Page 84 of Three of a Kind

“Come on, man,” Maverick says, clasping Noble on the shoulder. “She’s going to feel better once the doctor tells her you’ll be fine.”

“I will,” I agree.

“Where’s the shortstack?” Noble asks over his shoulder as Maverick drags him along. “Did she like my gift?”

I smile, nodding. “She loved it.”

“It’s time to make sure Dustin didn’t scramble your brain,” Gunner growls.

Oh yeah, he’s definitely going to need some reassurance.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Noble

The doctor hooks me up with some good drugs and uses surgical glue to seal the wound on the back of my head. Not that I’m complaining. It’s easier than stitches or staples, although she mentions I might lose some hair around the site, but I’m not concerned.

I’d rather not bleed all over the pillows, because that’ll make Brooklyn anxious. She doesn’t watch while I’m patched up, but she does peek back in after the medical staff heads out.

Bless stands at the end of the bed with her hands on her hips. “I’m going to punch you in the throat.” She raises an eyebrow. “You deserve it for bonding when you know your pain will filter through the link and straight to her.”

I frown.

Damn.

I should have thought about that, but I was too far gone to even contemplate it.

“Because I consider you a friend,” she mutters, like it’s physically painful to admit, “I’m going to wait until your other injuries have healed.”

“Thanks.” I snort, and even that makes my skull pound.

“Don’t make him laugh.” Brooklyn pushes off the doorway and comes to the edge of the queen-size bed.

Bless mutters something about us all being hopeless and spins around to leave.

My sweet little omega moves slower than a turtle as she climbs onto the mattress. She kneels at my side, looking terrified to touch me.

My hand flies up to cradle her rounded stomach. “How’s the baby?”

“Fine, shifting around a lot.” She grabs my arm, moving it to lay across the pillows, then snuggles up at my side.

I tilt my head and watch her wiggle closer without actually touching me. “Mama, I’m not going to break.”

“Maybe not, but your pain is unmistakable, and I’m not trying to add to that.” Her hand gently lands on my chest. “Soak up the soothing pheromones.” There’s some huffing. “Well, as soon as I figure out how to force my system to secrete them. Just don’t let me fall asleep. I can’t have Libby wake up alone in an unfamiliar environment.”

She really is too fucking good for me. Entirely too sweet for the ugliness stained on my soul.

A good guy would have protected her from afar, then moved along. But I’m not a good guy.

I’m going to bask in her light and work my ass off every day to deserve her.

Brooklyn falls asleep within minutes, but she sure does spit out pheromones like a cat purrs while it naps.

My entire body is warm and fuzzy, which could be a result of the opiates, but I’m guessing it’s a biological reaction to having my bonded omega so close.

She’s so fucking tender.

I got my ass handed to me today because I was running on rage and the need for revenge.

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