Page 108 of Conquering Oz

“Are you hurt anywhere else?”

“I don’t think so.”

They stayed in her bedroom for a while. Maybe fifteen minutes. Ridge’s phone rang, and he stood, giving her his back. Elodie couldn’t make out any of the conversation from his hushed tone. The call only lasted a minute, and he tucked his phone in his pocket and turned back to Elodie.

“I’m gonna take you to the living room, okay?”

Elodie shook her head. The last thing she wanted was to be anywhere near Garner.

“Where is he?” Her voice shook.

Ridge cocked his head. “Not gonna let him get anywhere near you. But I don’t want you isolated in your room with no way out.”

It made sense but did nothing to ease her nerves, especially as they walked down the hall. As they rounded the corner into the living room, she saw three men surrounding Garner, who was curled up in the corner on the floor. He wasn’t moving.

“Is he dead?” she asked.

“Not fucking yet.”

She jumped, falling into Ridge, who braced her hips. The venomous voice was one she’d heard only twice. Rogue and Trey walked into the living room, neither man acknowledging her as they approached Garner. He still hadn’t moved.

“How the fuck did he get in?” Rogue’s voice echoed through the room.

“We were watching her, not the apartment. When she left, we followed her to the deli. He must’ve broken in while she was gone. We had no idea he was up there until the window shattered, and we ran up,” Caine said.

“So if she hadn’t thrown something through the fucking window, he would’ve fucking killed her. Is that what you’re telling me?” Rogue snapped.

Caine straightened and looked toward the door. “Yes.”

She glanced over to find Oz standing with four men at his back. Unlike the others, he was solely focused on her. His brows dipped in a harsh scowl.

A burst of laughter caught everyone’s attention. It was so out of place for the scene.

Elodie darted her eyes across the room. Garner was up on his hands and knees.

His menacing cackle echoed through the room and sent a chill down her spine. “So close.” He turned his head, looking to Oz. “You took out Karl. He was a fucking son to me. My kid.” Garner sat back on his knees, his eyes wild and evil. “And Ialmosthad yours.”

Her heart dropped to her stomach, and she felt all eyes on her as the room was drowned in silence. She wasn’t sure why she did it. Maybe out of instinct? She dropped her hand to her stomach as if shielding a possible child. She didn’t have confirmation, but in that moment she knew.

****

And I almost had yours.

Oz kept his eyes locked on Elodie and felt a rush of ice course through his veins. His gaze was laser focused on her hand covering her belly. Everyone was staring directly at her, but no one said a word. Oz stalked across the room, stopping a foot in front of her.

“Elodie?” His rumbling tone had her wincing, and his immediate reaction was to grasp her arms and pull her against his chest. He was in protection mode. After all that she’d endured, and with the added risk of being pregnant, Oz was seconds away from complete alpha mode. He strummed his thumbs against her back, and she inched closer, resting her hands on his chest.

“I don’t know for sure,” she whispered.

“You don’t know what?”

“If I’m pregnant. I might be, but I didn’t get a chance to take the test. I said it because—” Her voice cracked, and he felt her shake under his hold.

It had been a long time since Oz felt any fear. It was usually the opposite. He wrapped his arms around her back, and she nestled closer, burying her face against his chest. Seconds later, he heard her soft murmured cries. He’d never allowed himself to comfort anyone in a public space. Oz knew his men, Rogue, and Trey were watching.Good.This would send a message to them all that Elodie was more important to him than his reputation or anything in his life.

“I am gonna fucking get off watching you die, motherfucker!” Rogue taunted.

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind what Garner had meant.

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