Page 53 of Twilight of Embers
Me
Meet me in the parking lot behind the science building now.
It didn’t matter that we’d come to blows just last night. I knew that he would always be there for me when I needed him.
East
On my way.
I crossed to the couch, grabbing Hayden’s backpack. I frowned at the broken zipper as I put it on. Bending, I reached for Hayden.
Maddox’s hand flexed around her waist as if it were a battle to let her go. But finally, he relented, and I lifted her into my arms.
Hayden whimpered in pain, and guilt sliced into me. I shifted my hand so that it slid under her shirt, my palm against her back. Her skin was burning up, and that guilt dug deeper. I’d done this to her, caused her pain.
“Come on,” Maddox bit out, getting to his feet. “If anyone asks, she has the flu. You’re taking her to the doctor.”
I jerked my head in a nod as he opened the door.
We filed out into the hallway, making our way to the back door. Between my beast’s strength and how tiny Hayden was, she felt like nothing in my arms. But that only drove home her vulnerability. She was fragile, and I had to remember that.
Maddox held open the back door, and I stepped out into the sunshine.
Easton pushed off my SUV, his gaze narrowing on us. I saw the panic flare in his green eyes, the sheer terror as he strode toward us. “What happened?”
“Mating fever,” Maddox muttered.
Easton’s gaze jerked to me. “What did you do?”
I bit the inside of my cheek. “I fucked up, okay? I know it. Will you just help me get her back to our house?”
So many emotions played over Easton’s face, but terror was at the root of all of them. And I’d put that there. Because I’d bound Hayden to us before anyone was ready, before any of us were prepared.
Easton’s gaze locked with mine. “You’ve changed everything.”
I swallowed hard. “I know.”
“Cillian’s going to have your ass.”
I knew that, too. There would be consequences for what I’d done. But looking down at the woman in my arms, she was the only thing I could think about. She was everything. And I’d do whatever it took to keep her safe.
27
HAYDEN
A cocoon of warmth surrounded me—that, and a familiar scent. Pine and rain. Together, it felt like a home I hadn’t had in years. I burrowed deeper and let out a little moan.
Arms tightened around me, and I froze.
Arms?
My eyes flew open, meeting familiar green ones with gold flecks. Those golden particles were in a pattern that only belonged to Knox.
“What—?” My question cut off because I wasn’t exactly sure what it was I wanted to ask.
My gaze jumped around the room. I was lying in a massive bed, one that was larger than a king. A thick, white comforter was pulled around us. The walls of the room were dark teal, but colorful art adorned them, bringing Knox’s personality into the space.
“What happened?” I croaked.
