Page 28 of Healing His Darkness
“Is George still sleeping?” Brody asks and my eyes travel towards the stairs.
“Tell me you’re not seriously thinking about not telling her you’re leaving.” Rubbing my hand against my chin thinking Brody lets out a laugh.
“You’re either crazy or stupid, maybe a little bit of both. I’m gonna make sure I survive just so I can watch that shit show. Because she was a force to be reckoned with before she was a shifter, now well hell you might want to leave the state.” He’s rubbing his hands together like it’s going to be the show of a lifetime, asshole. Maybe he’s right, maybe I should wake her. But then she’ll want to come with me, and we’ll be right back where we were earlier.
“Shit! Give me five and I’ll meet y’all outside.” Brody smirks at me as I make my way toward the stairs. “Asshole.”
Quietly opening her door, I stand there watching her sleep for a moment, taking in her beauty. Her hair is fanned out from her face and there’s a soft smile on her lips, I’m hoping that I put it there.
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I run my fingers down her cheek. It’s so soft, like a down feather. This woman is mine for the rest of my life and I won’t lie; it's a heady feeling.
“Baby.” I whisper as I kiss her temple gently. Moaning her eyes flutter open, when they focus on me a smile spreads across her lips.
“Hey there good looking. How long was I sleeping?” She stretches her arms yawning.
“Not long.” I’m tempted to join her in the bed and say fuck Rodney all together, but I need to protect what’s mine more.
“It’s time then?” I want to tell her no, but sadly, I know Brody is right, she’ll be furious.
“Yeah, everyone’s outside waiting to leave. I’m going to ask you to please stay here.” I hold up my hand before she can argue.
“Not because I don’t think you can’t hold your own, but because you’ll be a distraction for me. I need to have my whole head in the game; if you’re there my animal won’t want to leave your side.” Her shoulders deflate as she pretends to pull a piece of lint off the blanket.
“Do you really think I’d be that much of a distraction?” A hint of sadness in her voice.
“Not just for me but for your dad and brothers too.” Her eyes grow wide at the thought of risking her family.
“They’ll want to protect you; it’s a matter of nature. You may not like it, but it comes with the animal instinct to protect.” I admit.
“It might be a good idea for me to stay behind to help protect Angel, you know since she can’t shift anymore. Imagine if Rodney comes here while you’re gone, then it would just be Stonewall against who knows how many.” She declares with a mischievous smile on her lips because she knows she’s full of shit, but I’ll take it.
“That’s right, Angel is pregnant with my president's baby. We wouldn't want anything to happen to it or it’s mother while we’re out. You’re a good mate for sacrificing being by my side to protect her.” Pulling her into my arms, I kiss her temple.
“Come back to me Rooster, I just found you I don’t want to lose you.” Kissing her gently on the lips, I don’t make her any promises, but I do reassure her I’ll try my damndest.
20
GEORGE
After Rooster left, I couldn’t sleep anymore, which is how I found myself pacing my living room for the billionth time in the past hour. Meanwhile Angel and Stonewall are both as cool as cucumbers playing cards at the table like nothing is amiss.
“George, why don’t you come over here and play a game with us? All the pacing is making me nauseous.” Angel calls to me.
“What are y’all playing?” I ask as I make my way toward the dining room, but before I get two steps, I hear something outside. They must have heard it too, because they’re both up and moving before I say boo.
“Are they back already?” I ask as I make my way to the front door.
“No.” Stonewall says sharply.
“Wraith said they would call on their way back, there hasn’t been a call, I don’t think it’s them.” Angel admits while peeking out the curtain beside the door.
“Definitely not them, both of you upstairs now.” Stonewall motions with a jerk of his chin toward the stairs. The fun loving Stonewall is gone and in his place is the Stonewall who will die to protect us.
“Angel go upstairs. In my dad’s bedroom under his bed is twelve gauge with rounds. Lock and bar the door with whatever you can find in there.” Angel heads toward the stairs before glancing back at me and Stonewall. She looks like she might argue but then she rubs her tummy and mouths thank you before sprinting up the stairs.
“You too George, Rooster left strict instructions to keep you both safe.” Of course, he did.
“That was before I was changed, I can help now. Let me help Stonewall, I promise not to get in the way.” I don’t get to hear his response before Rodney’s voice echoes through the night.
