Tattered

I flattened my back against the tree and held my breath. Praying that no one would hear me. That my bits of torn clothes wouldn’t guide them. And that I would still be whole by the time my mates returned from ambushing the camp.

Please.

I held one hand over my stomach. The other over my mouth to hush any sound escaping my throat. Boiling fear nearly paralyzing me. Making me feel choked as if I’d never get another breath of air through my throat.

I felt the urge to move one of my legs, to alleviate the ache boring through me from my mates loving last night but I didn’t dare move.

Stay quiet. I was reminding myself over and over in a steady chant.

I’d never been so relieved when I saw the face of the dark-haired girl peek around a tree a distance from me and meet my look.

I blew a relieved breath. Recognizing her immediately as my brother’s mate.

Jade was her name. I recalled. Feeling my whole body rela