Fractured by N.O Darling

Chapter 306

** Axel’s POV**

Convincing Josie to get in the shower hadn’t been nearly as difficult as I expected. I think she needed the break away from everyone to gather her own thoughts.

I wish I could port her home, so she can shower in a place she feels more comfortable in, but we have to work with what we have at the moment, and that is the communal showers in the training facility.

I should send her into the female showers and wait for her outside, but there’s no way I’m leaving her alone. Grabbing up two of the military–issue clothes packages in our sizes and two wash kits that include towels, I push open the door to the men’s changing room.

“Hurry it up in here. I need the room,” I call out.

“Axe, I can shower in the ladies‘ room,” Josie says from behind me. Her voice is so soft and she sounds tired.

“I’m not leaving you,” I shake my head, turning to face her

Her sad eyes search mine and I can see she is close to tears again. I hate seeing her like this. She is so strong and the bravest woman I know, but yet again she is being tested by the fates. It’s cruel that we are given back one person we love, only to have another taken from us an hour later. Haven’t we already been through enough? Hasn’t Josie proved herself enough?

“Let me check the women’s, there’s probably no one even in there,” she nods, accepting I’m not backing down on staying with her.

I follow her to the female changing room and stand back as she enters.

“Is anyone in here?” She calls out.

I’m almost done,” a female voice calls back.

later a woman I recognise as one of the techs

she smiles sympathetically.

you,” Josie breathes.

so sorry about your bond. I’m going to grab some coffee and get straight to searching for any

thank you,” I respond, because I can tell Josie is unable to speak right now without losing her

as she pushes open the door to the ladies‘ changing room. I follow her in and flick the lock on the door so no one can come in and catch me naked in here.

wash kits inside the stall before turning the shower on so it has a chance to

with her arms crossed protectively over her chest and she stares off into space,

I promise you I’m going to get you through this,” I say to her as I gently move her arms, so I can pull off

1/2

Chapter 206

he left willingly?” She asks, her voice cracking

+25 BOARS

as much as the rest of us. I know I could never leave

others doubt him, it kills me to know we are

to them. Think it’s easier for them to think he left of his own free will than accept the scary truth that he was taken from us. They’d rather think he is well than in trouble, and they also don’t want to admit that someone with our strength was able

makes sense,” she nods, “But

help her into the shower. I scrub the dirt from her skin and her hair until the water runs clear, and then I wash myself as quickly as possible before wrapping

knots from Josie’s hair whilst she closes her eyes, desperately trying to connect with Luke. I don’t speak, letting her concentrate and lending her some of my strength in an attempt to strengthen the connection.

feel a flicker through the bond. A brief, but sure spark of confusion from