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Red shakes her head. “I don’t know, but he did. He insisted that he only had scratches on his arms and wouldn’t let me check him out. He was adamant that we take care of you first. I used too much magic at once, and nearly knocked myself out. When I came to, I checked on him, and he was almost gone.” She grimaces and continues. “We’ll have to replace that chair. It’s covered in his blood.”
“My chair? Seriously? The guy couldn’t bleed out on the floor? Fuck.” I’m not really worried about the chair, just trying to figure out what to say to my mate so that she isn’t making that face.
She slaps my arm and laughs. Good, it worked. “We can get a new chair. We can’t get a new James.”
I cock an eyebrow. “Are you sure? I saw some hot guys the last time we went to Midnight. I bet we could find a replacement pretty easily.”
“Ry!” she squeals and slaps me again. I laugh and tug her toward me for a kiss. Of course, she knows I’m teasing. I would never try to replace one of her mates.
“I’m glad Dec was able to help. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. Getting beat up by a group of witches wasn’t on my to-do list for yesterday,” I say in her ear. Red rests her head on my chest and I feel my heartbeat pick up.
I love being this close to her and hearing her laughter. When this is all over, I’m going to make sure that she laughs every day. I wish that I could end this fight now, but it’s not my place to take Amber out. I understand that the universe has a plan, and I’m going to do my part. No matter how hard it is.
“You need to rest. I’ll get you some tea and food,” she says, trying to pull away from me. I wrap my arms tighter around her and shake my head.
“Nope. I need you to stay right here. You need rest and care too. Luca, do you mind getting us something to eat while Orym checks in with our security teams?” It’s not an order, but I still don’t expect either of them to tell me no.
“Of course, Ryland. We’ll take care of everything,” Luca says, ushering Orym out of the room.
“How did I get so lucky?” I ask after they leave.
“What do you mean?” Red answers my question with one of her own.
“Our family is pretty awesome. We take care of each other and do what needs to be done without letting ego or pride get in the way. I love that.”
GARNET
Ry’s words bolster me in a way I didn’t know I needed. I thought I was prepared for James’ anger. What I wasn’t prepared for was his hunger. How did I not think about vampires drinking blood? Even after Declan gave him a lecture about being certain this was what he wanted, and thinking that I knew what it would entail, I still managed to screw it up.
“Thank you for making sure everyone has what they need. I know that you don’t have to take care of this for me. It should be my responsibility. I’m the one who insisted he be turned. Now I’m making everyone do extra work, and James is pissed at me,” I admit, nuzzling against Ry’s chest.
He’s not going to let me have a pity party. I know him well enough to realize that. But he does let me snuggle for a minute before he tears into me. “So, you’ve decided that all of this is your fault, huh? Well, then. I guess it’s pointless to remind you that your mates are grown men who are perfectly capable of making up their own minds. And even more ridiculous to tell you that the four of us love you, otherwise, we wouldn’t get so annoyed when you say something stupid.”
“But, Ry, this is my fault. I’m the one who asked Orym to call Dec. I begged Dec to turn James instead of letting him die. And it’s my aunt who’s after me, forcing you four to try to protect me. All of that makes it my fault,” I argue.
He shakes his head and shifts so he’s sitting up straighter. “You’re lucky I’m not feeling well enough to storm out of here. This poor me bullshit is on my last nerve. I can only imagine how Luca and Orym feel, since I’m sure it was worse before I woke up.”
I lift my head, putting some space between us. His harsh words sting, and I wonder if he’s trying to upset me. “Why are you saying this?”
“Because it’s true. You constantly take the blame for things that aren’t your fault, and I’m sick of it. I know it’s what you think you’re supposed to do because of how Gunnar raised you. But he’s gone, and I’m the territory alpha now. You’re not even a wolf, so you shouldn’t care about all that. I appreciate you taking responsibility for your mistakes, but this is not one of them.” His tone is icy, and his words burn.
“You don’t think I’m to blame for any of this? Amber is my aunt. She wants my powers. The Moon Goddess linked the four of you to me. That puts me in the center of everything. Of course, it’s my fault.” I know it’s not smart to keep arguing, but I can’t stop myself. I need him to see my point and agree that I’m right.
He refuses, though, and keeps arguing. “Red! Stop that right now. You are no more responsible for any of that than you are for the sun coming up this morning. You cannot take the blame for things other people do anymore. Do you understand me? I won’t have it.” His veiled threat constricts my chest, and I struggle to draw in a breath.
“What are you saying?” I whisper the question.
“I’m saying that if you insist on trying to force us to blame you, there will be consequences.” He leaves it at that, and I’m not sure what he means exactly. I don’t know if I want to find out, either.
“Fine. Then tell me, who am I supposed to blame?” I spit back, part of me scared that he’ll decide I’m giving him too much attitude and he’ll make me leave.
“Whoever is actually responsible. I understand that James’ situation is difficult, but it’s not your fault. It’s his. If he had just told you that he’d been injured, then the wound could have been treated before it got to the point where turning him was the only way to keep him from dying. Hell, his brother can share the blame. It’s not like you forced Dec to change him. He had a choice. So, please, stop blaming yourself.” Ry’s tone is softer now, more pleading than hurtful. I realize that he’s trying to get me to see his side, and I do, even if I still blame myself.
“What if I still feel responsible, even after you’ve made a pretty convincing argument?” I counter, making sure to leave the edge off my tone as well. If he’s trying to discuss this, it won’t do any good for me to keep snapping at him.
Before he can respond, Luca comes in with a tray. “I have tea, sandwiches, and carrots. Orym insisted that I give you a veggie option, even though I wanted to bring you chips. He’s worried that we’re not eating healthy enough lately.” Luca rolls his eyes for a second, then realizes that we were in the middle of something. “Oh, I’m totally interrupting. Sorry. I’ll just leave this here.” He places the tray on the bed and starts to back away.
“Wait,” Ry stops him with one word. Luca raises his eyebrows and freezes. “I need backup. She’s arguing with me, and I want her to stop.”
