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I hadn’t been able to reach Luca because the signal had been too weak.

Sometimes, he disappears too deeply into either the creeks or onto the river to be contacted.

The consultant told me that Rhett might have a head injury, which was why he had been taken for scans.

At least Paige and I had been able to check on Paige’s sister first.

Sophie was being kept in for the night on a different ward to monitor her for smoke inhalation.

Rhett strokes Paige’s hair. “You should go and grab something to eat. It’s getting late.”

Paige shakes her head. “Don’t want to leave you.”

“I ain’t going anywhere.”

My chest tightens. I know how Paige feels.

Rhett isn’t the sort to talk openly about these things, but then he’s spent over two decades working in the fire department. He’s surrounded by friends who live and breathe it on the crew.

Sometimes, I reckon that he forgets this is new to me as well.

“I’m fine,” Rhett tries again. Can’t he see that I’m holding his chart? Who does he reckon he’s kidding? “It’s nothing, darlin’.”

Paige gives him a dubious look.

“He always says that.” I drop the chart back onto the end of the bed. “Chart says something different.”

Rhett winces, shifting on the hard pillows, “I have a bruise the size of Texas on my back but no broken bones. I got lucky. I’ve had scans, and the doc says that I just have a mild concussion.”

“Just…?” I point at the stitch on his temple, where his hair has been pushed back. “And what’s that?”

Rhett’s lips curl up. “Character.”

Paige finally sits up, although she grabs his hand in hers. “It suits you.”

He puffs up his chest. “See?”

I give a shaky smile. “I bonded with a fireman. How could I have guessed that would mean you’d go throwing yourself into burning buildings…?”

“For my sister.” Paige squeezes Rhett’s hand. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d have done…”

“You don’t have to think about that.” Rhett’s eyes twinkle. “But it was your sister throwing herself into the burning building for a damn ginger cat that was the problem.”

“Cornbread? Is she okay?”

“Both your sister and the cat. And they’re both trouble.”

“Don’t I know it,” Paige replies, proudly. Then, she looks down. “But I mean it. Sophie is the only family I have left. Hearing that she and you…that you were both here…”

Rhett’s expression tightens.

He lifts his gaze to meet mine. Why are his eyes flashing with anger?

Can’t he see that she fucking cares about him? That I fucking love him?

“I hate scaring an Omega.” Rhett’s voice is hoarse. “I know what it feels like to get that call.”

“Don’t I?” My gaze slides to the side, unable to keep seeing his simmering rage.