Page 25 of Locked Souls
“I always wanted a big family, full of love… I thought I’d found that, but you know the story. Bigoted towns and all that. Maybe one day someone will think I’m worth the drama and choose me and my son.”
“Okay, let's get back to happier topics. We have enough doom and gloom on the horizon.” I lift Charity from my breast and Temp hands me a burp cloth as I gently bounce her and rub her back.
“Will you change her and get her in the car seat before she falls asleep. I’m going to attempt a quick shower and get dressed.”
Tempest sits next to me and continues to burp the baby, while I waddle like a penguin with a stick up its ass to the bathroom.
“Okay, how’s my favorite patient?” Anna asks, bringing in a wheelchair and discharge papers for me.
“So ready to go home,” I say with a groan. I just want a bubble bath and some food that’s not processed. And a bed that doesn’t make me stiff.
“I bet, but remember, you just had surgery, so make sure to take it easy. Have one of your many handsome men help you out.”
Tempest laughs, rocking Charity before putting her back into her carrier. She shoots me a wink as I glare at her.
“Yes, I’m sure they will be more than accommodating. Chas is their princess. You have nothing to worry about there,” she says in a baby voice, cooing to Charity.
Anna laughs as she hands me some papers that I need to sign before I can leave.
“Don't forget you have to schedule Charity with a pediatrician, so she can have her checkups, and I will see you in a week,” Anna says with a big smile, then helps me into the chair.
As we roll out of the room, I notice three Society members standing guard.
“At ease, gentlemen,” Tempest jokes, and the man at the end of the hall twitches his lips.
“I have always wanted to say that,” she mutters while gently swinging Charity in her carseat.
“Where are the guys?”
“Outside. I was supposed to come get you while they kept the van cool. It's hot today, and they didn't want our princess here to melt.”
Rolling my eyes, I can't hide my smile. Charity doesn't know what she's in for. I thought they were helicopter parents to Eli.
Laughing, I shake my head and chat with Anna a little more as she pushes me through the front doors, towards an idling van.
Levi is standing there with a smirk, and I raise a brow.
“When did we get this?” I ask, because this is not my SUV.
“Present from Jacob. More room and safer ratings.” Moving over to me, he takes my hand and kisses my wedding ring, before placing a sweet press of his lips to mine.
“Ugh. I want that,” Anna sighs and Tempest grunts.
“Join the club, babe. Imagine living with all of them. I swear, my ovaries explode on a daily basis.”
Jonas hops out of the van, pulling me away from Levi and giving me a soft hug.
“How are you feeling, baby?” He checks me over, and I give him a smile. He has shadows in his eyes, and I know they are from Ash, but I don't say anything now.
We will have time to talk later.
“Sore. Starving. Can you believe they put me on some ridiculous liquid diet?” I roll my eyes and smirk as Anna begins to argue.
Jonas laughs and I soak up the sound. He moves past me and takes Charity from Tempest, though she tries to fight him.
“I think we are going to need to put a tracker on that one,” Levi comments, nodding his head toward my best friend, and I burst into giggles.
“You know how badly she's wanted a little girl in the family. After the screaming in the middle of the night, and crappy diapers, the shine will wear off.”