“I don’t feel it anymore,” Haven says.
“He’s taking it,” Bane says quietly.
“Stop it,” Rylee demands.
“He’s protecting us,” Marie whispers.
“You’re hurting yourself.” Rylee steps closer.
“Don’t touch me,” I murmur.
“Rylee, he doesn’t want the pressure to transfer to you,” Sally says.
“Why? How can you do this?” Rylee lifts her hand, but I shake my head. “I don’t like it.” She lowers her arm slowly.
“I’m alright.” It’s beginning to ease. The other vampires must have convinced Micah to rein it in. The humans in the club are going to be confused. I can’t imagine what they felt.
“No, you are not,” she grits out. “I feel it.” She presses her palm to her chest.
Everyone in the room can smell my pain, yet I continue to block the door.
“He wanted to protect you,” Sally whispers, and rubs her stomach. “And the babies.”
“Ezra.” Rylee steps closer, staring into my eyes.
“Micah needs to gain control,” Luca growls, pulling Sally close.
The pressure is released suddenly, and I exhale sharply. I grab the doorframe to steady myself, and Rylee rushes forward. I concentrate on staying on my feet and guiding the magic through my body.
“You didn’t listen,” I say.
“I rarely follow orders,” she replies.
“I’m not surprised,” I smirk.
“How can you joke right now?” Her hands shake as she cups my face.
“I’ll be fine in a minute.” I grab her hands and use them to pull her against my chest. “This helps.” I press my face to her hair and breathe deeply. I’ll sleep hard tonight, and my body will recover after I puke my guts out.
I planned to find Charlie, but it might have to wait.
“Ryker is pissed,” Serenity says.
“It’s going to be a long night of changing the humans' memories,” Marie sighs.
“Bash is going to be grumpy.” Sally snuggles against Luca.
“Not as grumpy as I am,” Rylee hisses, and warmth replaces the pain. Her emotions are making her scent stronger. Her worry for me broke through her defenses.
“Thank you,” Luca says, and I lift my head. “Micah wouldn’t hurt any of us on purpose. His mate is his world.”
“I understand, and I don’t blame him,” I say, and he nods.
“Daisy was shocked,” Sally says softly. “She’s strong enough to take care of herself, but she wasn’t expecting it. The man is a coyote, so Micah used more power than usual to subdue him.”
“I would have done the same,” I rumble, and Rylee tips her head back. “I’ll need sleep, but the effects are dissipating already.”
“Where are you staying?” she asks.
