Page 186 of This Blood that Bonds Us

“You were . . . fighting.”

He rubbed my head. “It doesn’t matter now. None of it matters.”

“You’re right. You’re free. Shit, Mom is going to be so happy to see you.”

“Mom,” Zach and Luke said simultaneously.

I couldn’t wait for them to see her and her to see them. It would be like getting her the best Christmas gift ever. There was no topping something like that.

Then we were all crying, and every tear made me feel lighter. Like all that time we were apart and the pain had melted away. I’d dreamed of that moment so many times.

“Wait, I’m not dead, am I?” I sat up, wiping my face of the blood and tears.

“If this is death, I’m pissed it hurts so much,” Zach said, unable to get up with the wound in his side.

“You.” Luke was focused on Aaron who was still barely conscious in Kimberly’s arms. They’d been whispering back and forth too low for me to concentrate on.

“Don’t ever do that again.”

“Don’t make me ever have to.” Aaron smiled, spotting me and winking.

I loved that sweet bastard with all my heart.

“You’re okay. You’ll stay awake till she gets us blood?” Luke had his forehead pressed to Aaron’s like he might die any minute.

“Yeah. I’ve got people who need me.”

The swift image of me slamming a freaking dagger in Kim’s leg shot me to my feet. “Oh, my god. Kim, I’m so sorry. Let me see your leg.”

“I’m fine. I’m in a lot better shape than most of you. It’s okay.”

“You did amazing back there,” Luke said with tears in his eyes, smiling at her.

“She did it. She finished it.” Aaron leaned up to kiss her. “It’s over because of her.”

“Because of you.” She kissed him again, and her voice cracked. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“I’m sorry you all had to do this,” Luke said.

“No apologies needed. We’re all family. That’s what families do, I hear,” she said, and I glimpsed the ring on her finger.

“You got engaged without me!? What the hell?” I moved to stare at the perfect ring on Kimberly’s hand. I hated to give my brother kudos, but since he literally died for all of us, I’d probably have to start handing it out more. Plus, the ring was perfect for her.

“We’re kind of . . . married.”

“What!?”

“We said our vows before we came.”

“If that wasn’t the cutest thing ever, it would be terrible news.”

“That’s what you get for running off. Don’t scare me like that,” he said.

“I second what Luke said. Don’t kill yourself for us, then. Let’s all agree. No more sacrifices. No more dying. And no more running away.”

“Deal,” we all said together.

“Don’t worry, Pres. You’ll still get your wedding,” Aaron said.