Chapter 14

Octane

The next afternoon…

I wake up all at once, dragging air into my lungs. It stings, so I hiss, grabbing my chest. My arm hurts, too. I hurt everywhere.

Fuck!

"Easy," Shadow says, leaning over me. She smiles. "Welcome back. It was touch and go for a while. You'll still be hurting. You suffered internal injuries from the fall, including a badly punctured lung. You also suffered a broken leg, a broken arm, and collarbone, among other things."

I wince, touching my side.

"Oh, and the wound to your side is taking its sweet time to heal, since your body has been so focused on keeping you alive."

Alive?

Injured?

What happened?

It all comes flooding back to me. My fight with the Reds in the hope that Trinity would escape.

Trinity!

"Where is she? Where is the Red?" I yell.

"Don't worry. She didn't get away. We have her."

I narrow my eyes. "What do you mean?"

"It's nothing for you to worry about, Octane. I want you to focus on getting better. You'll need another day or two before—"

I push off the blankets and sit up, grunting hard from the pain that claws at me. "Where is she?" I rasp, trying to stand.

"Calm down," Shadow insists, grabbing my arm and pushing me, trying to get me to stay in bed. "You need to rest. Lie down. The Red is being dealt with."

"Dealt with? What the fuck does that mean? How long have I been unconscious?" I growl out each word.

"Since yesterday."

No! Shit!

"Where is she? I want to see her! What have you done with her?" My voice sounds a touch panicked.

"Nothing you wouldn't approve of." Shadow winks at me.

That's what I am worried about.

I stand, and white-hot pain shoots through my right leg, which I grab, choking out a growl.

"No! What are you doing? You idiot! Your leg was broken. It's still healing. You're going to re-injure yourself." Shadow sounds frantic. "Get back into that bed."

"I don't care about injury to myself!" I growl. I start walking, although walking is not really the right term for it. Limping…hobbling, maybe…walking, not so much. I cradle my arm against my body, trying hard not to breathe too deeply since it feels like I'm being stabbed in the chest with each inhalation.

I don't care.

"Get back in bed," Shadow insists, pointing in that direction.

"No! Where is she?"

"You are an idiot, Octane. Get your ass back in bed," she insists.

I ignore Shadow and walk from my bungalow. Sweat breaks out on my forehead from the effort. I ignore it. I ignore the pain and my protesting muscles. I ignore all of it and start walking.

"Either you tell me where she is, or I will have to check each and every building. The sooner you take me to her, the sooner I can get back into bed."

"She's in lock-up. Where else would we be keeping her?" Shadow sounds exasperated. She's trailing behind me. "I don't condone this."

"Lock-up? What the fuck, Shadow?" I head for the back of the offices, limping badly but picking up the pace, regardless. I have to get to her. I have to see her and right fucking now.

I feel something drip down my side and realize that my gash has reopened in my side. It isn't too bad, so I ignore that, too.

"You're leaking," Shadow says, but I don't answer. "You need to get back in bed."

"Octane," Goliath says as we round the corner; his eyes cloud with concern. "What are you doing up?"

"I tried to tell him," Shadow says.

"You almost died," Devil says. "You shouldn't be out of bed."

It seems that the two males are guarding the holding cell.

What the hell!?

I snarl at Devil, and he jumps out of my way. Good! I will kill him, even as badly injured as I am. If Trinity has been hurt, I will kill them all.

I enter the holding cell area and snarl with utter rage when I see her.

Trinity's eyes are wide and pleading. She moans into the gag in her mouth.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I shout at Shadow. "Unlock the door," I tell Devil. "Do it right now or so fucking help me…"

Trinity fights against her restraints. She is naked and tied to a chair. The chair has been fixed to the floor with bolts.

Goliath runs forward. He swipes a keycard, and the metal door clicks open.

"She is the enemy, Octane!" Shadow yells, getting in my way. "You said it yourself. You could have died. Her kind tried to kill you. She knows more than she is letting on. The female is a Red. Why are you acting this way?"

