Alesia's POV.
A scream tore from my throat before I even realized it. I dropped everything and ran straight to Antonio.
I dropped to my knees beside him, throwing myself over his battered body, shielding him the only way I could. His blood smeared across my arms, warm and sticky, but I didn't care.
A low, rough growl rumbled behind me—deep, animalistic, displeased. The sound sent a chill down my spine.
"Move," he ordered, calm but deadly.
I shook my head, tightening my hold on Antonio. "Please… don't hurt him." I tightened my grip for a breath, then slowly pulled back to check him. Antonio flinched when my hands moved over his ribs, blood drying at his temple. One eye was already swollen shut. He kept blinking like he was trying to make the world steady.
"Are you okay?" I cried. My voice broke. He could barely focus.
I turned to Jericho, fury burning through the fear. "What have we done to you?" I spat. "Why are you hurting him? Why bring my husband into this?"
