“There she is,” I breathe. “My lovely warrior.”
I can’t keep my eyes open any longer.
“Ezra, stay with me. Mate,” she cries.
My lips won’t move. I want to reassure her, yet my body needs rest. She has nothing to fear.
I would never leave her.
Chapter Twenty-One
Rylee
“Rylee, you need to rest,” Heath says.
I keep my focus on my mate. “Not until he wakes up.”
“You should eat something,” Juliana says softly.
Ezra is in the middle of my bed. The doctor left, a gentleman named Estes, who looks ancient, yet moves like a young man. I was told he has taken care of many shifters in the family, and has known the panthers since they were young. Now all I can do iswait. His fox is healing him, but not as quickly as I would like. At least the severe pain I felt through his mark has eased.
“You know Ezra would want you to take care of yourself,” he says, and I sigh.
“You’re right.” I let go of Ezra's hand and stand. “I’ll eat, but I’m coming back.”
“We’ll sit with him while you do,” he offers.
“Thank you.”
I look at my mate again before leaving my room. Alanna and Issy have been cooking. The smell tempted me, but I didn’t want to leave Ezra’s side until I knew he was healing. Haven is sitting at the table with her mates, staring at her coffee, but looks up.
“How is he?” she asks.
“He’s healing.”
“I made you a plate,” Issy says, rushing around the counter.
“I appreciate it.” I drop into a chair, and she puts it in front of me. My eyes feel gritty and raw.
“Rylee, if it wasn’t for me—” She shakes her head, pressing her hand against her mouth.
“No.” I grab her arm, pull it down, and grip her hand. “This isn’t your fault. Ezra wouldn’t want you to blame yourself. Bode would have found a way.”
“I still don’t know why,” she cries.
“He’ll tell us when he wakes,” I say, swallowing. We didn’t hear much as we approached the door. I know it was because of someone he killed.
“No crying,” Alanna says, joining us. “My boy will be fine.”
“I never understood how you can be so calm,” Issy grumbles.
“Because I’m a mother.” She nudges Issy out of the way and sits beside me. “Ezra won’t miss out on loving you forever.” She smiles, and I try not to cry. “He’s been the man who has taken care of us, never worrying about himself. He has something now, it’s important, and beautiful.” Patting my hand, she motions tomy plate. “Eat, and I’ll tell you a story.” I pick up my fork, and she glances around the table. “I lost my mate. I’m sure Ezra told you.” She looks at me.
“Yes,” I whisper.
“I’m so sorry,” Haven says.
“I can’t imagine.” Bane holds Haven’s hand.
