Page 60 of Unfettered

Sighing, I hesitate before asking, “How bad is it?”

“Enough that Sarah and I are keeping a close eye on him. I don’t want to lose him, but he’s on edge. I don’t think he’s sleeping properly. His cousin-in-law does not want to interact with him, and while he doesn’t seem to be a fan of Daniel’s, he appears to feel obligated due to Ely.”

“I could visit and take care of the situation?” I offer hopefully, needing a way to let out my frustration anyway.

Doc seems to consider it seriously before Jude steps in with a firm, “I’ll take care of Javi.”

Annoyance crosses Doc’s face, but he doesn’t argue with the Voice. I’m fairly certain that next time Jude needs the good drugs, they aren’t going to be provided, though. “Very well. Otherwise, everything is going well. Jayden reports that Ignacio is almost ready to be discharged from physical therapy, although I think he’ll stay on for training in general. Cristian, as you know, is recovering. I’m assisting with the therapists at the moment as well, due to Javi’s current slight instability.”

I wince, saying, “How are we doing on filling open positions?”

Doc's scowl pretty much says it all, and I quickly shut up as he answers, “Considering I don’t have time to spend finding the replacements and checking all the credentials?”

“Make time,” Carter states firmly. “I don’t want our people to suffer burnout. We’re done with that. Do not make me call in Soren to handle the situation.”

“Oh, am I allowed to call in Keegan when I have an issue with you then?” he snipes back, but Carter doesn’t rise to the bait.

I have to give it to Carter, he knows how to handle a brat. The flat stare is enough to make Doc roll his eyes and give up. Even as he flicks away Carter’s words, he nods an acknowledgment.

“Fine. I’ll see myself out now, as I have things to do as well.”

With that, he leaves, and I take my first deep breath. Fuck, it’s been a long day. All I want is to curl up somewhere with some chocolate…and maybe more coffee.

“Alright, we’ll schedule a family meeting for later, but definitely not today. I believe we all have things to do,” Carter says with a finality that makes me think he’s also at the end of his patience. Perhaps, this will convince him we shouldn’t schedule long meetings in the future…

We all give our agreement, and I note with interest that Jude is the first one out the room, only hesitating long enough to kiss Tennant and Roman before leaving. I wonder if Antonio can find out what happens next with Javi and report back to me.

Carter and Keegan leave together, likely to find Marcus and Cole. Roman hesitates, but decides to go visit his dad. I opt to walk with him, but then decide I should check in with Anderson, if he has time. Fuck knows I could use some help processing…

At this point, I even miss Master’s nursery. That, and the playroom. I desperately need to be put on my knees. Maybe Anderson can help me figure out how to ask, as I’ve never been in this position. Fucking feelings. They should go to hell…

Opening your eyes and seeing a strange man with an oversized rabbit in his lap sitting near your bed is what nightmares are made of.

“Hello. We haven’t been formally introduced, I’m Atticus.” The voice is gentle, and matches the clean-cut appearance, but… I’ve heard about his arrival, and someone who can cut down Tennant’s men single-handedly doesn’t mesh with the man sitting next to me.

“What are you doing here?”

Atticus’s lips twitch. “Javi says you’ve come to terms with needing therapy. Good, it makes it easier for you. I was fully prepared to drag you along kicking and screaming, and am mildly disappointed that I don’t get to. Never mind that, though. I just thought I’d introduce myself, seeing as how we’ll be spending a lot of time together once you’re more awake and alert.”

“Shouldn’t I get a say in who I see?”

“Nope. Javi is the expert. He called me in specifically for you.”

Concern fills me and I try to sit up, only the pain radiating from my chest reminds me why that’s a bad idea.

Atticus stares at me, his eyes flat and emotionless, but I can feel the judgment emanating from both him and the damn bunny. “You don’t have to like it, don’t have to like me. But we have your consent, and that’s more than I need.”

“I can always retract said consent.” I scowl.

He chuckles and pets the bunny. “And where would that leave you, in your relationships with not only your son and ex-husband, but your current love? Do you want to be known as someone who goes back on his word? Mental health is something this Family takes seriously, and if you show you’re unwilling to do the bare minimum…well, I’ve known people to cut ties with their toxic families for similar reasons.” He gathers his pet into his arms and stands. “I’ll be back tomorrow. For now, think about what I said, and what it is you truly want. Because this is happening, whether you like it or not… And if you decide you don’t want to cooperate, well, Marshall isn’t the only one who’s taken matters into his own hands.”

With that parting shot, he leaves me to my tumbling thoughts.

“I don’t want to be stuck in this fucking toxicity anymore. But I want you with me.”

“Wait for me, and I’ll wait for you.”

“I thought you were my forever.”