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That helped the shakes. Lake nodded. “K.”

Jesse helped Lake drink before giving Lake the plastic cup.

Ezra began to move away but that wasn’t what Lake wanted.

“Stay,” Lake whispered.

“Are you sure?” Ezra asked.

“Helps,” Lake managed. It was taking a lot of effort to talk.

“Shh,” Jesse said as he sat on Lake’s other side. “You don’t have to talk. Just rest.”

Lake appreciated that. Closing his eyes, Lake leaned against Jesse and found comfort in being caged in by family.

“Is he okay?” Mason asked.

“Adrenaline crash,” Jesse responded.

Lake started to lift his head. Was that all it was?

“No, put your head back on my shoulder,” Jesse said.

“You’re my hero,” Ezra whispered.

“I’m so proud of you,” Jesse added. “You did so good protecting our friend.”

“I’ve never been that scared before. They just wouldn’t leave and then all of a sudden my father threw me into the wall. I couldn’t get away!” Ezra said.

The swinging doors banged open, making both Lake and Ezra jump.

“Ezra!” Eric shouted, running in.

“Daddy!” Ezra called.

Eric grabbed his boy from the floor and hugged him tight.

“You okay, Lake?” Remi replaced Ezra’s weight.

Lake wished Remi would scooch in closer though.

“I’m fine,” Lake managed.

“I heard you were the bravest boy ever!” Dom climbed into Lake’s lap, setting Zeb on his own.

Now that was perfect.

“He was awesome,” Ezra praised.

Jesse shook his head. “I’m sorry Ezra. I had security following them. I already spoke to them. There was a miscommunication during shift change. I failed to keep you safe.”

Ezra snorted. “I’m fine. I had my big protector to watch over me.”

“This might be the worst thing that could have happened. No one was hurt. Ezra’s parents are going to pay for this,” Remi said. “We will play this out all the way to the courts. They attacked Ezra. They are going to pay this time.”

“Finally,” Ezra said with a sigh.

“It’s all going to work out,” Dom declared firmly.