Page 72 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

Vaughn

In all of his years as a doctor serving the supernatural community, Vaughn’s clinic had never been as full as it currently was. They’d brought Sam and Henry back to the house and immediately to the clinic for treatment.

His dad had taken charge as Vaughn was torn. Did he care for his mate or Henry? He knew what Sam would say, but he didn’t have to make the choice. His father began barking orders and they all obeyed.

One of their nurses pushed a second, smaller bed into the back exam room and Meshaq carefully placed Henry on it. Sam hadn’t handled the trip through the portal well and was currently passed out in Vaughn’s arms. He placed him on the larger bed beside Henry and gently brushed his hair off his forehead.

“I’ve got him, son. Take care of Henry.”

Vaughn nodded and rattled off the little information he knew. His dad was already removing Sam’s shirt and he had his stethoscope out and checking for any possible damage to Sam’s heart.

Zaire was standing with Henry, and she held his newly marked arm gently in her hand. “What is it?” Vaughn demanded.

“The mark of a guardian,” Zaire said.

“A guardian of what?” Vaughn carefully checked Henry over, and when she didn’t reply, he looked over his shoulder at her.

“The Chosen One,” she explained.

Vaughn nearly scoffed, but held it back. No way was this kid supposed to protect the savior of their kind. Henry… was special. Unique. Powerful. Vaughn sighed. “Are you sure?”

“All of the guardians carry such marks, each one unique to their position in the circle.”

“And what exactly does Henry’s mark mean?”

Zaire looked at Meshaq instead of answering, so Vaughn turned his attention to the hellhound.

“Meshaq?”

“He is the seer, Vaughn. The one who has been hunted.”

Vaughn closed his eyes and breathed before turning back to Henry. “Zaire, do you feel any sort of magic on him? Did she harm him in any way?”

“I will check, Alpha.”

She closed her eyes and drew in a breath as a pain-filled groan came from the other bed. Vaughn glanced over at his mate and found Sam’s eyes fluttering open.

“Henry,” Sam groaned.

“I’ve got Henry,” Zaire said. “Check on Sam.”

Vaughn hurried around the bed and to Sam’s side. His father had Sam’s injured hand taped down and they were picking small shards of glass out of his skin. “He’s fine,” Vaughn whispered. “You’re both fine.”

“I feel like shit,” Sam complained.

“I bet you do. She zapped you with something.”

“Tell me, Vaughn.”

“Tell you what?”

Sam gave him a look, and Vaughn couldn’t help but touch him again. He ran his hand over Sam’s hair and smiled. “I’ll tell you later. He’s fine, though. Zaire’s making sure he’s okay magically, and I’m pretty sure Meshaq hasn’t stopped snarling since we got here.”

“Good. The others?”

“Outside with Nana and my mom. Once I’m sure Henry is okay, I’ll let them in. Most of the pack is here, too.”

“Dinner,” Sam gasped.