His head thumped like someone was using his brain for congas. Groans escaped through his lips when he pressed them together, and an ache radiated up his jaw. Voices chattered around him and he realized he wasn’t alone. He forced his eyes open.Tom stood over him, gripping the side rail tightly. His features were a tight mask of emotion with his lips pursed and eyes narrowed. Malachai turned his head in the direction Tom gazed and swallowed back the yelps from the sudden stinging behind his eyes. Ian Blaidd, Alpha of the Volkshire pack, leaned against a glass partition with his arms crossed. Machinery beeped. He was in an isolated room in the medical bay.He breathed through his nose as Tom drew his arms close to his body.“Take it easy, Colonel.” Tom placed his palms on Malachai’s shoulders. “You’ve been in and out of consciousness for twenty-four hours.”“What the hell did you do, dumb ass?” Ian stomped toward the bed.“Fuck you, dog.” Malachai croaked. His tongue felt thick and dry in his mouth.“You forget your place, human.”
