Page 53 of The Omega's Bloodlinem: Part Two

“But then I wouldn’t be able to look you in the eye when I say what I need to.”

I braced myself for vitriol.

“Come here.”

I slipped off the bed, Haru joining me on the floor. I stood silently, staring into Caden’s hazel eyes, soaking in the red rims and exhausted pallor of his face.

“I know you’re scared, but I need you to understand that our enemy is out there, not in here. You know that. We can’t help Logan help us if conflict is going to win. For whatever reason she likes Kendrick, and none of us have to be happy about that, but we can’t be ripping him apart for it as much as I would like to.”

I heaved out an exhausted breath. “I know all that.”

In the next moment his arms were around me. “It’s okay that you broke, but it can’t happen again.”

I didn’t know what to do with his affection.

“Take the comfort, lioness.”

I locked my arms around his torso and let my forehead rest against his cheek. Beyond the stress coating him, he smelled earthy, almost sweet.

“How is everything out there?”

“Shakti and Velda are preparing everyone for a potential evacuation again. People are scared.”

“I’m sorry.”

“We’ll get through it,” Caden promised. “I hate saying it, but Logan knew the risks and did it anyway. If you had tried to deliberately hurt her, I’d be trying to kill you right now. I know that wasn’t your intention and I’m focusing on putting that above the impact of your choice. If she dies, I will never forgive you, but while she’s still alive, forgiveness is hers to give.”

The lump in my throat made swallowing difficult. Stable didn’t mean she would stay that way. We didn’t have top-tier facilities because we were supposed to be able to access more advanced medical care as required.

“If she dies, I’ll never forgivemyself.”

“I can’t say anymore that I know what it feels like to have a bond mate die, but I do know it’s probably worse than what I felt when Rachel locked it all down to make me believe she was gone. It’s like you’re suddenly cut off from air. Going through that would be punishment enough if we lose her.”

I let my tears fall. His body trembled, holding me tighter and I couldn’t help but understand that he had come here as much for his own comfort as to confront me, even if it was just for a few moments. He couldn’t very well hug Logan in her hospital bed, and maybe I was a poor choice for comfort since I was the reason she was there, but he came anyway.

“I’m sorry. I let my anger get the better of me.”

“I know what that’s like.” Caden sighed, squeezing me just a bit tighter before stepping away. “I should get back.”

“Yes.” I nodded, my throat thick from my tears. “Be there when she wakes.”

Haru leaned against Caden’s legs, a silent offer of comfort. The panther trailed his fingers over Haru’s fur before departing. I leaned against the door after he left, agony bringing my claws out to dig into the wood.

I couldn’t fix this.

I hated being helpless. Waiting for news with the horrible silence in the bond turned my stomach, but I had no other choice.

“You can go to her,” I told Haru, “If you want to. Or to Seth. I’m sure he could use the support. You don’t have to stay with me.”

I wish I could be in two places at once.

“You’ve spent more than enough time with me. We’re part of a unit, and I don’t want you to feel like you have to stay. Go and come back, or go and stay with them, but don’t restrict yourself on my account.”

I’ll come back, Haru promised.

Kneeling, I wrapped my arms around him, soaking in a few more moments of his presence before I would be left alone with my own thoughts.

His golden gaze scrutinized me when I leaned back.You can’t hide from me anymore. I can feel your guilt and panic even when you try to bury it. If you get worse, I’ll return immediately. Seth and Caden have each other at the very least. I don’t want you to be all alone.