I wish it was that simple. Willa is a ball of strength and perseverance, but I’ve seen more stubborn men succumb to injuries half as bad as hers. All I can do now is hope the doctors do their job. I refuse to lose her.
The doctor turns the corner, and Soul lifts off the wall. He takes in our cuts, slowing his pace at our approach. But he doesn’t seem put off like some people are when they realize we’re in a motorcycle club. Probably because I’ve known Nate since we were kids.
“How is she?”
“You know I’m only supposed to report to family, Dean.” He frowns. “Her dad’s not here yet.”
“If he shows up, I’ll put a bullet in his head before I let him set foot in that room.”
A couple beside us stares, so Nate turns us away from them while Soul tries to explain I was just joking.
I wasn’t.
“You can’t just walk around threatening that kind of thing around here,” Nate says. “You know that. Small town.”
“It’s not a threat, it’s a promise.” And my patience has run out. “Now tell me how she’s doing.”
Willa’s blood has dried on my shirt and jeans, painting a picture I refuse to erase until I know she’s okay. I’ve never seen her cheeks so pale. Her eyes so empty. Blood gushed from her side, and I held her like I’d sacrifice my soul to put it back.
I’d give up anything for more time—even the ranch.
I’ve been so distracted that I haven’t yet told her what I want when all this is said and done. How I need her in my life, no matter how that looks. We’ve put off discussing us, and now, I may never get the chance.
Nate frowns. “I can’t—”
“She’s my fucking wife, all right?” I lie, not missing that Soul’s eyebrows lift at my declaration.
Doesn’t matter. She might as well be. That’s what I intend to make her if we get through this. I don’t just want Willa wearing my name on her back. I want her to beminein every sense of the word. Legally, spiritually. In this life and every other.
“Your wife?” Nate hitches an eyebrow, and I sense he knows I’m lying, but he goes with it anyway. “She’s out of surgery, and she’s in a recovery room. Everything wentwell. The bullet didn’t hit anything vital. She should make a quick recovery.”
The tension in my shoulders loosens with his words. “When can I go see her?”
“As soon as she’s a little more stable. The nurse will come get you.”
“Thanks, Doc.”
He nods, turning to walk away. And finally, I drop into one of the chairs in the waiting room, my legs giving out beneath me.
She’s going to be okay.
She’s going to be okay.
How many times do I need to think it before it sinks in?
Soul drops into the chair beside me, shoving my shoulder. “Told you she’d pull through this.”
“Forgive me if I don’t trust your expert medical opinion.” I roll my eyes at Soul as Venom walks up.
He hands Soul his coffee and sits at my other side. “I’m guessing the doc had good news.”
“She’s in recovery now.”
“Good.” He nods. “Still no idea who did it?”
“No. Did you guys tell Steel?”
“You asked us not to.”
