Page 74 of Edward’s Bunny
I followed quickly behind as the medics yelled to clear a path. The house was still a hub of chaos, with police officers and pride members all around. We ran through the throng, and the men quickly loaded Edward into the waiting ambulance.
I hurried to climb up but was stopped. “Sir, we need—”
“Like fucking hell. I’m going with him.” No one, not even Walter, was going to stop me. I would fight the entire pride and the human world if I had to.
Randy looked over and opened his mouth to speak but stopped and turned to the man blocking me. “We don’t have time for this pissing contest. He can come. He’s his partner.” Randy focused back on me. “Stay out of the way.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice. I jumped up into the rig and hurried to the side. “Talon, Walter, follow behind.”
“Yes, Sire,” they called as the doors closed and the truck began to move.
“Contact Tampa General. Tell them to page Dr. Botalla and have them prep an OR," Randy commanded, his hand still practically inside Edward’s chest.
As we raced towards the hospital, I could feel the tension inside the ambulance. Suddenly, the monitor next to Edward started beeping frantically. His blood pressure was dropping rapidly.
Randy's eyes widened, and he acted quickly. "His pressure's tanking. Start a second IV line with a saline bolus. We need to get his pressure up now! Call the hospital and tell them to have O-neg on hand. He’s lost too much blood.”
The paramedics worked feverishly, trying to counteract the sudden drop in Edward's blood pressure. I could see the worry on their faces, and it only added to my own fear. I gripped Edward's hand tighter, silently begging him to stay with us.
As we pulled up to the hospital, a team of medical professionals was already waiting outside the emergency entrance. The moment the ambulance came to a stop, they sprang into action, efficiently transferring Edward onto a stretcher and whisking him away toward the operating rooms.
I jumped out of the ambulance and tried to keep pace with the medical team, desperate to stay by Edward's side. We rushed through the sterile, brightly lit hallways, my heart pounding in my chest. Just as we reached a set of imposing metal doors, a nurse stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "I'm sorry, but you can't go any further."
My chest tightened with frustration and fear. "I need to be with him. He's my partner. Please!"
"I understand, but only authorized personnel are allowed beyond this point," the nurse replied, her voice firm but sympathetic. "Please wait in the designated area. We'll update you as soon as we have any news.”
I hesitated for a moment, torn between the urge to barge through the doors and the knowledge that I would only hinder the doctors from trying to save Edward. Reluctantly, I stepped back, watching helplessly as the metal doors closed between us, separating me from the man I loved.
The nurse then placed a comforting hand on my arm. “Come with me. You can clean up, and I’ll get you a shirt, then show you down to the waiting room.”
I looked down. It was only then I realized I was shirtless and covered with Edward’s blood. Tears welled in my eyes, and I choked back a sob. The nurse wrapped her arm around my shoulder and gently prodded me to move.
“It will be okay. Your man has the best doctors working on him.”
The nurse led me down a quiet corridor to a small, private room. "You can clean up in here," she said, gesturing to a sink and mirror. "I'll get you a scrub top to wear while you wait."
I nodded, unable to speak, as I stepped into the room. The stark white walls and clinical atmosphere did nothing to ease my anxiety. As I washed Edward's blood from my hands and arms, the gravity of the situation hit me hard. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my face pale and haunted, eyes red-rimmed from tears.
A soft knock on the door signaled the nurse's return. "Here," she said, handing me a blue scrub top. "This should fit you. Let me know if you need anything else."
"Thank you," I mumbled, pulling the top over my head. It was a bit large, but it would do. The nurse offered me a small, reassuring smile before leading me to the waiting room.
As we walked, the sterile hospital sounds—the beeping of monitors, the hushed conversations of medical staff, the squeaking of gurney wheels—only served to heighten my anxiety. Finally, we reached the waiting room, a space filled with uncomfortable chairs, outdated magazines, and tense, worried faces.
"Please, have a seat," the nurse said, gesturing to an empty chair. "Someone will update you as soon as there's any news. Remember, Edward is in the best possible hands."
With a deep breath, I sank into a chair, clutching my hands together as I waited for word on Edward's condition. I closed my eyes, unable to stop the tears from falling. This night had been a total and utter disaster. We should’ve stayed in New York. "How is he?”
I lifted my head and opened my eyes. Anger, red hot molten rage, bubbled within me, and I couldn’t stop from snarling, “What the hell are you doing here? What do you even care?”
Olivia bowed her head. “Ben called me. He was one of the officers to respond.”
“Go home, Olivia,” I said, bowing my head. I couldn’t deal with my family and her hate again.
“Brian, you’re my brother. We’re family.”
“Family? Family?” I jumped to my feet and stomped toward her. “We’re not freaking family. My family is on the operating table, fighting for his life. You,” I scoffed. “Are just a bigot, racist, and I want nothing to do with you.”
