Page 152 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
“She’s heavily sedated, but she’ll be okay,” I assured. “Thank you for coming out.”
“Absolutely. The shooting hit the news. Mama’s beside herself,” Dare told Mercy. “I’ll keep them at arm’s length, okay? But you should text her.”
“I will. Please keep them away. The only parent I want right now is Dad–only if he left Mumsy in London.” Mercy hugged her brother tightly. “I don’t even want Grace or Creed. Just you two assholes.”
We sat around, talking. Grif got up and crawled into the bed with Verity, holding Dean’s hand over her body.
“Creed got us a hotel. Mercy, want to crash with us for a few hours? Get a little sleep? Take a shower? Change out of your ballgown? Aren’t you fancy? You wear that shit like every night, right?” Dare asked.
Mercy scratched her nose with her middle finger. “We were at a charity fundraiser, you ding-dong. You can leave. I got my hugs. I’m fine now.”
“You can go with them if you want, Squirt. You can also go home. There’s nothing wrong with getting a little sleep. We can trade off. Someone should get some things for Verity, anyway,” I told her. We should eventually change, since we were still in our gala finery.
“Squirt?” Hale snorted.
“Only Jonas can call me that.” Mercy made a face. “I’ll get Verity’s things. You’ll pack her thongs. She doesn’t like wearing thongs in hospitals.”
Dean tried not to laugh. “I’m so grateful for that information.”
Mercy left with her brothers in a cloud of plum-scented worry.
“I’d like to take Grif home,” AJ whispered. “I’m worried about him spiraling. He needs to be tucked into bed and taken care of. We’ll come back in the morning and then you and Dean can go home for a bit?”
“That sounds like a good plan if he’s willing to leave her side.” Because Grif didn’t look too good and his scent was still sour.
“Boo-Boo, would you like to go home and shower? Get Verity’s things?” AJ got up and went to Grif.
“I… I don’t know. I want to stay with her, but I don’t feel good.” He looked stricken, wrapping his arms around AJ.
“You know this isn’t your fault, right?” I told Grif. “Not only didn’t you have any idea that Chet’s wife would come after you, Verity’s job as an alpha is literally to protect you. A job I’ve reminded her of. She won’t blame you, so don’t blame yourself.”
I needed him to understand that. He took things too hard, too personal.
Grif sat up. “I… I know. It’s just…”
Dean squeezed his hand. “I know. Go home, Gumdrop. Curl up with AJ and sleep for a couple of hours. Bring me some clothes? I think I need some hospital thongs.”
“I’ll bring all the thongs.” Grif snorted. He gave her a long look, then turned back to his husband. “You’ll watch over her for me?”
“Of course. I’ll make sure she gets all the cuddles and knows we’re here. After all, I was supposed to spend the night with her.” Dean’s look grew wistful. “I love you, Gumdrop.” He leaned over and gave Grif a kiss.
“We’ll be back in the morning,” AJ told me. He planted a kiss on Grif’s temple. “Come on, Boo-Boo.”
Grif kissed Verity on the cheek. “I’m going to leave you with Dean for a few hours. But I’ll be back with some clothes for you. We’ll take your dress to the cleaners and see if they can get the blood out of it. I love you, Kitten.”
“Go rest. I’ll call you if she wakes up and wants you?” I offered.
“Thanks.” Grif nodded and left with AJ.
“His scent is off. He’s sort of clammy. I… I really don’t want him to spiral.” Dean looked stricken.
“Me neither. That’s why AJ’s taking him home for a bit.” I put the uneaten food in the mini-fridge and checked my messages to make sure no one needed anything. Also, I texted the Knights group chat, letting everyone know that if they were still here, they should go home.
“Will you lay down with us, Babes?” Dean took off his shirt and threw it at the couch, then did the same for his pants.
While it was critical care, she was in a pack suite. The bed was large enough for exactly that–a mate or two cuddling the patient, letting them know they were loved. It sometimes made all the difference in recovery.
“I’d like that.” I took off my shoes, belt, and shirt. My jacket had been discarded long ago.
