Prideful Savage (A Warrior's Redemption #1) - Miranda Bridges Page 0,35
creature in my shadow, and the terror burning starkly upon her face at my form unsettles me. Do I disgust her? This is what I am beneath my flesh: a feral beast with only a desire to fuck or kill. The thought of revolting, or perhaps even terrifying her, affects me in a way I did not anticipate. I growl softly at her, the only way I’m able to communicate in this form, in hopes she’ll realize I’d never hurt her.
As for these sorry sons of bitches? They made a big fucking mistake the moment they shot at my mate. I may not have claimed Ella yet, but I’ll be damned if I’m to see her harmed in any way. I sink my claws into the soil and bend, ready to lunge. The roar building in my chest burns through my rock-covered skin, turning the once black layers of molten rock a vivid shade of red.
“Bravik, don’t kill them!”
I pause in my attack upon hearing Ella’s voice penetrating my bloodlust. I turn my head to look down at her, but the sound of a trigger stills my movements. A dart whistles through the air below me, its course set straight for Ella. Despite that I’ll burn Ella the moment I touch her, I drag her out of the way with a rapid swipe of my claws, and the dart slices into my back.
A veil of darkness consumes my vision, the inferno within me all but extinguished.
Ella
For the first time since I met Bravik, I’m petrified to see him.
“Are you sure you want to speak to the brute?” the jailer asks, his brows pulling together. He glances at me and then shakes his head in obvious disapproval. “That alien is nothing but a threat, to you and everyone else in this base.”
“Forrest, is that your name?” When he nods, I continue. “I’m on a tight schedule and would appreciate it if you would take me to the prisoner. There is information I’ve been ordered to acquire, and I don’t want to keep General Markel waiting.”
I don’t have the inclination, or the patience, to correct Forrest’s misconceptions about Bravik. However, that altercation in the woods showed me a lot. Although I can’t blame the leader of this rebel base for not immediately allowing me access, there was no reason his men should’ve been so hostile. And Bravik? He protected me, sacrificing himself so that I wouldn’t be hurt.
And in return, I betrayed him to my people.
It was never my intention for him to be harmed or captured, but his unwillingness to leave me alone would not be altered. Every time I think about how adamant he was to stay by my side, there’s a pang in my chest that steals my breath. Now it’s my turn to be loyal to him and ensure his freedom.
“Very good,” Forrest says. He opens the door that leads down into the lower levels underground, where the jail is located. “Follow me, please.”
We walk in silence, and my stomach churns with my every step. Will Bravik give me a chance to explain? Even if he does, will he believe me? For reasons I cannot explain, it matters a great deal to me that Bravik and I are on good terms. Actually, more than that. I’ve grown close to him, and the thought of him hating me is not something I want to live with. It’s not a big deal in the scheme of things, but to me it’s crucial.
Because I’ve grown to care for him.
I don’t know how this happened, since he’s repeatedly admitted to needing me in order to be relieved of his curse, which should make me feel as if I’m being used, yet there’s more to it than that. Along with naming me as his salvation, he’s also cared for my injuries, rescued me from Emji, saw to my needs—both basic and carnal—and he has never lied to me. The truth he gave wasn’t easy to digest, but at least he was never deceptive when I asked him something outright. And me? The only time I was truly myself was when I was in his arms. In this constant battle for freedom against the G.C., I’d forgotten who Ella was. I’m just a woman who wants justice, and to find someone to love when the time is right.
Assuming I haven’t found the latter already…
The moment I round the corner, I school my features, not wanting Bravik to witness my inner turmoil. He may sense