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Then I kiss Darlene before leaving them with Martha.

Selena is waiting outside. Neither of us speaks much on the way to the hospital. I can feel Darian through our bond. He's alive, but the pain coming through it makes my chest ache.

When we reach his room, I stop in the doorway.

Darian lies beneath the hospital blankets, his chest and shoulder wrapped in gauze. Blood has seeped through several of the dressings. Deep cuts run along his arms and across his side, and a thick bandage covers the stab wound beneath his ribs. Another is wrapped around his thigh where the silver bullet struck him. His skin is bruised, his face is pale, and every breath seems to hurt.

A doctor stands beside his bed, checking one of the dressings.

I sniffle. “Darian?”

His eyes slowly look at me. “Arlene.” I move toward him, but the doctor gently stops me.

“Careful. He's suffered extensive injuries. Deep lacerations, stab wounds, and multiple bullet wounds. Some of the wounds were caused by silver.” I look at Darian. He tries to lift himself toward me, but pain flashes across his face.

“Don't,” I whisper. The doctor looks at me. “If he weren't alpha blooded, he'd be dead. His healing is already working, but the silver is slowing it down.” I look at the blood seeping through the gauze.

“Being close to his mate will help him heal faster,” the doctor adds. “Your bond gives his body additional strength while it recovers.”

I carefully climb into the bed beside him, making sure I don't put pressure on his injuries. He wraps his arm around me, and I rest my head against his chest.

I listen to the strong beat of his heart. I can't lose him again. We can't lose him again. We need him here. For a moment, neither of us says anything. Then he whispers, “I'm sorry.” I lift my head. “For what?”

“For the stress on the bond. You. The pup. I felt your worry. your fear.”

I look at the bandages. “You came home. Semi safely… but alive. That’s all that matters.”

His eyes close. “Seven didn't.” I take his hand. “I know.”

“Joshua's gone.”

“We're going to find him.” He looks at me. I squeeze his hand. “You hear me? We're going to find him.”

His forehead rests against mine. I feel the guilt in our bond… the hurt, “I couldn't reach him.”

“You were protecting twenty pack members. They’re alive because of you and the other warriors.”

“I know... but I failed Joshua.” His jaw tightens. I kiss him, then settle against his chest again. His hand settles over my stomach. Our pup moves. Darian lets out a shaky breath. “Hey, little one. Daddy’s alright. Daddy’s home.” He kisses me and the mate bond sparks that I’m use too. That I almost lost, finally makes our pup settle. I smile through my tears. “He's been moving since I left the house.”

“Probably telling me to stop worrying you.”

“Then listen to your son.” He almost smiles. A knock sounds at the door.

Rylan steps inside. His eyes move over Darian's bandages before he looks at him. “Darian, how are you doing?” Darian says nothing.

I lift my head from Darian's chest.

“With all due respect, Alpha. How does he look like he doing?”

Rylan looks at me. He starts speaking in a low voice, “Arlene…”

“No. You don't get to say my name like that and expect me to be quiet.” Darian's arm tightens around me. He’s worried because I’m speaking to the pack’s Alpha. But I don’t care right now… I’m pregnant… hormonal and if anything, I’ll call Selena to chew him out, too.

I look at Rylan. “He came to you because he was worried about our pack members. He wasn't challenging you. He was trying to protect everyone, because by protecting this pack, he protects us. His family.” I glance at Darian before looking back at Rylan.

“I'm sure you know what type of man he is. He's shown you who he is.” Rylan lowers his head. “And you made him kneel.” His head drops a little farther. “He warned you, and you made him kneel.”

“Arlene,” Darian says softly. He gives my hand a small squeeze. I look at him saying if you stop me, you’re next. He shuts up. I turn back to Rylan. “Look at him.” Rylan lifts his head.