Page 46 of Mane Full Of Stripes
Apollo nodded and cradled Jost in his arms as he ran through the trees, heading to where he’d parked his car behind Jost’s. From the moment he’d received Jost’s call, he’d been on edge, his chest tight as fear built inside until he heard Jost calling his name. The fear didn’t dissipate, though. He saw Jenrick, saw his mate, and knew he had to protect his Jost.
“I love you,” he whispered as he ran.
“I love you, too,” Jost coughed. “He said they’d told him where I would be. Who did he mean?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll find out. We’re almost out now, Jost. Hold on a little while longer, then we can get you the help you need.” God, his mate was injured, and Apollo tightened his hold on him, tears slipping free. “Your heat.”
“Early, but I think it’s because of what’s happened between us. I’ll be fine. It’s in the early stages.”
Bursting from the tree line, Apollo looked both ways, then saw the paramedics parked by their cars. “Here!” he screamed, running toward them. When he reached them, he said, “He’s been attacked by another lion. He shifted but still has injuries.” The paramedics took Jost into their van and Apollo waited outside, watching as they tended to his mate. A phone ringing caught his attention, and he searched the area until he located it. Picking it up, he saw ‘Dad’ on the screen and knew Anslem was calling Jost.
“Hey, Anslem. It’s Apollo.” Taking a deep breath, he carried on, “Jost’s been injured. Jenrick was waiting for him and attacked him. The police have Jenrick now. We’ll be heading to the ER as soon as they’ve seen to him.”
“He’s alive?”
“Yes, but he took claws to his side and was thrown into a tree. He protected me.”
“We’re on our way to St. Ann’s now. We’ll meet you there.”
Anslem hung up, and Apollo let his hand fall to his side. What kind of mate was he that he couldn’t defend Jost? “We’re ready to go.”
Apollo nodded and jumped in the back and watched Jost, who smiled up at him. “My dad taught me to fight when I was younger because I’m an omega.”
“He did?”
Jost nodded, then placed a hand on his chest, wincing slightly. “I can feel you and you need to stop.” Jost glanced over at the other man, who appeared to be taking notes. “I’m a predator even if I’m an omega. You did the right thing not shifting, and this was my battle to face. I needed to face him down. Thank you for being there.”
“Jost—”
“No. I needed to do it after everything he put me through. Knowing you were there helped.” Jost sighed and closed his eyes. “I expect you to be there later.” Apollo sighed. Jost could feel his emotions through their bond, and knew Apollo felt like a failure. “Come here,” Jost whispered.
Apollo carefully leaned closer, putting his ear near Jost’s lips. “You’re both alphas but he is a predator, and I know him. He wouldn’t have stopped until he’d hurt you or even killed you. I had to do this.” Jost lifted his hand and traced Apollo’s lips. “This was my battle. Do you see that?”
“I do, but I’m an alpha and I’m your mate—”
“And as my mate, you supported me. I won’t be happy with you if you continue to feel this way. You gave me the chance to stand up strong and defend myself. You have no idea how much that means to me. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Now rest so your body can heal.” Apollo stroked Jost’s hair back and smiled when Jost closed his eyes. No matter how much it jarred Apollo, he had given Jost the chance to be strong in the face of someone who had caused him so much pain. That made Apollo’s feelings of failure lessen somewhat.
By the time they arrived at the hospital, Jost was barely conscious and was quickly wheeled inside. Apollo entered the ER and saw Jost’s family going straight over to them. “He has some injuries, but he should be fine.”
“Has he told you exactly what happened?” Anslem demanded.
“I got a phone call, and he only managed to say a couple of words, but I heard screams and shouts and knew I had to find him. I tracked him from where he works to where his car was on the side of the road, then through the trees. I could hear him screaming and soon realized it was Jenrick.” Apollo paused. “Jost held his own. He wanted to stand and fight Jenrick. He said on the way here it was something he had to do.”
“And you?”
“I knew I couldn’t shift. I might be an alpha, but I am a prey species. I fought in this form and helped Jost when he needed me. It was important to him to defend himself. He was amazing to see and a huge credit to you both.”
“And it hurt you, too,” Ella murmured.
“It did, but I’m proud of him. He found the strength and courage to stand up for himself. He needed to do it.”
“He did, but it isn’t easy to sit back and watch when everything inside you is screaming at you to jump in and defend them.” Anslem sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. “Do you need a checkup?” Anslem looked Apollo up and down and Apollo shook his head.
“A couple of shifts and I’ll be fine. Jost took claws to the side. I’m more worried about him.”
“I hate to say it, but he’s gone through worse with Jenrick.” Anslem stood when a doctor approached them. “Any news?”
