Page 70 of Wicked Truths

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but thank you for being here for me,” she says as her eyes squeeze shut. “It means more than I have words to explain.”

My fucking heart tries to pound out of my chest as I brush my lips over her forehead. “Always, princess. You need me, then I’m there.”

“The crazy thing is, I believe you,” she says, kissing my cheek before snuggling back into the pillow. “I love that it smells like you.”

I bite my lip to keep from busting out some shit I don’t think she’s ready to hear. Instead, I kiss her again and head out. I’m going to sink my teeth into that little omega so deeply she has no chance of getting away. Then I’m going to work my ass off to be the person she seems to think I am.

ChapterTwenty-Two

Sullivan

“Is this normal?” I ask the nurse as Oakley trembles against my chest.

“It’s not ideal, but the fever reducers aren’t working well enough. If her temperature reaches 108 then she’s going to need to head down the mountain to the hospital.” The nurse continues messing with Oakley’s IV machine. “The IV fluids can make some patients cold. Her temperature is also hovering pretty high. I’ll put it this way, I’m not surprised she’s able to feel the difference between her body temp and the temperature of the fluids.”

“That makes sense,” Oakley says, clutching onto my middle. Her teeth aren’t chattering, but fuck, I feel completely goddamn helpless as her hand shakes against my chest. “I really don’t want to go to the hospital. I’m honestly feeling a lot better than I did yesterday or even last night.”

“Good,” the nurse says, shoving a pin in the pocket of his scrubs. “Hopefully that means you’re on the upward trend.” He makes eye contact with me. “If she gets noticeably hotter then hit the call button. If she needs the restroom, wheel the IV cart with her.”

“Got it,” I say, swallowing thickly.

Fuck me, this is terrifying.

I don’t know how Marcus, of all people, managed to keep his cool.

Knowing she’s sick and hurting makes me feel like I could crawl out of my own skin. It’s a miserable feeling being unable to fix the problem.

The nurse heads out while Oakley is still trembling.

Isn’t this something they should be monitoring?

It feels like it should be.

“You’re freaking out over there, aren’t you?” Oakley pats my chest. “Seriously, Sulli. I’m fine. Well, not fine, but I’m okay. I promise not to die on your watch.”

“Jesus Christ,” I hiss, my hold on her hip tightening. “Don’t even joke about that shit.”

“Sorry,” she mutters. “I was trying to lighten the mood.”

“Are you nervous for your first true heat?” I ask and grimace. Where did that question come from? She’s sick as hell. She probably hasn’t had time to even consider it.

“I probably would have been before Marcus, but no, not really. More than anything I’m embarrassed that I’m holding everything up because I refused to listen to anyone about how bad the suppressants could be.”

“We wouldn’t be touring right now anyway. Don’t beat yourself up.”

“I forgot about Angel.” Her head shakes. “I hate that woman so much on Marcus’s behalf.”

“Yeah, she’s basically a guide for how not to be a parent. It’s no wonder Lyric left when she was a teenager.”

“No kidding,” she agrees.

“Things seem like they’re getting pretty serious between you two.”

“Me and Marcus?” she asks to clarify.

“Well, I don’t mean you and Lyric.” I chuckle, running my hand down her back.

“I think he just really needed someone to believe in him. Or maybe that’s not even it. Just someone to see through that facade he puts on to protect himself.” Her head shakes against my chest. “I don’t know how to explain it. I know he can be downright problematic at times, but he never pushes with me. Not anymore.”

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