"She is a pregnant female first and a Red second." I brush past Shadow and rush to Trinity, pulling the gag from her mouth. I wince because every movement fucking hurts, but I don't care. I am the cause of all of this. I'm the reason it's happening. I did this. I insisted on keeping her, but I was wrong.

"Octane," she gasps as soon as the gag is gone. "You're alive." She bursts into tears. "They wouldn't tell me anything. I was so afraid." I see a whole array of emotions written in her eyes. Everything from fear to frustration to relief.

I note that her lips are dry as I start to work on her restraints.

"Have you been feeding Trinity?" I glance up. "Why is she naked?" I add.

"We needed her to talk," Shadow says. "Why aren't you listening? This isn't a goddamned hotel. And then back to you nearly dying because of her. No! Fuck that! She got a few sips of water and nothing else."

"Are you insane?" I shout at Shadow. "A fucking animal. How can you do that to another person? To one of ours? Trinity is a shifter, too."

"Look at the red in her markings. She has you fooled, Octane," Shadow says, folding her arms over her chest. "You said you wouldn't let yourself be manipulated, yet here you are being manipulated. She isn't your friend. They tried to kill you. You almost became your father. Another statistic. Another Draiger cut down by a Red."

As soon as her ties are gone, Trinity throws herself into my arms, pressing herself against me. "You're okay. It's you. You're here. I almost can't believe it."

I hold her close, squeezing my eyes shut. "I've got you, Little Red. I've got you," I tell her, rubbing my hand up and down her back as she shudders in my arms.

I try to stand and carry her, but every muscle and every still-knitting bone protests in earnest.

"It's fine. I can walk," she says, tears still running down her cheeks. "I thought you were done for. I thought…" She wipes her eyes, standing and helping me to my feet.

"I'm not that easy to kill." I put my arm around her, leaning on her more than I'd like to, but I don't have much choice; my energy is waning. "Bring food or so fucking help me, Shadow."

"I hope you know what you're doing." Shadow glares at me, her gaze moving to my arm. The one around Trinity.

"Bring me food. Enough for two," I grind out.

Trinity

I stare at him. I know I shouldn't, but I can't help it. He's alive. Octane is alive. For a while there, I didn't think that he had made it. I thought that he had died, that they were blaming me for his death. They treated me like a murderer. Like scum. I guess I can't really blame them. I can understand why. Based on his condition, I would say that it was touch and go for a while.

I was distraught just thinking about him dead or dying.

I felt responsible. I still do.

Octane passed out cold as soon as his back hit the bed. He's been sleeping for hours. I've been napping on and off as well. Trying to rebuild my strength.

For the last while, I've been watching him sleep. This male is something. He has such thick lashes. I didn't realize how long and dark they were. They fan his cheeks as he sleeps. His face is lightly stubbled. His hair is a dark tangle about his shoulders. It's long and wavy. He's beautiful. Not just sexy or attractive…but downright beautiful. From his full lips to the slight cleft in his chin.

"You shouldn't look at me like that, Red." His eyes open. They're beautiful, too…golden orbs that stare into my very soul.

"I was worried," I tell him, chewing on my lower lip. "I'm glad you're awake," I say in a small voice.

"I'm not that easy to kill." He sits up slowly, like he's testing his body.

"Careful. You very nearly died. You were bleeding badly by the time we got back to the bungalow." I point at the sheets, which are bloodied up. "We'll have to change those," I mutter, more to myself.

He looks down at his side. "That looks much better. I feel much better. A little weak, maybe."

"I'm glad." I huff out a sigh. "You had me worried."

His eyes cloud and darken. "I'm sorry they did that to you." His voice has turned rough.

"It's fine. They—"

"It isn't fine at all," he growls. "You're a pregnant female. They should never—"

"I'm the enemy. They thought I had a hand in hurting you. They were convinced—"

"They were wrong…plain wrong. Did you get some food? Water? Are you okay?" He looks down at my belly.

I nod. "I'm fine. I got some rest. The baby has been kicking." I put my hand to my stomach.

Octane does, too. He looks up, gently pressing against me, and thump. We look at one another. Octane grins. "Wow! Was that him? The baby?"

I nod.

"That was amazing." It happens again, and he laughs. "The little one is a fighter."

