Page 67 of Restless Ink

The love of her life turned onto his back and blinked up at her, squinting. “Thea?”

She brushed her fingers over his lips. “Shh, baby. Don’t speak. People are on their way to help you. I love you so much.”

“I…Molly?”

“Shep has her. Don’t move. Be still, just in case you’re hurt worse.”

“My head hurts like a bitch, but I’m okay.” He reached out and cupped her face. “I love you, Thea.”

“I love you, too.”

And even as the sound of sirens hit her ears, there was a loud commotion, the sound of wood breaking, and then a large ball of golden fur was on them, licking at her face and then at Dimitri’s. She pushed Captain out of the way, his whining making her cry even harder.

“It’s okay, baby boy. Don’t move your daddy. Let’s keep him safe.”

Captain stood guard over them both, and Dimitri met her gaze, the love and hurt in his eyes evident.

He was safe.

Captain was safe.

And Molly would get help.

And soon, Thea would sleep because she was afraid if she stayed up much longer, something else would happen, and she wouldn’t be strong enough for it.

But for now, she was.

Chapter 26

Dimitri once again found himself at the hospital, only he was the one in the bed this time and Thea was the one by his side. His head hurt, and he needed more stitches than Thea, but he was going to be okay. Concussion protocol wasn’t going to be easy, but he’d take care of himself and work his way through it.

He still couldn’t quite believe everything that had happened, though. So much anger, so much confusion and distrust.

That hadn’t been the woman he married. Nor had it been the woman he no longer loved. Something had happened inside Molly to change that, and he didn’t have pity or anger toward her, just sadness that it had happened at all. There was nothing he could do to change it, but he also had to learn to deal with what happened.

Molly had a longer road of recovery in front of her than either he or Thea. Only Carter might have her beat, but even then, he didn’t know when—or if—Molly would find peace. Carter was going to heal, was going to be okay.

None of them knew about Molly.

“Today has been a shit day,” Shep said from his side. “And now I’m going home to my wife and baby girl. After the yelling and screaming from the folks and the doctors for taking Thea to you, I think I’m done for the day.” The other man stood up and gave him a nod. “Take care of my baby sister, Dimitri. I don’t want to see another bruise on her.”

Thea let out a growl by his side, but Dimitri kept his eyes on Shep. “I will, though I can’t make promises.”

“I’d say I hate you both, but today’s been too long for me to mean it.” Thea stood up and hugged her brother while Dimitri lay there, waiting to see when he’d be discharged. “Love you. Thank you for taking me. I don’t know what I would have done if…”

She didn’t finish the sentence, and even Dimitri had to cough to clear his throat.

“We found him. Captain is doing great and hanging with Dimitri’s brothers and sister at your place. We’re all going to be fine. Okay?” Shep hugged her again, then walked out, leaving Thea and Dimitri alone in the hospital room.

Devin, Caleb, and Amelia had already been to the room. They hovered, growled, and wanted vengeance, but had taken one look at Thea and just held her close, making sure she knew she was one of them now. She’d given them her keys and said to make themselves at home so they didn’t need to get hotel rooms and so they could take care of Captain. Somehow, it had all worked out, and Dimitri knew there would be time for more questions and answers later.

“Today has been a long day.”

Dimitri looked at her, snorting. “You can say that again. There’s a storm raging outside, and I’m kind of glad for it, or all the Montgomerys and Carrs would be in this room or in Carter’s trying to will everyone to heal up. You should be at home, too, you know. You need sleep.”

She shrugged and got into the bed with him. They were probably going to get into trouble with the nurses, but he didn’t care, not when he had her warm weight next to him.

He’d almost lost her twice today, and she’d almost lost him. That was too much for anyone.