Page 73 of Sawyer

“I’m going to grab a shower,” Casey said quietly. “I... I just need to wash all this off.”

I nodded, understanding completely. “Take your time.”

While he was in the bathroom, I found a spare first aid kit tucked away in a cabinet.

When Casey finally emerged from the shower, looking a little more refreshed, I gently pulled him to sit down.

“Let me take care of that shoulder,” I said softly.

He winced as I gently examined the injury, but he didn’t complain.

With slow, careful movements, I popped his shoulder back into place, my heart twisting at the pain that crossed his face.

“There, all done,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to his temple. “You did great.”

Casey looked up at me, his eyes shining with emotion. “Thank you, Sawyer. For everything.”

I pulled him into my arms again, holding him tight.

“I’ll always be here for you, Casey. You’re my mate, and that means everything to me,” I told him.

We stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, letting the warmth of the bond between us soothe the lingering fear and tension.

After everything that had happened tonight, I didn’t want to let him go, and from the way he clung to me, I knew he felt the same.

“Let’s get some rest,” I murmured eventually, leading him to bed.

We curled up together, with Benny jumping onto the bed and snuggling into the space between us.

Chapter 19

Sawyer

Isat across from Cooper in his office.

"How’s your leg?" Cooper asked, leaning back in his chair. His voice was casual, but his eyes betrayed concern.

"Already healed. Garth went for it during our fight in the alleyway," I explained.

I flexed the leg under the table just to prove the point. Cooper grimaced.

"How’s Casey?"

"Surprisingly well. He’s in the dining hall with Benny and Miles," I said with a small smile. "Casey’s strong. He’ll move past this."

"I’m glad to hear that." Cooper sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Sawyer, why didn’t I foresee this? I’m lead alpha. I really thought things with Garth were going to work out."

"Don’t be too hard on yourself," I replied, my tone firm. "After everything the pack went through under Ryder’s reign, yousimply wanted to avoid any further bloodshed. That’s not a weakness."

Cooper leaned forward, elbows on his desk.

"Why did Garth go after Casey?" Cooper asked.

I exhaled slowly. "Garth’s ambitious. He thought if he took Casey out of the picture, he could weaken me. He had this crazy idea that, after getting rid of both of us, he could challenge you for alpha. But even if he managed to get rid of Casey and me, there’s no way he could defeat you in the challenge circle,” I said.

Cooper let out a humorless chuckle.

"Garth always did overestimate himself,” Cooper said.