"He sure is." I nod once more, smiling. "What about you? How are you feeling? You must be hungry." I frown.

"I could do with some water and a hot shower. I'll eat after that."

I jump up and grab a bottle of water, rushing back. I'm still naked; I didn't bother dressing. I see Octane's eyes heat as he takes me in, his gaze tracking my body. It makes me warm inside, even though it really shouldn't.

He takes the water. "Thanks." He unscrews it and drinks it all in one go.

"Better?"

"Much." He nods, then grunts as he stands. I see him sway, and I grab his arm at the last moment, using all of my strength to keep him on his feet.

He moans softly. "I got dizzy for a second."

"You've been through the wringer. You nearly died. I'm sure you lost a lot of blood. That gash was nasty. I'm serious; I'm not sure you should be out of bed just yet. Maybe you should eat first."

"No. I really need a shower." He looks down at the blood caked on his side and his chest. There are streaks of dirt, too.

"I'll come with you…to wash your back." More like to make sure he doesn't fall on his ass and re-break a leg.

"You just want to get me naked."

I choke out a laugh. "You're already naked," I tell him as we enter the bathroom.

He looks down. "So I am." He smiles at me, and I feel things happen inside that have no place happening. No place at all. "You want to get me wet. You may as well admit it. You think I'm sexy when I'm wet." He winks at me.

I sure do. This man could wear a plastic bag and still manage to somehow look sexy.

"Don't flatter yourself, Draiger." I smile at him, and he laughs, wincing.

"My ribs are clearly still healing." He leans against the sink while I open the shower stall and turn on the water. He leans on me as we enter the shower. He groans as the water hits him. "That feels good."

He turns a slow circle so that the water hits him at various angles, then puts his head back under the steady stream.

"I'd better help you." I squirt some of the tropical shower gel into my hand.

There is so much of him. I marvel at his size. I decide to start at his back. I swallow thickly as I take in its broad expanse and his beefy ass. Octane jerks at my first tentative touch. I'm not sure if he is still in pain or if he is reacting to me.

"You okay?" I ask.

"All good." His voice is deep and thick.

I follow the natural contours of his muscles until I finish, and then I move onto his arms, which, despite being relaxed at his sides, are still packed with hard muscle.

He could probably do the rest himself, but I'm enjoying touching him, so I continue. After taking in a deep breath, I slide my hands over his ass, and it's all muscle there, too. Oh, so good to squeeze. His legs are long and thick and as hard as steel. His chest has a smattering of hair. My breath catches a little in my throat as I rub my hands across his pecs, feeling his nipples harden beneath my touch. His eyes are on me.

I turn and grab more shower gel. I'm breathing a little too rapidly for the small amount of exertion. I'm sure if he tried to, he would be able to hear my heart beating out of my chest. There is a light smattering of hair that leads down from his belly button to…his very erect cock.

Holy moly.

My mouth goes dry.

"Your hands feel good," he tells me.

I glance up at him, and his eyes are darker than I've ever seen them. His jaw is tight. I love that he is aroused even in his weakened state. Next, I slide my hands up and down his legs.

"I think I can take it from here," he says, his voice husky.

I shake my head. "You're injured."

"I'm fucking dying right now."

"Exactly. You need me," I husk out, biting my lower lip.

I take more soap so that there's extra lather. I use one hand to palm his balls while I wrap the other around his thick girth. I keep my gaze on his. His eyes turn hazy, and his jaw tightens. Then his cock jerks, and he hisses.

"I do need you." His Adam's apple works, and his erection throbs beneath my fingers as I slide them up and down his length. "Your touch…" His voice is filled with surprise. "It's so damned good." Octane emits a low growl that has my insides turning to mush.

He rocks his hips forward as I slip my hand back down his long length. His eyes close, and his head falls back. He groans softly.

I want him to come. This time, I want to taste him. I know that I will have to go back to Mistveil soon. I can't stay. I don't belong on Draig, but for right now, I have this. Octane is alive. He almost died saving me.

I go down on my knees and gently push him back a step so that water cascades over him, washing away the soap.

