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"I just...I just want you to stay right here next to me," I say. "I need to sleep, and I don't think I'll be able to do it without you here."
Nate's expression softens and he gives my hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll stay as long as you need me to."
"Thank you," I say, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. "I don't know what I would do without you guys."
"We're not going anywhere," Nate says. "We'll make sure you're safe, no matter what."
I nod, feeling reassured by his words and the warmth of his hand in mine. For a while, we just sit there in silence, the only sound coming from the machines beeping around us.
Eventually, my eyes grow heavy and I start to drift off to sleep, comforted by the presence of someone I trust. As I close my eyes, I can't help but think about the danger that still lurks out there, waiting for its next opportunity to strike. But for now, I find solace in the fact that I have a team of men who are willing to do whatever it takes to keep me safe.
My own little pack, in a way.
Chapter six
Nate
Therearesomanyreasons I should take myself off this case.
I let Sloane get hurt afterone day.
I have feelings for her...big, scary feelings that scare the hell out of me.
But I couldn't drag myself out of this hospital room even if I wanted to--and nobody else could either.
She sleeps peacefully for a few hours, Milo and Arjun stepping in and out of the room as they make arrangements with the Enclave. We'll have to take Sloane to a safehouse as soon as she's discharged from the hospital, but for now, I'll stay by her side.
As I watch her sleep, I can't help but imagine the way her lips would feel against mine. The way her body looks like it would fitperfectlywith mine...how I want to keep her safe and make her scream.
I want to protect her as only an alpha can.
I want to be her pack.
I shouldn't be thinking about her like this. Not when she's hurt and vulnerable. But I can't help it. She's under my skin, and I don't know how to get her out.
When Sloane stirs awake, I'm by her side in an instant, my hand holding hers. She blinks a few times, her eyes adjusting to the light.
"Hey," I say softly.
Her lips curve up into a small smile. "Hey, yourself."
"How are you feeling?"
"Like I got hit by a truck."
I chuckle. "Yeah, I bet. You gave us all a scare."
Her eyes flicker with something that looks a lot like fear. "Any word on how this happened?"
I sigh and shake my head. "We're still working on it. Forensics has been to your place and they're analyzing the crime scene as we speak."
She squeezes her eyes shut. "I can't believe my house is a crime scene."
I can't stand seeing her in pain. I want to lift it all from her shoulders and make it disappear. But I know I can't. All I can do is be here for her.
"It's going to be okay," I say, rubbing her hand with my thumb. "We'll figure this out."
She nods, her eyes still closed. "I'm just...scared, you know?"
