Page 102 of Patiently Yours
“He said I didn’t have a choice. He said they would force me, cut me off, take everything away. I wouldn’t put it past them tokidnap me and take me back home. I see it now, who they really are. I wouldn’t let myself see how bad it was before, but they’re nasty people and I don’t know what todo.”
They let me cry it out, and I do. I’m exhausted by the time it all comes out, my face a wet, blubbering mess. I only stop because I realize I’m not hydrated enough to cry anymore.
“Here’s some water, baby.” Uriah gives me a small cup, sticks the straw to my lips. I inhale the water quickly.
“I know it feels heavy, Stacia.” Atlas leans down beside the bed, giving me soft eyes that make me whimper. “But we will find a way around it, I promise. Nothing is going to happen. We are your scent matches, yourmates, and we will be here for you no matter what. Until this blows over, one of us will be by your side, okay?”
He makes it sound so simple. He’s magnificent, and so reassuring. And he’smine.
I reach out and place my palm on his cheek. His eyes flutter closed as he nuzzles it, placing a kiss to my palm. “You areperfect,” I whisper, another tear falling down my cheek.
He places his hand on top of mine, his eyes never leaving my gaze. “And so are you, Stacia. We’ve waited for you for a long time. The universe will have to do a much better job than this to keep us apart.”
“Amen to that,” Ciro says, clapping his hands together. “I’m not much of a fighter, but I’m down for a throw-down.”
His enthusiasm makes me laugh.
“What are you on about over there?” Uriah asks, his eyes narrowed in confusion.
Ciro only shrugs. “I’m the only person who hasn’t punched someone for Stacia, and I feel like I should get to. And if I get to choose, I’d like to punch her father. Right square in the nose.”
Atlas tries to hide his amusement. “We probably shouldn’t be discussing this in a hospital.”
I let out a soft giggle before looking back at Atlas. “You said Rory found me,” I start, and he nods.
“She’s still here, Stacia. We’re back here because we’re your scent matches. Bonding or not, that means we’re family.”
“Is that really what it means? Legally?” I ask. Scent matches are so serious, they’re recognized by thelawwithout actual bonds?
They all nod, and I’m dumbfounded. I should have done my research on scent matches after realizing I had some.
Before I can ask them more questions, there’s a knock at the door and a dark haired beta enters the room. My mates all huddle to one side of the bed so the doctor can stand on the other. He gives me a kind smile.
“Hey, Stacia. I’m Dr. Jenson. How are you feeling?”
“Sore. Really empty, but it’s not terrible.”
He looks at the chart in front of him. “And emotionally?”
I feel a bit uncomfortable discussing it, but I give an honest answer anyway. “A bit ashamed. Embarrassed. But I’m a thousand times better now that my scent matches are with me.”
He nods, giving my pack a happy glance. “I’m glad. I want to talk to you about the drugs. The nurse said that you don’t remember taking them.”
I shake my head. “I tend to dissociate heavily sometimes. I don’t think I was present when I took them.”
He looks thoughtful, then serious. “The next question I have for you is sensitive, Stacia. Would you like to speak alone?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m okay with my mates being here.”
He nods. “I know you can’t remember, Stacia, but I have to ask. Do you think you were trying to kill yourself?”
I flinch at the question. That’s not something I’ve ever thought about, not seriously. At dinner, I felt trapped. Dismissed. But enough to feel like dying?
Drugs are always a way for me to step away from my life, away from the problems I don’t want to deal with. But do I want todie? That answer is clear.
I swallow before speaking. “I have some trouble…copingwith stuff in my life. But I’ve never thought about dying. It’s more of… stepping out for a moment temporarily, not permanently.”
“That’s good to hear. We still have to keep you for observation. Only a day or two. Have your mates talked to you about your options?”
