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Which was why I walked her out.

“Mum, I don’t want to ever downplay how important you are to all of us or… You gave us life; you aren’t responsible for whatwe’ve done with that,” I told her gently. “They’ve made their choices and decisions. It’s not on you. Dad’s emotions and words aren’t on you either.”

“I know. If my heart could now understand that, it would be wonderful,” she accepted. “But I also struggle with the way I have failed you, my youngest. I should have been better and not forgiven him so much. You were valid and I’m forever sorry.” She reached up and cupped my cheek. “I never picked him over you. I saw his remorse and fear. I thought…”

What she was trying to say hit me hard. “You thought you stopped him just before he would stop himself.”

“Yes.Yes, I swear it to you. I smelled the regret and—details will haunt you more than knowing who it was but…” She shook her head. “I realize I’m not an accurate witness to that night. I was so traumatized by it. I was sleep-deprived since you were still breastfeeding and needing more because you were so strong. I… I don’t know anything anymore it seems.”

I gave her a hug and let her leave, understanding that before being our mum she was just a person and struggled too.

I could let go of my anger and resentment at not handling things better when it came to her. My da was a different story though.

Maybe one day. I thought I had, but I wasn’t perfect either.

The police station took hours and hours. I gave Dr. Capenter an annoyed look when he was done much sooner. He teased me that he’d had less altercations because he wasn’t as good of a fighter as I was.

Security from the hospital showed up after their shifts to give their statements as well. One was kind and gave me a message from the surgeon working on the young female shifter. She was out of danger and I wasn’t needed. I spent the time getting to know the security well, impressed with them and how loyal they were to Ellie.

Then I realized they were mostly “misfits.” They were people who’d left bad circumstances or shitty families like her. She’s found them—or vice versa—and now they protected others like she did.

“Hey, you can’t influence the police like this,” one of the vampires bitched when the pizzas I ordered arrived.

I gave the duffer the look he deserved. “They don’t handle if the charges stick or not. Even I know that aboutyourjustice system and I’m from London. The DA and others will manage your plea deals. Let them get some damn fuel for all the extra writing, typing, and dealing with your stupid arses.”

“Dr. Clark, thank you, but I think we’re done with you,” one of the higher-ranked officers cut in before their family members exploded again.

I gave him an apologetic look, but he was understanding. It was clear that I was on my last leg of energy and wiped as well.

Plus, they’d all seen the footage of how many vamps I’d seriously laid out.

Still, I was thrilled I got to leave and took the man at his word… Or before someone changed their mind or needed me for anything else. Yeah, I got the fuck out of there.

Nothing surprised me more than finding Ellie sitting in my condo and with tons of food. She seemed unable to think of what to say and simply stared at me.

“I’m starving,” I offered. “I was in the mood for the pizzas I ordered for the police, but I thought it smarter to leave when they said I could. Dr. James said he had my patients and to just go home.”

She nodded and gestured to the food. “I can reheat whatever. Please, help yourself.” It wasn’t until I’d made a plate that she finally managed to get out what was going on with her… And loudly. “I’m sorry!”

It had been a couple minutes of silence, so it startled me and I almost dropped my plate but managed to set it by the seat next to her. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for.”

“No, I do, and I’m really sorry,” she rasped. She’d changed and was in casual clothes. Pulling her knee to her chest, her foot was on my chair and she hugged her leg, unable to look at me. “It was automatic to push you away, but I regretted it the moment I said it. I wanted to take it back and be selfish and ask you to stay and comfort me.”

“But you didn’t know how?” I pushed when she seemed lost again.

“But I didn’t know how,” she confirmed. “To accept the comfort, ask for what I really wanted, or take it back. I got home and realized I didn’t want space. I realized I didn’t even want to be there. That I wanted to be here with you. So I’m sorry that I just used the code and let myself in.”

“It’s fine. That’s why I gave it to you. Use it whenever,” I told her, reaching over and rubbing her back. “I’m thrilled you’re here.”

“Yeah?” she whispered.

I decided to be a bit cheeky. “Yeah, there’s tons of food now. I’m a wolf and—” I chuckled when she reached over and smacked me. I grabbed her hand and brought it to my lips. “You found comfort in my den, Ellie. Come here whenever you need it. Always. You are always welcome here or wherever I am.”

She swallowed loudly. “I’ve never found always to really mean that. I loved my stepmother so,somuch and it was all just ripped away by her lies.” She let out a shaky breath. “Amanda saved me and I loved her too. Then she was gone.”

“Dr. Carpenter’s love for you is real. I’ve seen it. He hasn’t left you. Not everyone will leave,” I told her firmly.

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