Fractured (Josie) novel Chapter 248

Chapter 0248 

**Luke’s POV** 

25 BONUS 

Seeing Theo so broken had scared me. There was no need for the level of violence they had inflicted on him. He was one man alone against a team of fighters. They could have easily subdued him with minimal violence. If these people could do that to him, then what did they do to Harper to get the information from her? She’s just a kid, she doesn’t even have her gifts yet. I hope she gave them the information easily and didn’t try to resist, because I hate to think what state she might be in if she tried to withstand their Interrogation. 

The kids were so brave. When I had pushed open the door to the cinema room, I had a split second of panic when the kids were nowhere to be seen, then I’d spotted Elljali’s small foot poking out from under the seat. 

“It’s okay, you’re safe,” I’d told them, and at once 5 little heads popped up from between the seats at the sound of 

my voice. 

They looked scared but completely unharmed, thanks to Theo holding them back as long as he did. The relief on their little faces when they saw me had brought a tear to my eye. They had run from their hiding spots and all hugged me in a giant huddle, even Joel, who doesn’t like physical contact, and Atlas, who tells us he’s too old for cuddles. This is the first time they’ve felt threatened, and I pray it’s their last 

I feel the moment that Theo is healed, the relief from Mason and Josie flowing freely through the bond, followed by Josie’s exhaustion. I push some energy her way, not wanting her to draw on Axe and Deacon whilst they deal with the threats upstairs. She will need to rest after such a power drain, but she will be fine in less than an hour. 

Deacon lets us all know the current threat is over, and we make plans to get the kids home and safe. I call my mum and explain the situation, and she quickly agrees to get to our house, ready to watch the kids when we arrive. 

Mason carries Josie into the cinema room and lays her down on a recliner chair whilst assuring the kids she is fine and just sleeping. The kids huddle around her quietly. The walks in after them. He’s a bloody mess, but he looks so much better than he did a few moments ago. I stride towards him, intent on helping him to a seat, but when I reach him, gratefulness, pride and relief overwhelm me and I throw my arms around him in a hug. 

“I’m glad you are okay. For such a skinny guy, you are one tough badass, you know,” I laugh. 

“Thanks for finally noticing,” he grins, and he looks terrifying grinning like that whilst covered in blood. 

I’m about to suggest he goes and cleans himself up so he doesn’t scare the kids, but it’s too late, the younger ones are already here, hugging him like the hero he is. 

“I’m okay, your Mum healed me,” he reassures them as they cry at the sight of him. 

“Give him some space kids, let him sit down,” Mace say softly. 

Sammy takes Theo’s hand and guides him to the chair next to Josie. Jensen hands him a drink and Elijah brings hin a half–eaten chocolate bar. Theo smiles at them taking their offerings. 

“I’ll go help pack up their stuff, and then we can get them home,” Mason says before leaving the room. 

“I want you to teach me how to fight,” Atlas says with a determined look on his face that breaks my heart. 

It’s obvious why he wants to learn. He’s scared and feels defenseless. I feel like we failed them today. We should never have left them like this. We should have taken them home as soon as we knew Harper was missing. 

“Me too,” Joel says, his voice croaky from disuse and I almost break down. 

Joel doesn’t talk unless absolutely necessary. He is capable but rarely verbalises anything, so the fact he is talking 

+25 BONUS 

now shows how affected he is by what has happened today