Page 45 of Mercy

"No!" I growl, barely registering my own voice as I screech to a halt.

I'm off my bike in seconds, not caring that I've left it running.

My boots crunch on broken glass as I rush to her side, falling to my knees beside her still form.

"Meghan! Baby, wake up!" I plead, my hands hovering over her, afraid to move her.

Her face is so pale, a stark contrast to the smear of blood near her temple. "Please, Meg, open your eyes!"

Was this random, or targeted?

The questions swirl, but I push them aside.

Right now, all that matters is Meghan.

After what feels like an eternity, her eyelids flutter.

A soft groan escapes her lips, and relief floods through me so strongly I feel dizzy.

"Tor?" she mumbles, wincing as she tries to move. "My head..."

I cup her face gently, my thumbs stroking her cheeks. "I'm here, baby. I've got you. Don't try to move, okay? We need to get you checked out."

Her sage green eyes, usually so bright and full of life, are clouded with pain and confusion.

It breaks my heart to see her like this, and fury bubbles up inside me.

Whoever did this is going to pay, and pay dearly.

But first things first, Meghan needs help and she needs it now.

I scan the area, my jaw clenching when I spot her wallet lying open on the ground, its contents scattered. "Meghan, what happened? Was it a carjacking?"

She winces again, her gaze darting away from mine.

The silence that follows is deafening, and my gut twists with worry.

Something's not right here, but I can't put my finger on it.

Meghan mumbles, attempting to sit up. "I want to go back to the clubhouse."

I place a firm hand on her shoulder, keeping her still. "No way, babe. You need to get checked out. That head injury could be serious."

Her eyes flash with defiance, a glimpse of her usual fire. "I'm fine, Tor. Just help me up and?—"

"Dammit, Meg," I cut her off, my voice rough with emotion. "I love you, okay? So shut up and let me help you."

The words tumble out before I can stop them, raw and honest. "You were in a coma not long ago. We're not taking any chances."

She stares at me, stunned into silence.

I take advantage of the moment and pull out my phone, dialing my dad's number with shaking fingers.

"Dad," I say as soon as he picks up. "She's hurt. We're at the pharmacy on Fifth. Get here fast."

I end the call and turn back to Meghan, who's watching me with an unreadable expression. "Help's on the way, baby. Just hang on."

True to form, within five minutes, I hear the rumble of my dad's truck.

---