His eyes widen, and his mouth falls open for half a second.

"No, you don't have to…" he says, stepping out from under the spray. "Really…you…" His words turn into a snarl as my lips close over his head. "Don't stop. Whatever you do, don't stop." He touches the back of my head ever so gently.

I giggle. I can't help it. His reaction is…sweet.

I swirl my tongue over the tip before sucking lightly. A low growl erupts from him.

"Oh…Trinity… Holy shit!" His hips rock gently. His hands are now fisted at his sides. I take him deeper, as far as he will go. His head hits the back of my throat. He makes the cutest little grunting noise as I pull back. A drop of pre-cum hits my tongue. It's salty and delicious. I swirl my tongue over his tip again and then circle his rim. I glance up, and his beautiful golden eyes stare back; they soften for a moment before darkening with desire. Every muscle on his hard body is corded and ready.

He"s devastating. I can't take my eyes off him.

I take his heavy sac in my hand while I take his cock deep inside my throat again. Octane groans, and my insides tighten…my skin, too. I want him so badly. Using the tips of my fingers, I massage the sensitive area of skin directly behind his balls and suck his head at the same time.

"Female…" A warning…a plea? There is only one way to find out. I do it again. He grunts, twining his fingers through my hair. "You have a wicked mouth." His hips jerk as I take him again. "I love it."

He grunts, letting me go and fisting his hands again. Octane growls low, like he's trying to hold on.

"I'm going to…" he rasps. "I'm nearly…" he grunts. "You should stop if—" He grits his teeth.

Instead of stopping, I pick up speed. His body turns to stone. Octane groans as hot cum spurts into my mouth. To think he wanted me to stop? Forget that. I swallow him down in greedy gulps. Just when I think he is done, another hot spurt hits the back of my throat. He growls softly, threading both hands through my hair in a gentle caress that is at odds with the vision he portrays. I slow, easing up on the level of suction. Then I stop, looking up at him.

"You're amazing. You know that, right?"

I lick my lips. "I enjoyed that," I tell him, meaning every word.

"Thank you," he adds. I note that he is breathing heavily. That he looks a little pale. Perhaps this wasn't the best idea.

I stand. "Let's get you back in bed." I switch off the water.

"Hmmmm…bed…that sounds good." He gives me a lopsided smile.

"You need to rest." I take his arm and help him from the stall.

"Is that what they're calling it now? Rest?" he asks.

I laugh softly as I hand him a towel, and he dries off. I have to help him where it's needed.

He leans on me while we walk. "No, I mean that you really need to lie down."

"We could both lie down…together."

I laugh. "You're lying down, and I'm getting you dinner." I pause. "Although I really need to change your sheets. Sit on the chair for a minute."

The plan was to ease him down, but he drops down hard onto the cushioned surface, flopping back against the backrest. "Crap, I'm so damned weak." He groans softly. He doesn't look great. I knew a shower was a bad idea. Giving him head was really stupid of me.

I walk over to the nearby closet.

"Wait…stop." He even sounds tired. "You don't have to be my nurse. Give me a moment, and I'll change the sheets myself."

I roll my eyes. "Stop being such a stubborn idiot." I put my hands on my hips. Then I open the closet and take out fresh bedding. It doesn't take me long to make up the bed. I throw the soiled sheets into the laundry basket. I'll take care of them later.

It takes some effort to get him up. Octane leans heavily on me. He grunts as I lower him onto the bed. I cover him with a fresh blanket. "I'll be back in a second with something to eat. Try to stay awake." I give him a stern look. He needs food.

He nods. His face is pinched. Before I can pull away, he grabs my hand.

"What?" I frown. "Are you feeling sick? Do I need to get help?"

He shakes his head. "I have everything I need." Then he kisses the inside of my palm. It's so intimate that I gasp softly.

"I could get used to this," he says. "Someone looking after me." He squeezes my hand and then lets it go.

I swallow hard. "That wouldn't be a good idea." I smile for a second. It feels a touch sad. Then I walk away. I rub my thumb over the spot he just kissed.

Octane must be really out of it. He's not thinking straight. That's all that was. That's all it can ever be.