Page 145 of Slick Handling

I reach out, grabbing Vaughn’s hand. Gently pulling him towards me. I need the contact to make sure this is real and not another dream. He sighs out, looking torn about everything that is happening. Both his hands cover mine as he frowns.

“Cherry girl, we were so worried.” The guilt hurts my stomach. Turning it as I blink up through tears at the Alpha beside me.

Leaning in, I nuzzle at his hands, needing some reassurance. He may be here, but I need something more from him so that I know he’s not going to leave. I can’t stand the idea of anyone leaving.

Swallowing, I feel the burn in my throat. It hurts from where Orion choked me and from the lack of having anything to drink.

How long have I been here?

“I’m sorry that I ran away. Marcus showing up confused me. Griffin tried to calm me down, but I wasn’t ready for it.” Vaughn cups my cheek, sitting carefully on the edge of the bed so that he doesn’t disturb anything..

“We’re going to talk about it all. Fix it all. We want you as our Omega, Clover. We love you. I love you.” Tears burn in my eyes, the warm feel of them making their way down my face.

Even though I messed up he still loves me. I’m still worthy of love. I didn’t ruin it.

Scooting my body backwards with wiggles and some of Vaughn’supper body strength, I manage to sit up. Griffin chases me in his sleep, nuzzling into my thighs as he settles down. My head feels a bit dizzy and sore. I don’t have that hot feeling anymore which is a relief.

My heat.

My heart gets caught in my throat and I blink at Vaughn wondering if they got to me after my heat had ended. Had I been used by Pack Weaver?

A whimper comes from my lips. My scent is already off, thanks to the injuries and unease I’ve been feeling. Now it takes a worse turn. My scent sours and turns rotten. Strong enough that Griffin groans in his sleep, shifting his body to try and get closer to me to provide comfort. Settling when he wraps his body around my leg. Apollo’s hand finds mine in his sleep and he sighs out like this has solved something.

I wasused.

My heat.

I can’t even remember what happened.

“M-my h-heat.” I can’t even get the full sentence out. Vaughn seems to understand where my mind has gone and he shakes his head.

The concern on his face melting into something like pity as he follows my chain of thought.

“No, no, no, Clover love. We got to the house when there was a big storm. There was a small fight with Pack Weaver before we found you on the couch. The police had arrived with EMT’s at that point. They gave you a shot to stop your heat from starting. It doesn’t last long, but they wanted to let you heal and make a statement before it happened.”

My hands shake as relief floods me.

They came for me. Nothing happened.

“Can you help me get up and shower? I feel so gross.” He looks hesitant for a second before sliding the covers off me. Leaning in, Vaughn lifts me up gently into his arms.

Griffin frowns in his sleep and settle when Apollo’s hand goes searching and lays on his head.

“Tell me if I’m hurting you.” He takes the tubing that is attached to a mobile IV and wraps it over a hook. Once that’s all set he pulls it close to us so he can move it and me towards the small area to shower.

“You’re perfect.” My hands shake as he carries me to the bathroom, setting me down as he turns on the water for me.

I’m sure there is protocol in the hospital about what can and can not be done. Getting out of bed without a nurse knowing has to be breaking one of the rules here.

Vaughn seems happy about the temperature and turns to look at me. I know he is trying to be gentle but I need the feeling of him close to me in the shower.

“Together?” I asked and he nods, reaching behind his head to tug off his shirt.

He strips down before coming over to help me out of the hospital gown. I’m not in anything else so it’s easy enough. Just a quick pull of the ties on the sleeve my IV is attached to and then a quick tug at the one tie in the back and I’m naked in front of him.

One of his arms wraps around my middle as he guides me slowly into the water, making sure that I’m not drowning before he starts to wash me.

It’s nice to be taken care of. The methodical way he goes about it is mixed with a tender touch that makes me melt against him. What he’s doing isn’t sexual and yet I can’t help it when my perfume spikes.

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