“I know. It’s a little surreal to think someone could hurt our MacKenzie like that.”
“Our MacKenzie?”
“Yes. Our MacKenzie. Yours and mine.”
“You claiming her like some alpha biker dude?”
“Yes.”
She looks a little startled by my affirmative response. “You mean it?” She has the look of a mama bear watching out for her cub.
“I do. I can’t explain it, but yes, I mean it. I think she’s the person I’ve been waiting for—I’ve never felt this way about another person in my life.”
“And it’s not just the fact she’s a damsel in distress right now?”
“No. Yes, I feel a particular responsibility for her right now, but no, I felt that way last week. I was physically ill being away from her. Something that was entirely my own doing.”
“If it makes you feel any better, she was overwhelmed, too. She needed a little break; just not one like you forced upon her.”
“Good to know.” I don’t like hearing that she wanted a break from me, but I’ll have to get over it. Right now, I need to close ranks and protect my girl. “I’m going to run home to shower and change. I’ll be back in less than an hour. Will you let her know?”
“Will do. Bye, Sam.”
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
STAY STRONG
I wakefrom dozing on the uncomfortable gurney in the Rush Medical Center emergency room when Lauren pulls the curtain open and walks in. “You really know how to get attention, sweetie.” She walks over to me and kisses my forehead. “The nurse says they’re keeping you overnight for observation.”
“I heard that too. They’re moving me to a room soon.”
“Good. One of us can stay with you.”
“One of us?”
“Well, it’ll be Sam the Alpha Man. I assume he’ll demand to stay.” She gives me an eye roll. “He ran home to grab some clothes. I’ll stay until he gets back, but I’ll be back first thing in the morning. Okay?”
I chuckle at her description of Sam, but laughing hurts. I’ve got a long cut on my left side that is fairly deep. The one on my leg is shorter but just as deep, and the wound from my wrist to my elbow is superficial but still burns. I had ten stitches on the leg wound, and they used surgical glue on the one on my side and a bandage on my arm, but it all hurts. “You don’t need to wait. I’m all right,” I say, attempting to reassure her. “I’m sure Blake needs you at home.”
My best friend tries to take care of everyone. I know she’s worried about me, and I do my best to pretend to be okay. The truth is, though, I’m shaken to the core. When I think about the scene in the park, I know in my heart that I’d be dead if Bobby hadn’t been there. I know it.
She scoffs and shrugs. “I don’t think so.”
I chuckle. “What? Are you kidding me? That guy would die without you.”
“Apparently, that’s not the case.”
“Huh? What’re you talking about?”
She takes a deep breath. “Blake and me… we’re separating.”
“What?” I move too fast to sit up and regret it. I yelp in pain.
Lauren jumps up.
“Lauren?” I wince, getting myself as comfortable as I can. “What are you talking about?”
“This can wait, hon. You’re in pain.”
