Page 84 of Isabelle’s Forbidden Love

“I’ll explain later.” She turned her head. “Where’s Cooper?”

Patrick pointed over his shoulder. “Just went out that way.”

“Thanks, Patrick.”

She caught up with Cooper.

“Hey, Isa, you want blood?” Cooper said, pointing to her many injuries. “We’ve got some in the van.”

Isabelle shook her head. “I’ll get some later. But I need you to do something for me.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Give me your phone.”

44

On the drive back to headquarters, Samson called Maya and told her to expect Isabelle. He wanted her to check out Isabelle’s injuries, even though she knew that her cuts and bruises would heal quickly if she drank enough blood. But she didn’t protest. Seeing her father so full of rage and emotional pain believing she hadn’t survived the explosion made her want to ease his worries by complying with his wishes.

The moment Isabelle got out of the van in the Scanguards garage, Delilah was already rushing toward her. Her eyes looked puffy, and Isabelle realized immediately that her mother had been worried sick.

Isabelle stepped into her mother’s arms, holding her tightly. “Mom, everything’s all right now. Nelson is dead. He can’t hurt us anymore.” Though it could have had a different outcome, had Orlando not acted so quickly.

Delilah sniffled and hugged her closely. “I was so scared for you. You’re injured, sweetheart.”

Isabelle drew her head back a little. “I’ll heal in no time. I promise. I’ll have Maya check me out.” She smiled at her mother, then pointed over her shoulder. “Dad might need a little blood. He’s got quite a few cuts and bruises.”

“I know.”

Isabelle figured that her parents had already communicated via their telepathic bond, a bond only blood-bonded couples had.

“He beat Nelson to a pulp.”

“But Orlando killed him,” Delilah said. “He saved both your lives.”

“Dad told you.”

Delilah nodded. “He’s never been able to keep anything from me.”

Isabelle knew that. Her parents’ relationship was one of love, trust, and respect. And Isabelle longed for the same kind of relationship.

“Did you see Orlando?”

“Amaury and Haven took him down to the cells two minutes ago.” She looked into Isabelle’s eyes. “I believe Orlando is an honorable, loyal man. Unfortunately, that can be both a blessing and a curse.”

Slowly, Isabelle nodded. Her mother was right. “I’ve realized that.” She forced a smile. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, too, sweetheart.” She brushed her hand over Isabelle’s hair before she released her from the embrace.

Isabelle looked over her shoulder, and saw that Cooper was already leaving the garage in his own car to execute what she’d asked him to do for her.

With a look at her father who was pulling Delilah into her arms, Isabelle said, “I’m going to see Maya now.”

Samson nodded. “That’s good, sweetheart.”

Isabelle stepped into the elevator and looked at the buttons for the various floors. She was tempted to press the button for the level where the cells were located, but decided otherwise. Seeing Orlando would have to wait until she’d cleared something up.

Maya was already expecting her in the mini medical center on one of the lower levels of the building. It didn’t take long for Maya to examine her, clean her wounds, and give her human blood to help her hybrid body heal.