Chapter: 44

"She just chased away her siblings, now, I don't think..."

I turned my head, my vision clearing slightly, and I smiled softly. "It's okay," I said weakly. "He can stay."

Lucian shot the nurse a charming smile. "See? The lady vouches for me. The nurse finally left, and Lucian turned the smile on me. "My, my, Sera, your life is one big rollercoaster, isn't it?"

............

KIERAN'S POV

I woke with a snarl, my wolf already clawing at my ribs before my eyes found the clock.

Two fucking hours.

I'd meant to shower, sleep for thirty minutes-just enough to take the edge off-then get back to Sera. Instead, I slept for over two hours.

I hastily threw on clothes and shoes and was out of the house in two minutes.

The drive to the hospital was a blur of growling engines and worse scenarios. Had she woken in pain? Had she asked for me?

I took the stairs three at a time, my pulse roaring-only to freeze at the sight outside her door.

Ethan sat slumped, hands clenched like he was praying. Celeste looked like she'd been dipped in coffee, her silk blouse ruined, face mottled red.

"What the hell happened?" My voice came out gravel-rough. They both looked up at me. Celeste sniffled. "Kie-"

But my attention was on Ethan. "You promised you wouldn't leave her side," I said. "Why are you outside and not with her?"

Ethan glanced at Celeste, and annoyance flashed in his eyes. "She kicked us out," he said to me.

"Why?" Again, Ethan looked at Celeste, and she simply rolled her eyes, glaring down at her stained shirt.

"What does it matter?” Ethan said. "Besides"-he nodded towards the door-"he's here."

I frowned. "Who?" "Lucian Reed."

My body moved before my mind could catch up, and I drew open the door to Sera's room.

The first thing that hit my ears was laughter-sweet and musical.

"Stop!" Sera was saying amidst fits of giggles. "You're going to make me tear a stitch!"

I froze for a second, stunned by the look of pure joy on her face as she threw her head back against the pillows, giggling uncontrollably at whatever Lucian fucking Reed said.

Then her eyes met mine across the room, and she froze, too.

And, like someone drawing blinds to keep the sun away, her entire expression shuttered. Her smile faded, her eyes hardened, and a blast of frigid air filled the room.