Page 4 of Orion

As soon as we’re out of sight, Orion turns to me and says, “Breathe, Little doll. He’s never going to hurt you again.”

His words are shocking. I don’t understand him. I jerk my head around to look out the back of the cab. I truly am out of Vincent’s sight, but that doesn’t mean shit. I can’t let my guard down. He’ll kill me. Perhaps literally.

I look down at my lap, confused and embarrassed. “I don’t know what you mean,” I mutter.

Brea gently touches my elbow. “How badly is your arm injured?” she asks softly.

I jerk my gaze toward her. “My arm?” How did she figure that out? Vincent will have me hanged if anyone discovers I’m injured.

Orion grips the steering wheel hard, the muscles in his forearm flexing. He’s wearing a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up part way. There’s something mesmerizing about his wrists and huge hands.

He glances at me. “You don’t have to hide your injury from us, Little doll. We’re going to help you. I’m going to help you.”

That’s twice he’s called me Little doll. It’s so odd and sends shivers down my spine. His endearment is obviously just something he says flippantly. It doesn’t mean anything. And yet, I love it.

“I’m fine,” I whisper. I shouldn’t be talking to these people. If they tell Vincent I spoke to them…

Suddenly, I’m in a total panic. “This is a bad idea. I should go back.”

Orion pulls the truck over to the edge of the road and puts it in park before turning toward me. For a moment, I think he’s going to honor my request, which makes my stomach plummet. I never want to go back to Vincent, but obviously I have to at some point, and the longer I’m separated from him, the more he will accuse me of.

Orion carefully picks up my left hand—my uninjured arm. He shocks me when he brings my fingers to his face and rubs my knuckles over his bearded cheek.

My jaw drops as I stare directly at him, my eyes wide.

“There are a million things I want to say, Little doll, but please let me get us farther away before I say them.”

It feels so good to have someone touch me with such kindness. He looks me in the eyes like I matter, and his words are gentle.

I swallow hard, my heart racing as I glance over my shoulder again. “He’ll kill me.” I gasp. Why did I say that? I purse my lips and yank my hand out of Orion’s grip. “I didn’t mean that,” I say toward my lap.

“I think you did, Little doll,” Orion whispers. This time, he reaches up and strokes a finger down my cheek. He even tries to tuck my hair behind my ear. “And I’m bigger than him, Cora. He’s nothing but a bully. He will not hurt you ever again. You have my word.”

I start shaking. “You don’t understand,” I mumble.

“It’s you who doesn’t understand, Little doll. And I can’t blame you. You don’t know the ways of my people. The customs of lion shifters. I will fill you in, but first, we need to get away from here. Please, Little doll. Trust me.”

Panic sets in. Forgetting how much my wrist hurts, I fidget my fingers together on my lap, which makes me cringe.

“Let me see your arm, Cora.” His voice is a firm order, but it’s not filled with malice like Vincent’s demands always are.

“It’s fine,” I repeat, pressing it against my lap.

Brea hasn’t said a word next to us, but she has turned toward me, and she’s stroking my bicep. “Let Orion help, Cora.”

“No one can help me.”

“I can,” Orion promises.

Tears come to my eyes. I can’t stop them. They escape and run down my cheeks. When was the last time I cried in front of people? Probably not since my mom died four years ago. I was sixteen.

Orion cups my face and tips my head back. He uses his thumb to wipe away the tears. “You’re safe now. No one is ever going to hurt you again.” And then he puts the truck in drive and continues down the road.

He doesn’t really give me a choice, but how could I honestly say no? My life is nothing. I’m no one. I’d almost rather die than return to the homestead with Vincent, so I’ll take my chances.

We ride in silence, and Orion pulls the truck into a clearing between what looks like a dozen cabins. He shuts off the engine, opens his door, and jumps down. Before I can protest, he reaches in and lifts me by the hips, easing me out of his side of the truck.

As he sets me on my feet, Brea rounds to our side and looks at Orion. “I’ll just go home. Call if you need anything.” She gives my good hand a squeeze and smiles. “He’s right. You’re safe now.”