Page 36

Jamie

I will never forget this evening for as long as I live.

How could I? My favorite author read me three amazing chapters of his new book in my favorite series.

The shop looks more beautiful than I’ve ever seen it, transformed into a fairyland by the strings of lights swaying overhead.

And Anders orchestrated all of this… for me.

I can’t believe it. Nobody has ever done something like this for me.

I want to speak to him as soon as possible, alone.

When Richardson finishes reading, Jess, Bailey, and I clap for him. He left off on such a good cliff-hanger, I have to know what happens next. Richardson produces a pen from his pocket and signs the inside of the book, then hands it to me. I make an embarrassing squeaky sound, but I don’t care.

Oh my god! I can’t believe I’m holding a book he signed for me. I must protect this copy at all costs. “Thank you so much!” I hug it to my chest.

“It was a pleasure. Meeting you has kick-started my motivation to finish the next book, so thank you .”

Cracking open the paperback, I take another look at my favorite author’s perfect signature.

Tonight has been so unreal, and I have my amazing boyfriend to thank for that.

Unable to hold back, I rush over and throw my arms around Anders, squeezing tightly.

“Thank you so much.” Emotion thickens my voice, and I hide my face in his chest.

Nobody has ever done something like this for me—I haven’t let anyone put me first like this. Not until Anders came along.

He puts his arms around me, squeezing back. “The night isn’t over, pet.”

Astonished, I jerk my head up to face him. “What?”

When he bares his teeth in a grin, my stomach swoops. “I haven’t celebrated you properly yet. Dinner, remember? And then there’s something I must ask of you.”

My heart lurches with both nerves and excitement. “You’re making me a little nervous, puppy dog.” I check my phone. “The restaurant gets really busy soon. We should go over and grab a table.”

“Aye, will do.” Anders waves at Jess and Bailey, and we head to the car.

Taking his hand, I kiss his fingertips. “I’m a lucky guy.”

“Makes both of us,” Anders rumbles, and I think my heart will overflow with all the emotions he stirs within me.

We arrive at the restaurant just before peak hours, and since the patio has heat lamps and blankets, we decide to sit outdoors.

Anders snatches up the menu and peruses it with a confidence he didn’t have only a month ago.

A rush of affection sweeps over me. He’s different.

Softer, more sure of himself. He’s blossoming before my eyes, and I can’t wait to show him even more of this world, experiencing it with him as if for the first time.

Somehow, before I was even aware of it, I fell so hard for Anders. My wolf’s instincts are singing through my heart, telling me this man is my forever.

But does he feel the same? Nerves make my stomach flip.

Anders coughs. “Ready to order?”

There’s a trip in his heartbeat. He’s nervous too, and that makes me even more nervous. “Y-yeah!” I haven’t even been looking at the menu, my eyes glazing over, only seeing the font.

“How is Jace doing?”

“He’s having fun.” I’d texted him before the reading. Shoot. I should probably check in again. “Do you mind if I call him, just to say good night?”

Anders’s soft smile is pure indulgence. “Of course. Can I speak to him too?”

God, what have I done to deserve a guy like him?

Before Anders, nobody had been so supportive and loving toward Jace.

He understands how important my brother is to me and cares for him like I do.

I call Jace, tapping to put us on speakerphone.

It rings and rings, then goes to voicemail.

Anxiety grips my stomach. “Maybe he’s in bed.

” That’s the most logical answer, of course, but my brain tries to tug me down paths better left unknown. Like why he isn’t answering.

Our server stops by our table. “Ready to order?”

“I’ll have the… err…” Anders squints at the menu. “The filet mignon.” He butchers the pronunciation, but I’m pleased his reading skills have improved.

“And for you, sir?”

I order some pasta, then try and call Jace once we’re alone. Still no answer. Why won’t he pick up?

“Easy, pet.” A big hand settles over my palm and squeezes. Anders’s forest-green eyes catch me in their spell. “The lad is fine. Just try and enjoy yourself.”

I return his soft smile. “I am. Tonight’s been so amazing.”

Anders squeezes my hand. “I’m glad.” His gaze drifting away, Anders blows out a breath, as if he’s trying to calm himself down, then meets my gaze with determination. “Jamie… I never thought anywhere would feel like home. Not until I found you.”

