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I expected Jace and I to have more time with each other. Before Devon found us. And now there’s a lot on the line. The pack, Devon’s alignment with Black Valley, and Beth. I can see from the dark circles under Jace’s eyes that there are still more battles to get through.
He’s been there for me since I opened my eyes. Whenever I tell him to go back home and get some rest, he refuses and cuddles up next to me, always taking care of my needs and making sure I get enough rest and nutrients for my baby.
I’m so relieved my child is fine. It was my only concern once I woke up. If something had happened to my child, I would have burned Black Valley down along with Beth. I would have brought hell to this earth.
Jace gives me a sidelong look. “A penny for your thoughts?” The afternoon sun is lowering, and the birds are chirping outside. We’re in our own safe little bubble, sitting in the hospital bed with our bodies pressed tightly together.
“Thinking of how I can burn the world down,” I reply, and he chuckles.
“I’ll beat you to it.” Jace intertwines our fingers before bringing our hands to his mouth to press a kiss on my knuckles. “I’m sorry, Carli. It’s my fault you’re here. I’m sorry I wasn’t by your side.”
“Don’t Jace.” I put my head on his shoulder. “It wasn’t your fault. It was Beth’s and Devon’s. And I’m healing, so let’s put that behind us and focus on the future, alright? I know if you could have, you definitely would have been there to protect me.”
Jace starts to speak but the door to our room pushes open and the doctor comes in. “Carli, how are you feeling this fine afternoon?”
I sit up, and Jace slides off the bed. “I’m fine. A bit tired and weak, but doing good.”
“Your vitals are all good, and before you ask, your baby is completely healthy, too. To be completely honest, I thought it might take a while for you to be this…well, but your healing process is really fast.”
I shrug, hiding a smile. It’s the sifter in me that’s helping me heal so quickly. “Wolves attack me a lot, I’m used to it.” I quip. The silence that follows almost makes me laugh. “Just kidding.”
The doctor barks out a chuckle as well. Jace gives me a warning look, but I see the amusement in his eyes. From the blood loss, and the bunch of drugs I’m hooked on, sometimes I feel completely high.
“If things go well, you can leave in a couple of days.” Walking over to me, the doctor checks my wounds, pressing any tender areas and asking if I’m still sore.
“From the injuries, I’m assuming it was one huge wolf that came onto you,” he says, frowning as he studies me more. “Looks almost like a bear attack, Carli. It’s a miracle you’re alive.”
Jace speaks up before I can. “We know,” he says. “We’re grateful for all that you’ve done.”
With a nod, the doctor leaves, and Jace comes back to take his spot next to me. “Sorry, I was trying to lighten the mood,” I say, snuggling in.
“Why don’t you take a nap?” he asks, pressing a hand to my forehead as if he’s checking I don’t have a fever. Just to make sure.
“I can stay up.” I yawn.
“Sleep, Carli. I’ll be right here.”
“Will you read me something?”
Jace smiles. Walking over to my bag he packed for me, he takes out a book and then pushes a chair for him to sit closer to the bed. “I think I’m going to make it a habit to read bedside stories to our little one,” he says quietly, rubbing his huge hand over my stomach.
“Sure you won’t read all the pack paperwork?”
He rolls his eyes at my teasing. “Never. Inside my home, none of that talk.”
When Jace starts reading from a random book, I close my eyes and find peace in his soothing voice and company. And slowly, I drift off.
* * *
Voices wake me up. I blink, trying to find Jace. I spot him in the corner, talking to Danika in hushed tones. Both of them are looking tense, and so occupied with their conversation they don’t notice me awake.
“Hey, you two,” I call out.
Jace immediately turns and in a couple of big strides, he’s beside me. He pushes back my hair, probably checking my temperature again. “How are you feeling?”
“Better,” I smile.
Danika comes to the other side, taking my hand. “I’m glad.”
