I’m safe telling her.
“Steph asked us because we…help people out. People who can’t get justice any other way.”
“People who can’t get justice?”
He nodded. “We just helped out a little girl who had to testify against her abuser. We came to the courtroom, told her to look at us, not at him. Then his family wouldn’t leave her alone and the police couldn’t keep up. So we helped with that, too.”
“People who fall through the cracks. Who can’t defend themselves.”
“Yeah. Sometimes, restraining orders don’t mean anything to a predator. We make sure they stop, by any means necessary.” He searched her eyes, trying to gauge her reaction, his pulse quickening. “Do you know what I’m saying?”
She nodded slowly.
“Are you good with that?”
Wren took his hand in both of hers. “No.”
This is it. I’ve lost her. The fleeting thought whipped through his heart, leaving scars in its wake.
“Nope. I’mgreatwith that, Elias.”
He closed his eyes in relief. He felt Wren scootch forward, then her lips met his. A soft promise that said she accepted who he was and what he needed to do.
Elias opened his eyes and laid his hand against her cheek. Her soft skin grounded him.
She covered his hand with hers. “But you’d better promise me you’ll always be careful.”
He gave her a soft smile. “I can’t promise you that, baby. But I will promise I won’t hide what I’m doing from you. And I’ll always come home to you.”
“If you can’t promise you’ll be careful, then how can you promise me that?”
“Because my brothers always have my back.”
He watched her consider that, his heart beating just a little faster as he waited for her response.
“Ellie and Rochelle know, too?”
“Of course. T-Wolf and Bear would never keep what they do a secret from them.”
“Then, the next time you…do what you do, I’ll have them over to my home. We can support each other, you know?”
“That sounds great, baby.”
And if I have my way, your home will be here, with me.
Elias tapped her screen. “Do you or Kit know how to get a hold of him?”
“Yeah. He’s got a room at the Y in Denver, where I took the photos.”
Elias stood up. “I gotta call Gabe. Let everyone know he’s been located.” He planted a kiss on the top of her head. “Steph’s gonna be so relieved.” Elias started for the kitchen where he’d left his phone.
“Elias, wait. He doesn’t want to be found.”
Elias stopped and turned. “He doesn’t?”
“No.” She ran a hand through her long, chestnut hair. “He feels ashamed.” She chewed on her lower lip. “He doesn’t want to face the nurses who saved his life. He wishes they hadn’t.”
Elias clenched his jaw and looked away. He didn’t want Wren to see the rage in his eyes, or hear his voice raised in fury. With a few deep breaths, he got himself under control. Centered, he said, “No one shouldeverbe made to feel that way. And for such a stupid reason.” He pulled at the hair on top of his head in frustration. “I was one of the EMTs who was there that day. Waylon, too. We didn’t think he’d make it. We were so relieved when we got the news that he lived.” He took another deep breath. “You can’t take your patients home with you up here.” He tapped his temple. “But some you never forget.”
