Page 28 of Justice

As I cling to my dad, I feel Christopher's hand on my back, a steady, warm presence. I turn my head to look at him, seeing the mix of love and fury in his eyes. "We'll figure this out," he murmurs, his voice low and fierce. "I promise you, Elle. No one's going to hurt you or our baby ever again."

Stalker

The harsh fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor flicker, casting eerie shadows as I pace back and forth. My fists clench and unclench rhythmically, matching the pounding of my heart. This was supposed to be my moment, my chance to finally claim what's rightfully mine. But those bastards won't leave her side for even a second.

I peer around the corner, my eyes narrowing as I spot the hulking figure of one of Christopher's goons standing guard outside Elle's room. The sight of him makes my blood boil. They're like cockroaches, infesting every corner of her life.

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, trying to calm the rage threatening to consume me. I can still see her face in my mind, pale and drawn, but still so beautiful. The gentle swell of her stomach, carrying my child, makes my heart race with anticipation.

The plan had been perfect in its simplicity. Those vitamins, laced with just the right combination of drugs, were supposed to bring her here, alone and vulnerable. That was my moment to grab her, and our unborn child, and take her away from those felons.

Nothing is easy with her.

I'd even prepared a cabin across state lines, a safe haven where we could finally be together without interference.

But nothing's ever that easy, is it?

I lean against the wall, my mind racing through possible scenarios. There has to be a way to get to her, to make her understand that we belong together. The image of her rounded belly flashes through my mind again, and I feel a possessive hunger gnaw at my insides.

Time is running out. Once the baby is born, it'll be even harder to move her. The thought of Christopher raising my child makes me want to vomit.

I start walking again, my footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. My hand brushes against the cold metal of the gun tucked into my waistband. A last resort, but one I'm more than willing to use if necessary.

Those bikers think they're so tough with their gated community and their guards. But they don't know what I'mcapable of. They don't understand the depths of my love for Elle, the lengths I'll go to make her mine.

As I round the corner again, I catch a glimpse of Christopher through the partially open door. He's holding Elle's hand, his thumb tracing circles on her skin. The sight makes my vision blur with rage.

I retreat quickly, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps. My mind is made up. If I can't have her, no one will. I'll burn their whole world down if I have to.

Their days are numbered, and they don't even know it yet. But soon, very soon, they'll understand. And Elle… Elle will finally be where she belongs.

With renewed determination, I slip away from the hospital, my mind already formulating the next phase of my plan. The game isn't over yet.

It's only just beginning.

Chapter 6

Elle

I open my eyes,and the first thought that hits me is how much better I feel. It's a stark contrast to the usual nausea that greets me upon waking.

My gaze sweeps across the room, taking in the sight of familiar faces surrounding me. A warmth spreads through my chest, I've never felt more loved.

Christopher lies next to me in the hospital bed and to my right, my parents rest on a blow-up mattress.

Mason is sprawled out in the recliner by the door. He's always the quiet, intense type, but when it comes to protecting those he cares about, he's on another level. Christopher gets worked up too, but Mason? He's practically feral if he thinks we're in danger.

I doubt Mason slept a wink last night. Honestly, none of us did, with nurses barging in every five minutes. But despite the crappy night, I feel so much better. I roll over, snuggling into Christopher and throwing one of my legs over his.

It still shocks me that someone tried to hurt me like this. Thank God for Konrad. He's always been there for us, making sure we're okay when we're sick. Literally saved my life this time.

I breathe in Christopher's scent, listening to the quiet breathing of my family around me. My eyes start to droop again, feeling warm and safe.

But I hear a nurse laugh loudly outside of my door, and I growl loudly at the interruption once again.

Christopher shifts under me and I look up to see his eyes open, looking toward the door, then he sits up a bit when he sees I’m awake too.

“How are you feeling?” he asks me softly, trying not wake anyone up.

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