Page 112

The ache in my chest intensified, and I rubbed at the flimsy hospital gown. In the space between the ambulance ride to the hospital, the ER check in and myriad of tests, Lloyd had been messaging Tully. After a week of unanswered calls and texts, she was here.

The burn in my lungs intensified, and my breath became short.

“Y-you came,” I whispered.

“Lloyd made it sound like it was an emergency.”

“What?” My chest ached like her words were an ice pick.

“So I need to fake a near-death experience to get a text back, is that right, angel?” Pan’s sneer was quick to cover up the tremble of his chin.

“Congratulations on announcing your campaign. But what happened?” Tully ignored the pointed comment and tried again.

Congratulations.For what?

I tried to find a spark of pride for what I’d achieved. The years of discipline, sacrifices, and dedication to Starhaven, and the Baylark legacy. If I became mayor, it added to the honor and prestige I worked so hard to make happen. That was the important thing. Creating something that carried on after I was gone.

So why did it feel like I was already dead?

“I-I thought I was going to die. There was a pain in my chest,” I explained. “Thank you for coming.”

That meant something, didn’t it? Anger drove her away, but Tully returned when she realized I was hurt. I held out my hand again, hoping she might take it and help my heart stop racing. My chest twinged again, and I winced just as Dr. Asegar walked in.

The beta doctor looked up from her notes with pursed lips and her gardenia scent turned sharp.

“None of that, please. We need strategies for whatever set off your panic attack to make sure you don’t end up here again.” Dr. Asegar eyed my monitor and jotted down something.

I rubbed my chest as Tully’s expression soured.

“I thought you had a heart attack?”

“It felt like I did.”It still felt that way.

“Did you do this on purpose? Fake an emergency to get me back in the room with you?” Tully’s eyebrows jammed together.

Pan’s hand strangled mine, and Ajax let out a soft noise. The chemical scent of the hospital made my stomach turn.

“We wouldn’t do that, Tully,” the burly man insisted.

Lloyd moved in her direction. “Let us explain, please.”

Tully put her hands up. “Don’t, please. I thought you were going to die.” Her voice cracked, and she wrapped her arms around herself.

I grunted as my breath escaped my lungs.

Dr. Asegar interrupted. “He’s completely fine. But if Mr. Baylark doesn’t manage his stress correctly, it can lead to more serious conditions. Starting with working less.”

“I just announced I’m running for mayor. Less work is unlikely,” I complained, regretting it as soon as I did.

Tully rubbed at the corner of her eye, smearing some of her make-up. Was she crying?

“I will make time for the pack, for you,” I insisted to Tully as Dr. Asegar left to continue her rounds. “Please, can we talk about us now that you’re here? I don’t like knowing you’re somewhere in Starhaven that might be unsafe.”

“You don’t know how to do anything but work, Walden. And it doesn’t matter, I’m not yours to make space for now.”

My ribs pulled tight, and I wheezed. Pan placed his hand on my chest with a worried noise.

“Tully, the gala invitation wasn’t malicious. It wasn’t some scheme where we tracked you down and seduced you into attending so I could further my career.”