Killian
It wasn’tthe fact that he didn’t trust the doctors to take care of Scout. He knew they were the best in the pack. Even logically, he knew Scout’s wounds weren’t that bad — nothing some antibiotics, stitches and bed rest wouldn’t fix.
It wasn’t that. Something else had triggered inside Killian — the pure, instinctual rage that took over his body and soul at the sight of someone hurting his mate. His gut twisted even just thinking about it now.
He shoved the thought away. He never wanted to experience that again. His hand tightened around his mate’s.
A moment later Scout murmured and opened his eyes. “Hey.”
“Hey,” Killian said.
Scout’s brow furrowed and he blinked at the light seeping in through the windows. “Have you been here all night?”
“Yeah.” Killian stroked the back of Scout’s hand with his thumb, rubbing small circles.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Scout said shyly.
“I did,” Killian stated. “You’re my mate. I love you. I don’t ever want to leave your side.”
Scout’s eyes widened. He swallowed hard, overtaken by the suddenness of Killian’s emotions. “Killian…”
“I never want that to happen again,” he said. “I never want you to get hurt. Ever.” His hand squeezed harder. “It was the worst thing I’ve ever felt in my whole life.”
Tears rimmed the corner of Scout’s eyes and he sniffled with a gentle laugh, wiping them away.
“Why are you the one crying?” Killian mumbled, tucking a strand of Scout’s hair behind his ear. “I’m the one being emotional here.”
“I know,” Scout said. “Your being emotional made me emotional. Must be an omega thing or something.”
Killian smiled gently and leaned in to kiss his mate. It was warm and soft, and neither of them wanted to pull away when there was a knock at the door.
Killian groaned and pulled away. “What is it?”
Stark stood at the door, looking sheepish that he had interrupted. “Sorry, your highness.”
“It’s alright.” Killian sighed. “Speak.”
Stark nodded. “A portion of the royal guard and I have been discussing what you said in the meeting room yesterday, and we all think it’s a good idea.”
Killian’s eyes widened. “Oh?”
“Yes. With your permission, we would like to send out a few elite teams for the mission,” Stark explained.
“That’s great news!” Killian said.
“What mission?” Scout asked. “What’s he talking about?”
Killian was beaming when he turned back to his mate. “Yesterday in the meeting room, I brought up the stolen omegas. I suggested we should have a rescue mission to go and bring them back.”
Scout gasped. In the whirlwind of events the day before, he had completely forgotten that Killian promised he would mention that to the guard. “Oh! That’s wonderful news!”
Stark nodded. “So, shall I assemble the teams, your highness?”
“Yes, of course,” Killian said. He lowered his voice. “Just be careful, Stark. We don’t know what Silvercreek is up to. Bring back as many omegas as you can, but bring yourselves back, too.”
Stark nodded again. “Don’t worry, your highness, I’ll make sure all of us come back in one piece.”
He gave a deep bow before leaving the room.
