“Twins… I bet they would have been beautiful like you.”
Oh, dear God.I should just shut up.She starts to breatheheavily and tears gather in her eyes again.When her lip begins to tremble, Ipull her into my arms and hold her tightly.
“I’m sorry,” I apologize.“I’m sorry.”
She raises her face to mine, bewilderment in her eyes.“Am Ibeing punished?It’s not fair!”
“You’ve done nothing to be punished for.”
She buries her face in my chest, sobs rocking her entirebody.If anyone deserves punishment, it’s me.Punishme,God.Thiswhole situation is my fault.Just show me how to take her pain away.I holdher because it’s the only thing I can do.
“I want my daddy!”
“I know… but I’m here, sweetheart.”
“No!”She pushes at my chest until I release her.“I don’twant you here.Just leave me alone!”
“Casey—”
“Just go!”she screams.“And don’t come back!”
“Fine.I’ll go.”At the door, I turn to face her.“I’ll go,but I’m not going far.I’ll be back, Casey.”
I walk back into the waiting room and see that Clara, Sam,and Brad have joined Brick and Charlie.They all stand as I approach.Clararushes forward and throws her arms around me.
“Oh, Ethan!How is she?”
“Right now?Angry.But physically, the doctor says she’ll befine.”
“Thank God!Can I see her?”
“Sure.Maybe you can calm her down.”
Clara picks up her thermos, no doubt containing one of herfamous teas, and heads to Casey’s room.I look over at my men, and they allseem distraught.I now realize that this affects them also.I know Charlie andBrick adore her, but the others have grown fond of her, too.Theyhavebeen following her around for weeks.They risked their lives for her.If theyweren’t there last night, I would have certainly lost her.I walk toward them,hand outstretched.Sam takes it first, and I pull him into a one-armed hug.Ido the same with Brad, and he pats my back.
“Thank you… for everything you did last night, everythingyou’ve done these last few weeks.”
“It’s no problem.We only did what we would have done foryou.”
At Brad’s words, the other three men nod and I see somethingin their eyes—acceptance.They’ve accepted her, not just as my mate, but astheir alpha.
***Casey***
I open my eyes, and he’s the first thing I see.All 6'2"of him crammed into a chair by my bed, a small blanket barely covering hislegs.He’s asleep.I’m surprisedIwas able to sleep… and I feel so calmand rested.What the hell was in that tea Clara gave me?
He’s here.I chased him off, and he’s still here.He looksso peaceful, his chest rising and falling, his breathing even.He does look alittle ragged, though; he hasn’t shaved, probably hasn’t even showered.Howlong has he been here?
The door opens, and he jerks awake, looking in thatdirection.I also turn as the doctor enters.
“Good morning, Casey.”He nods to Ethan.“Sheriff.”
“Morning.”
Ethan returns a nod in acknowledgment.
“How are you feeling?”
You want to know how I’m feeling?My world hasfallen apart, and I’m hanging on to this life by a thread.That’s how I’mfeeling.
