“Don’t be afraid,” Bane says.
“Okay,” I say.
Their voices fade slowly, and I frown.
“We won’t leave you,” Hunter promises. I nod, or I think I do.
“Fight,” Lawson growls.
“We won’t allow you to leave us,” Remy says, but I have to strain to understand his words.
“I can’t leave. I’m finally happy,” I mumble.
My body feels heavy. Hands lift me, and my head hits a pillow.
I refuse to leave them for long. The thought barely crosses my mind when sharp pains radiate from the bites to the rest of my body. My eyes are closed, yet I’m screaming in my mind. I tried to picture my mates' faces instead, and my need to return to them.
In the next instant, I’m lost in the agony.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Hunter
“Why are you down here?” Bane asks.
“Is there any change?” I glance up from my computer.
“No,” he grits out. “Lawson and Remy are with her.” He steps inside the room. “Did you send a message on the group chat?”
“Yes. I assume you saw it,” I say, looking back at the screen.
“I did.” He walks to the front of my desk. “I just thought I was imagining things until I smelled Sally’s scent outside the house.”
“I’m not taking any chances. I want the house surrounded by our people.” Sally was thrilled to be the first to respond and gladly accepted the invitation. “Sally can come inside. Her mates don’t want her to strain herself.” He huffs. “She called to confirm, and said it with an ironic drawl. She’s staying outside for thirty minutes to prove a point. Let her in when the time comes.”
“Hunter—”
“Just about everyone accepted, except the panthers and wolves. They checked in and are dealing well with the rescue. They should be back in a couple of days. There wasn’t much resistance. The kids had already seen some things that will take them time to overcome the memories.” I finish an email and look up. “The lions are going to shift and walk the property. Breeane thought it was an excellent date night. All the vampires are prepared to mind fuck anyone who comes. Quinn called the men who work for him. Kade and Cash are running the boundary and know what her father and Brian look like.” I look toward the door. More vehicles are coming. “Most of the dragons are flying, eager to spread their wings and burn her family to a crisp if they get close. Penny wanted to come, but is too close to giving birth. Laken and Bishop are with her at home.” I meet his eyes. “Rylee is still recovering, and Heath apologized for not coming. I assured him that we had enough family here.”
“Is that all of them?” he drawls.
I frown and look at the wall. “There are a few more, but I can hardly keep track.” He shakes his head. “The important part is that no one will interfere or get to Haven while she is transitioning.”
“Brother,” he sighs.
“I know,” I grumble, rolling my shoulders. I avoid his pointed stare and move to another document. “Shit happens. I won’t allow it to happen today.”
“She’s been asleep for four hours,” he says softly.
“That’s a nice way to put it,” I growl low.
“We knew it would take time.” He puts his palms on the desk, leaning.
“Doesn’t mean she's not going through hell.” I flex my fingers over the keyboard.
“Haven will fight through it,” he says softly.
“I know,” I whisper.
