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“Not sure,” I answered as Helene straightened, then headed for the door. “I’ll let you know when I find out.”
I took a step as Helene pushed through the door, hope glimmering in her eyes.
“She’s going in for surgery in the next hour, but she’s okay. The bullet nicked a vein. They’re going in to fix it up, but she’ll be here for a few days.”
“That’s good.” I opened my arms, wrapping them around her. “That’s really good, baby. How about we get out of here, get a shower and some rest.”
“I’m sure the guys will call if there’s any change,” Kat said and gave us a smile. “Have a good rest. You look like hell.”
Helene smiled. “I feel like it.”
I gave Lazarus a nod, turning as Helene headed for the elevators. The moment we all stepped inside, she sagged against the wall. “She’s going to be okay.” Her eyes closed. “Thank God, she’s going to be okay.”
“Now you get to focus on you.” I answered.
She opened her eyes. “You made me a promise.”
I scowled. “I remember.”
“Good,” She said, glancing at my brothers as the elevator came to a stop and the doors opened. “That’s what I want. All of us…together.”
I strode forward in front of her. “We’re one step ahead of you, Trouble. I just hope you know what you’re in for.”
FORTY
Helene
I’d assumed we were heading to Riven’s house. After all, it was the closest and right now, I just wanted to sleep like the dead. But Hunter was behind the wheel, turning the four-wheel drive to the highway that took us out of the city, not back into the suburbs of it, and I realized we weren’t heading to Riven’s at all…
We were heading for the mountains.
I eased in against the back seat. Thomas’s arm was around me and Kane’s was draped across my thighs. For the first time in what felt like forever, I let myself relax. My spine curled, sinking against the seat as the vehicle climbed. Before I knew it, we were braking and pulling into the driveway, and stopping at the camouflaged gate until it slowly rolled open.
The crunch of the tires filled the soundless interior. Hunter braked, pulled up alongside his Hummer, and killed the engine. I’d never felt so utterly tired in my entire life, as though I’d lived a lifetime in one single night. Hunter climbed out, then Riven from the passenger’s seat, leaving both Kane and Thomas beside me to follow.
I moved slowly, inching forward to slide across the seat. Kane held my hand as I climbed out. My head dropped low and my boots scraped the stones as I ambled to the front door. But the moment I was there, Hunter grabbed me and heaved me up and into his arms.
I said nothing, just wrapped my arms around his shoulders and laid my head against his chest. The heavy thud of his boots resounded on the stairs as we climbed. I knew where we were heading and I was glad.
He didn’t just carry me into the bedroom but straight into the adjoining bathroom instead. Steps sounded all around us as he eased me to my feet. I was suddenly surrounded by all four of them, crowding me in the bathroom.
“I’m okay,” I started.
“Hush now, Trouble,” Riven answered. “Let us take care of you.”
I met his stare as Thomas sank to his knees, gently lifting one foot to slide my sister’s shoes free. This was more than the act of showering. The other shoe was tugged free. Thomas rose, sliding his hand around the back of my neck, then leaned in to kiss me gently. I closed my eyes, letting them do whatever they needed.
My mind returned to Colt, or Beast, as my sister had called him. He’d been frantic when I’d stepped into that room, crowding over her, smelling her, rubbing his face against her belly protectively. Not once did she push him away. Instead, she slid her fingers through his hair and stared into his eyes. He’d needed her and she understood that.
My sister’s t-shirt was tugged upwards and over my head, leaving me bare. I shivered, goosebumps racing, as Kane moved to switch the shower on and undress, kicked off his shoes, then yanked his shirt off and hurried to push his trousers and boxers down.
They needed this. The touching, the comforting. Just like Beast had. Thomas worked the button on mys jeans, sliding them all the way down.
Kane led me into the spray, turning me until my back was against the stream. Thomas followed, grabbing the soap to lather in his hands.
“There’s not a thing you need to think of now,” Kane murmured, that deep throaty sound like satin against my skin. I closed my eyes instantly. “Not a thing you need to think or worry about. There is no yesterday, no tomorrow. There’s only now. The feel of the water at the back of your head and Thomas’s hands.”
Firm fingers slid along my arm and over my shoulders, gently digging in to find every knot in my muscles. I moaned at the sensations, my head rolling to the side as those deft fingers worked the aches in my neck.
