Walking tentatively to Hope’s hospital room, Willow pondered how her friend would feel once she knew what she intended to do. The last thing she wanted was to bring up memories of that day, but after meeting everyone last night and spending time with the Shaman that morning, she was more certain than ever it was the only way for both of them to find freedom. Yesterday, before Mac ushered her into Hope’s room for the first time, he warned her about her condition, but nothing he said could’ve prepared her for what she saw. Quickly schooling her features when Hope smiled at her, Willow rushed to her, bending down to hug her friend. Squeezing her eyes tight, she fought back her tears when she saw how thin and frail Hope was. Then getting her emotions under control, she pulled over a chair and sat down, although she didn’t stay long; Hope’s eyelids were already drooping after her physical therapy session.
But Willow intended to be the strength Hope needed to recover, get justice for the crime committed and enjoy life again. Stopping at Mac’s office, she peeked in, finding him at his computer. When he looked up, she asked, “I’m going to visit Hope this morning, but if you have a moment, I have a few questions, first.”
“Sure, just doing paper work,” Mac replied.
Sitting down, Willow said, “They have to do with Hope’s health. I know you can’t give me any specific details so don’t worry.”
“Great, so what can I do?”
“I’ll be filing a report with the High Council, detailing what I saw Josiah and his enforcers do that night.”
Staring at Willow, Mac opened his mouth, then closed it, wondering if Jackson had asked her to do it. Finally, gathering his thoughts, he asked, “What changed your mind?”
“Six years of running, looking over my shoulder, existing instead of living…take your pick. Something happened recently, making me reevaluate my life and I realized the first thing I have to do is get Josiah’s monkey off my back.”
“Are you prepared for the consequences?”
“Yes, no matter what Josiah does, it will be worth the price if I get my freedom back,” Willow said.
“Have you talked to Jackson?” asked Mac.
“I told him about it when I arrived yesterday. But before I go ahead, I owe it to Hope to tell her also, because it might open up a wound that has barely healed. So, I want your opinion on how it might affect her recovery.”
“Honestly? I don’t know…she might be strong enough or it might cause a major setback. Before you do anything, I’d like to consult with Ian, Colton, Jackson and Kieran. I can tell you this…it’s a miracle Hope is alive. I don’t want her to have a relapse. And while I understand why you want to tell her, from a medical standpoint, I can’t give you approval to do that…at least not yet.”
“Fine, I won’t say a word to her until you say it’s okay.”
“Anything else?” asked Mac.
“Yes, I’ve decided to stay until Hope has fully recovered and I was wondering if there’s something I can do to help her.”
Mac’s eyes brightened. “Oh, my gods, yes. Hope needs companionship other than her sons, who treat her with kid gloves…so afraid they’re going to lose her again. I’m not criticizing them, though, because they’re still getting over the shock of having their mother back. And as great as it is for her to have her sons visit, what she really needs right now is someone who can encourage her to do her physical therapy, even though it’s going to hurt…or take her for a walk outside…or talk about happy memories you both share…really, just being a friend. David’s mother, Sofia, is very good for her, always encouraging Hope to do a little more therapy. Hope needs to be surrounded by happiness and joy to regain that part of her stolen that night. It would be great if you and Sofia could coordinate so Hope would always have someone with her for most of the day.”
“That’s what I hoped I could do,” Willow said, as she got up. “I’ll talk to Sofia and work out a schedule with her. Thank you, Mac, for the suggestions and for taking care of my friend. Hope was right…you’re a sweetheart.”
Chapter 34
After reading bedtime stories and kissing the boys goodnight, Carson headed downstairs, chuckling at their attempts to get him to read yet another story. He’d have to stay on his toes to keep ahead of them as they grew older. Pushing open the kitchen door, he smiled at his mate. “Need any help?”
“I just need to put some cookies on the tray,” Remy said. “Can you get them? They’re on the top shelf in the pantry.”
“Keeping them away from the two cookie monsters, huh?” Carson laughed. Reaching up, he grabbed a jar of cookies and brought it over to the table. Opening it up, he arranged a selection on a plate. “There, not too bad, but not as good as my brother would do it.”
“Which brother is that?”
“Dakota…he’s a chef,” Carson explained. “If he was here, he’d make us a special mating breakfast.”
“I’d love that,” Remy murmured. “He’s the one who’s pregnant, right?”
“Yeah, along with Kieran and Ian.”
“They are your brothers’ mates?” asked Remy.
“Oh, yeah, sorry. Kieran is Logan’s mate and Ian is Colton’s mate,” Carson explained, carrying the tray into the living room.
“Do you miss your brothers?” asked Remy.
“Come to think of it, I do.”
