Page 118 of Wolf Touched

“You son of a bitch!” Slade screamed. “I’ll kill you for what you’ve done to my mother.”

My eyes flew open, my power pulsing through me at the mere thought of losing my mate. Raffe flinched, moving so he protected me. I locked gazes with Slade as he lifted his hands, aiming at me and my mate. I pushed my power at him.

“Kill him,” King Jovian commanded, and his ten men rushed toward Slade.

Water hit Raffe, the force of it driving his body onto me, making my chest and back throb.

Then Slade’s body lurched, and he clutched his chest, cutting off his magic. He dropped to his knees as his body shook then fell.

I had no doubt he was dead, but that last little push had taken me over the edge.

I sank into darkness.

My hand buzzed,and I heard slow, steady breathing to one side of me and purring on the other.

Something tickled my brain, but I couldn’t quite access what it was. I opened my eyes to familiar lilac walls and a poster of the woods right above me taped to the white ceiling.The picture I’d used to calm my power when I couldn’t get out into the woods.

I turned my head to find Raffe beside me. He sat in my leather office chair, which he’d pulled over from my purple desk on the other side of my childhood room. He was shirtless and holding my hand, and he’d listed sideways in a way that couldn’t be comfortable. Faint scabs dotted his side.

Some of my tension eased. His wound had been taken care of.

Parched, I tried to sit up, but pain stung my shoulder, and my chest burned despite my fuzzy head. Cat-Keith jumped from her spot at my feet, glaring at me like my movement had offended her.

Raffe woke and winced. “Hey, careful.” He squeezed my hand and leaned so that his shoulder brushed my arm. “Your injuries were awful, so it’ll take you time to heal even with your shifter magic running through you.” He kissed my shoulder, the warmth of his love and worry flowing into me. “I’m so damn glad to look into your eyes again. It’s been fucking awful to see you like this. I thought I was going to lose you.”

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.I tried to swallow, but nothing happened due to how dry my mouth was.

He tensed.What’s wrong?

Water. Please.

His forehead lined.I’ll tell Lucy. Do you need anything else?His guilt swirled in my chest, tightening it.

I shook my head.

His eyes glowed quickly before he continued,Dammit, Sky.A tear trickled down his cheek, and his eyes glistened.His turmoil swirled between us.Do you know what that did to me when you blacked out? Your heart was barely beating, and it’s a miracle you’re alive.

This time, when I winced, it was from the heaviness in my heart.I’m sorry. Slade was going to hurt you, and I—

I was alert enough to know that I’d better not finish that thought. My words would only upset him.

Oh, I know what you thought, and I fucking feel the same way about you.His shoulders slumped.Luckily, everyone was arrested while Dru performed surgery on you to get the bullet out. With how much blood you lost—He stopped and took a ragged breath.At least, it was my turn to return the favor and give you some blood to get you through it.

I cringed.I’m sorry. It’s just, I love you and—

He exhaled. “Don’t. I’d have done the same thing. I’m just fucking glad this is over.” He leaned over and kissed my forehead. “You better never do anything like that ever again. Do you hear me?”

I gritted my teeth, ignoring the discomfort as I reached up and cupped his cheek.I love you.

I love you too.He arched a brow.But when you get better, you’re getting a spanking.

Even feeling off the way that I was, I couldn’t help but smile.Promise?

He straightened.Don’t keep teasing. There’s no telling what I might do since I fucking need to be inside you again after damn near losing you.

As much as I loved the sound of that, even the thought of doing too much had me damn near in tears.Let’s try tomorrow.

His face softened.I doubt you’ll be able to even then, but at least you’re awake, and we can talk.That’s better than the way you’ve been sleeping the past two days.

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