Page 88 of Knotting Autumn

Four of the guards followed us without any instruction from Hunter. Clearly, they had prepared for us. Around the side of the building, the trees thinned, revealing various smaller cabin-style homes scattered throughout. Some looked more like offices or storage buildings, but it was hard to tell.

We walked for what seemed like an hour, trudging through pine needles and past bunches of flowers, until we reached astructure further from the rest. Twisting, I could see the rest of the compound behind us, but this one was clearly set apart.

Thorne opened the door without having to unlock it, and we stepped into a small living room. Leather sofas created an L shape in front of a fireplace, a large television mounted above it.

Everything was masculine, comfortable, and tidy. The space felt like Thorne. Even Sawyer relaxed when the door shut behind us. Moving to the window, I watched as Hunter’s cronies spread out around the cabin. It felt a little too much like being a prisoner, and dread swirled in my gut.

“It’s okay,” Thorne reassured me, gathering me in his arms. Resting against his chest, I breathed in and out until the sick feeling subsided. Through my lashes, I watched Sawyer wander down the hallway.

“I’m sure he’s going to Cole’s room,” Thorne murmured. “He can’t help it. Being separated, especially so soon after bonding, is torture. I remember.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, reaching up to wrap my arms around his neck, tightening my hold into a hug.

He kissed my throat and then buried his nose in the crook of my neck, inhaling my scent. My fingers trailed through his hair for a moment before I pulled back.

“I want to check on Sawyer. I’m not sure I can do anything to help, but I’ve got to try.” Swallowing, I glanced over my shoulder.

“I’m going to sweep for any listening devices. Watch your words until I’m done, okay?”

Nodding, I trailed down the hallway in search of Sawyer. One door led to an office next to a bedroom that smelled like Thorne. The last door had to be Cole’s room.

Pushing it open quietly, I took in the space. Old band posters were framed along one wall, and dark black-and-gray plaid curtains covered the windows. It felt like a teenage Cole.

The bed was a simple metal frame with plain charcoal linens. Sawyer was sprawled out over it, his face buried in the pillow. I was sure he heard me come in, but he didn’t move.

Heart shattering, I crossed the room and climbed onto the bed beside him, placing a kiss on his shoulder and running my nails down his back. Through our bond, I felt his sadness ease a fraction.

After a moment, the door swung open again. Thorne leaned in. “All clear. No bugs.”

“Thanks,” I said. “Okay, no one is listening in and we can talk, if you want,” I said softly, cuddling up closer to Sawyer.

Rolling over, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pressed his face into my chest.

“We’ll get him back soon,” I said, brushing my fingers through his mess of golden curls.

Thorne settled onto the bed at my back, stretching his legs out and resting a hand on my shoulder. The warm touch provided balance to Sawyer’s intense emotion, anchoring me.

Turning his head, Sawyer fixed me with those endlessly green eyes. “It doesn’t feel like it. He’s numb through our bond, and I’m so scared of what they’re doing to him. And I can’t explain it, but he feels hopeless.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, unsure what else could help. Leaning forward, I pressed my lips to his cheek.

The sound of a knock on the door broke us apart. Frowning, Thorne rose and left the room.

“What the fuck?” Sawyer muttered, sitting up.

Rolling off the bed, I straightened my clothes and followed him to the door.

Thorne was hugging another woman when I returned to the living room, and jealousy raged through me so sharply I had to press my palm to my chest to fight it back. He was allowed to have female friends, but something instinctive and animalistichad reared up. Swallowing, I shook off the feeling and stepped forward.

“Autumn,” Thorne said, “this is Mia and James. They’ve been keeping us informed of Hunter’s moves the best they can.”

The woman swept mousy brown hair behind her ear and smiled warmly at me. “Lovely to meet you. I could tell Thorne was smitten from his messages.”

“And this is Sawyer. He is Autumn’s other mate and Cole’s fated mate,” Thorne added.

Mia’s eyes widened a fraction. “Ah, I see.”

James cocked his head, one black lock of hair falling over his eyes. Tattoos covered his neck, arcing around an obvious claim scar.