Page 46 of Alpha Fate
His patient understanding makes my heart constrict. I lean in and kiss him softly, a gentle caress this time. “Thank you,” I whisper.
As we walk back hand in hand, my mind races. This thing between us – it’s undeniable. More powerful than anything I’ve ever felt before. I wish I could just give in, but my conflicted heart holds me back.
For now, at least.
Because looking at Gage, I know deep down that no matter how hard I try to resist, I’m already his.
Stop it, Savannah!
“What are you thinking about?” he asks, looking down at me in the warm sunlight.
I shake my head. “Nothing. Just letting my mind wander.” It’s not nothing at all, but there’s no way I’m going to let him into my thoughts just yet.
“You’d better get back home.” He stops at the outskirts of the little park, waiting for me to exit through the creaking gate.
“I know. If Sierra gets back before I do…ugh…” I grimace. Impulsively, I lift onto my toes and brush my lips over his, then turn quickly as I hear rapid footsteps coming up from behind. I turn around to see Dr. Bea hurrying down the path toward us.
She’s slightly out of breath, wisps of gray hair escaping her usual tidy braid. “Oh! Hello, you two.” She pauses, glancing between us in surprise. I drop Gage’s hand hastily, feeling my cheeks flush.
“Morning, Doc,” Gage says easily, as if we’d merely bumped into each other on the street. I wish I had his composure.
Dr. Bea shakes her head a little, like she’s refocusing her thoughts. “I’m afraid I can’t stop to chat. There’s been an emergency.”
“What happened?” Gage asks, brow furrowing.
“One of the perimeter scouts found a lone wolf, seriously injured. They say he’s been badly beaten. He’s in a terrible state.” Dr. Bea glances anxiously over her shoulder in the direction of the clinic.
Gage’s expression darkens. “Let me guess. Big guy, dark hair?”
The doctor nods. “Yes, I believe so.”
“Edirn,” Gage mutters.
My stomach drops. “No!” I choke out. Edirn had helped us escape. If he’s hurt…
Gage turns to Dr. Bea urgently. “Is he going to make it?”
She presses her lips together. “It seems it’s touch and go right now. I need to get to him quickly.”
“Of course. Don’t let us keep you.” He gestures ahead. Dr. Bea nods and hurries off down the road. I stare after her anxiously, my heart pounding.
Oh my God, Edirn.
After everything he did to help me…
Gage touches my shoulder. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. Edirn’s tough; he’ll pull through this.” But his eyes are troubled.
“I need to go see him,” I say urgently. The poor man risked so much for me. I can’t let him go through this alone.
Gage hesitates. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea…”
“Of course it is.” I frown. “I owe him my life, Gage. I need to be there for him now.”
“Need to be there for him?” His brow furrows. “What do you mean by that?”
“Just what I said. He’s hurt. I have to be sure that he’s going to be okay.” I start walking in the direction the doctor had taken when he reaches for my arm. I stop short and stare down at it.
“I really don’t see why you need to go there. I can find out for you, Savannah.”