Page 85 of Flare
Ward nodded, relief washing through him. Then he remembered something important.“What about Andrew? He expected to make a full recovery, too?” he asked harshly.
Aunt Nika’s soft lips thinned to a hard line.“That’s up for debate. Besides the shallow wound on his arm, e took three bullets: one to the shoulder, two to the chest. One missed his heart by less than a centimeter.”
Emily flinched at this, her grip on Ward’s hand tightening.
“I didn’t think any of my shots would hit him,” she whispered.“I was so scared.”
Ward felt a surge of pride so intense it momentarily overwhelmed his pain. Emily—his sweet, brave Emily—had faced down an enraged bear shifter all on her own, and nearly killed him. Had found the courage to fight back when most people would have been paralyzed with terror.
“Hey, beautiful,” he rasped, squeezing her hand.“You were amazing. You saved both of us.”
Her eyes opened, searching his face as if to gauge his sincerity. Whatever she saw there seemed to reassure her, because she gave him a watery smile.
Ward’s gaze drifted to her bandaged arm.“What happened? Did that bastard hurt you?”
Emily looked down at her arm.“He tried to grab me. I did that hold-breaking move you taught me on Monday, but his claws caught me as I twisted away.” She shrugged.“He just scratched me a little, that’s all.”
Guilt washed through Ward. He should’ve been there to protect her. Should never have left her alone.
“Twenty-two stitches is more than just‘scratching her a little’,” Aunt Nika said dryly.“But I’m happy to report the lacerations missed all major tendons and arteries. She’ll have some scarring, but full functionality.”
“I’m so sorry,” Ward whispered. His vision swam with sudden tears, and he cursed painkillers for destroying his self-control.“I promised I’d protect you, and instead—”
“Instead, you nearly died saving me,” Emily interrupted sharply.“Don’t youdareapologize… my love.”
At her words, Ward forgot about his pain.She called me her love!
Sophie cleared her throat.“The federal authorities have been notified about the situation. They’re sending a specialized shifter containment team to transport Mr. Brunborn once he’s stable enough to move.”
“Containment team?” Emily asked.
“Special shifter agents trained to handle shifter prisoners,” Aunt Nika explained.“They’ll keep him secured until trial. No chance of escape.”
Ward nodded, feeling another layer of tension ease from his body. Emily would be safe. Andrew would face justice for what he’d done—not just to Emily, but to others before her.
“We’ll let you two have some privacy,” Aunt Nika said, moving toward the door.“I’ll be back in an hour to check your dressings.” She frowned down at him.“And don’t youdaretry to sit up or get out of bed before the occupational therapist gets here. The call button is right by your hand if you need anything.”
After the doctors left, Ward turned to Emily.
“So,” he finally said, managing a grin despite the pain,“I’m impressed. You’re a damned fine shot for someone who’d never fired a gun before this week.”
Emily shook her head.“I was just lucky. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely hold the gun.” She cleared her throat and suddenly looked embarrassed.“I, um, shot out your front window. And a couple of your walls. I think I took out the stained-glass table lamp next to your couch, too.”
“Still,” Ward pointed out,“Iwas supposed to saveyou. Not the other way around.”
Emily leaned forward, her free hand coming up to rest gently against his cheek.“We saved each other.”
She leaned in to press a soft kiss to his lips.
Ward closed his eyes, savoring the feel of her mouth against his, drawing in the scent of her that even hospital antiseptic couldn’t mask.
A sharp knock at the door interrupted the moment. Sheriff Mary Jacobsen entered, her uniform crisp despite the late hour, and her blonde hair in a tight French braid. Ward had known Maryall his life—she was Tyler’s mate and the mother of his cousins Rob and Malia.
“Good to see you awake, Ward,” she said, smiling.“You gave us all quite a scare.”
“Sorry about that,” Ward said, trying to shift to a more upright position before remembering Aunt Nika’s instructions.
Mary turned to Emily.“Ms. Clarke, I wanted to update you personally. The files you provided have led to the arrest of Katherine Brunborn and most of her family members, along with fourteen associates across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. The FBI is now involved in the Brunborn investigation.”
