Hay Creek

Chapter 14.

Kai

The only words that repeated in my mind were Romans. "There you go. By the time you'll try to get your venom out of her, it's already too late. I won." I bit her. I didn't control myself and I let my venom lose.

Greyson was driving and Avery sat in the back seat with Quinn and Marley. Quinn's body was trembling, because it didn't know how react to my venom. We had a cloth tied just above the bite, preventing the venom from spreading. I knew it wouldn't do much, but I was hoping it would. Luckily it wasn't the full moon, so maybe we could stop the change. Maybe there was a chance to save her from this. I closed my eyes and crossed my arms. This was the worst birthday ever.

Avery

Quinn was in agony, her body trembling uncontrollably. I felt helpless, unsure of how to ease her pain. All I could do was keep her warm, but her temperature fluctuated wildly, making it difficult to tell if I was succeeding. I glanced at Marley, who offered me an apologetic smile. It was okay—I wasn't blaming anyone. I could see how deeply this weighed on him, but if anything, Quinn had been saved. He had saved her.

When we finally reached the alpha house, everyone rushed out of the car, waiting for Kai's instructions. He looked devastated. "Greyson and Archer, take Quinn to the full moon room." I had no idea what that was, but I doubted it came with a bed.

Lachlan stepped forward, opening his mouth to speak, but Kai interjected. "Lachlan, I need you to stay with her. Can you do that?"

"Yes. Thank you," Lachlan replied without hesitation.

"The rest of you, go rest." With that, he vanished inside.

I turned to Marley, who was watching her mate help Quinn out of the car. I wanted to join them and be by Quinn's side—she was my best friend, after all. But I also knew she'd be okay with Lachlan there. I glanced back at the alpha house, where Kai had already disappeared.

"Go to him. He needs you," Stella urged. I nodded, feeling reassured. "Yeah, she's going to be fine," Marley added.

"Okay! Thank you, guys."

I made my way into the alpha house and headed up to Kai's room. Unsure if he was there, I knocked on the door and waited. Two minutes passed with no answer, so I knocked again. Still nothing. I decided to let myself in, but the door wouldn't budge—he'd locked it. "Kai!" I called out.

"I hate him so much," came his voice, thick with emotion.

I closed my eyes, feeling the same anger. Roman lived without purpose, and even if he had one, he was determined to drag Kai down with him. I didn't think Roman truly hated Kai; I believed he was just jealous, and that was why he wanted to ruin everything.

"I know," I said softly. I knew Kai wasn't ready to process what had happened tonight. It was never okay to be forced into a situation like that. I sank to the floor, leaning against the door, my legs stretched out in front of me. "You have to stay strong, Kai. This could lead to something positive."

"I'm trying. It's not that I don't see it that way; I just didn't want this for her." What could I say to comfort him?

"But you didn't want her to die either. You did what you thought was right, and you did the best you could. I'm sure if you had more options, you would have saved her differently. Kai, I'm really glad you saved her. She's alive because of you."

"I just need to get stronger. I know I will."

His determination made me smile. "I know you will."

"Are you staying?" he asked softly. I glanced sideways at the door. "Do you want me to stay?"