hesitantly, her eyes still tracking the scissors like they might attack on their own.
Rachel began carefully cutting away the servant’s dress, starting with the sleeves. As the fabric fell away, I felt the air leave my lungs.
She was… Christ, she was thinner than I’d imagined. Skin and bones. Each rib visibly protruding beneath her pale skin. It made me sick–physically fucking
sick.
She should have been strong and powerful, Alpha blood running through her veins. Instead, she looked like she might break if I touched her wrong.
I’ll fucking kill him for this, Luca growled inside me.
Avery’s going to be a tough one to handle. A lifetime of starvation has made her extremely protective of herself.
Rachel gently pressed against Avery’s ribs, checking for breaks. When her fingers made contact, Avery’s face contorted in pain–not fear, but pure phys
agony.
That loose servant’s dress had hidden so much./
As Rachel continued her examination, cutting away more fabric, I saw the full extent of the damage.
Bruises in various stages of healing covered her torso and arms. Some fresh, some yellowing with age. This wasn’t a one–time beating. This was systematic, ongoing torture.
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Chapter 15: Her Ribs Were Protruding. It Made Me Sick
There
were only bruises
but
also pinholes on her
body!
not
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