The fluorescent lighting flickered overhead, making Levi squint against the strobing brightness. 'He 'd only been left in his cell a half hour or so before the guards pulled him out again. 'They seemed to have steeled themselves, ready for Levi 's resistance, but all the fight had gone out of him. 'Every inhale was accompanied by an ominous rattle, his ribs sore as they flexed over his lungs. 'Breathing hurt, and exhaustion threatened to overtake him, eyes trying to slip closed of their own volition. 'All the adrenaline from his bout and subsequent escape attempt had fled his system, and he was shaky and somnolent in its wake. 'Levi could barely stay conscious, let alone go toe to toe with a half dozen furious Alphas eager for violence. 'There was no way he was getting away any time soon, not with his injuries and the hungry attention of the guards roaming the halls.