I can’t wipe the smile from my face. I feel the same. Ever since Anders came along, he’s brightened my world and made my broken family feel so complete.

Taking in a shaky breath, Anders says, “I may have fought him, but my wolf knew at a glance that you were the one I was destined for. I wish to spend the rest of my life proving how I was made for you as you are for me. So…” His voice wavers, but Anders pushes on, and I know whatever he asks, my answer will be yes. “Jamie, will you—”

My phone rings, making us both jump. When Janet’s name flashes across my screen, my heart sinks. She’s the mother of Jace’s friend. Why would she be calling me unless something’s happened? “Just one moment, Anders. I’m sorry.” I snatch up my phone and swipe. “Janet. Hi, is everything okay?”

“Jamie, I’m so sorry, but it’s Jace. He’s hurt.”

And just like that, my entire world shatters to pieces.

The world blurs around me as I drive, foot glued to the gas pedal. Janet’s words keep running through my head.

… pushed him down the stairs.

Bile rises in my throat.

His arm, I—I think it’s broken.

My baby brother is hurt. Anguish thickens my throat, and I want to break down right then and there. Ever since we were kids, I’ve been looking out for him. I swore to myself I would protect my little brother.

But while I was off with my boyfriend, Jace got hurt. This should never have happened. I shouldn’t have let him out of my sight.

“Jamie.”

Anders’s soft voice makes me jump, my fingers squeezing the wheel.

I can’t look at him. The guilt feels like it’ll eat me alive. I shouldn’t have let Jace go. I should have—

“The lad will be fine,” Anders says. His fingers curl around my arm.

I pull away, rejecting his touch. “Please don’t.” Guilt flares, making me feel even sicker. “Just… not now.”

Anders says nothing. He doesn’t have to. I know I’ve hurt him, but all I can think about is my brother.

I promised myself I would put my brother first, and I’ve failed.

My stomach writhes as I jump from the car and rush inside the hospital.

The receptionist sends us to the fifth floor.

I run to the waiting room, breathless with fear by the time I get to the front desk.

I rush through an introduction, and she gives me papers to sign, consenting to my brother’s surgery.

Fuck. He has to have surgery. This is a first for Jace, one I hoped he’d never experience.

If my parents were here, this wouldn’t have happened.

My eyes burn as I sign the papers, and I have to pause to wipe my eyes so I don’t get tears on the papers.

Anders sits silently beside me. More than anything, I want to turn to him for comfort, but this isn’t about me.

I don’t deserve comfort, not when Jace needs it the most.

Once the papers are signed, a nurse motions for me to follow her to Jace’s room so I can be there for him when they put him under.

Jace’s face is wet with tears, which breaks my heart, but it’s the sight of him lying in a hospital bed that nearly brings me to my knees.

Running to him, I pull him close, mindful of the arm he’s cradling to his chest. “Hey, kiddo. Are you okay? Are you in pain?” I frame his damp face in my hands.

“N-no. The doctors gave me medicine,” Jace says, sniffling. “I want to go home.”

I press my lips to his hair. “We’ll go home soon, okay? I promise.”

“Am I going to die? Like Mom and Dad?” Sobs rack his shoulders.

Being in a hospital must be bringing back terrible memories for him. “No, bud. It’s just a broken arm. The doctors are going to help you get some sleep, and by the time you wake up, you’ll feel much better.”

“Will you be here when I wake up?”

I wipe away his tears with my thumbs. “Of course. I’ll be right here.”

The doctor comes in. She’s a lovely woman and explains everything to Jace in a way that’s reassuring and easy to understand, answering all of his questions.

She encourages him to lie down and places a mask over his face.

A tear spills down Jace’s cheek, and I squeeze his hand tight.

In only seconds, my little brother is asleep, and I’m asked to leave the room so they can wheel him off into surgery.

Outside the room, Anders paces, wringing his hands. “Jamie—”

I turn away, unable to even look at him without guilt consuming my insides. “I need to be alone right now, Anders.” Before he can answer, I escape into the nearest bathroom and lock myself in a stall.

Finally alone, I let my tears cascade down my face as I fold in on myself and gasp for air.

Because I was selfish and focusing on myself, my little brother got hurt. I promised I would put him first, always. It’s time to keep that promise.

No matter how much it hurts.