Page 36 of Whole in His Arms

Nix smiled. He’d felt River’s every worry through their bond, and when they’d talked, it’d been clear that River had been holding back a million other emotions.

“I’m lucky to have him,” Nix said simply. Fuck he couldn’t wait to hold his mate again.

“Indeed you are,” Ryder agreed. “And you’ll heal nicely, a shift or two and you’ll be good as new.”

“Thanks, doc!” Nix stood up but felt a wave of nausea as he sunk back down to the bench. “I moved too quickly,” he mumbled.

“Brother works too.” Ryder flashed him a smile, then added, “And while you heal, you really shouldn’t push yourself till you get a chance to shift. You were shot, after all.”

“Better me than them,” Nix said, pointing to his brothers and the other omegas. That brought a smile to Ryder’s face.

“Need help getting over there?” He nodded toward Cal and Jacobi.

Nix nodded and Ryder took his arm. He escorted him over to where Zander, Maddox, Sam, Cal, and a few omegas stood. “And how’s the patient?” Zander asked.

“I’ll live,” Nix replied.

Zander smirked. “You’ve had worse,” he said. “Although we were all worried about you.” He gestured with his chin to Cal.

Nix made sure he played it down; Cal didn’t need any more worries. “Nothing a bandage won’t take care of.”

“The bullet grazed him good, but at least it didn’t get stuck inside of him,” Ryder said. “Now that would have been a problem.” Ryder’s phone started to ring, and he excused himself to answer it.

“How are you really feeling?” Zander checked, serious this time.

“Yes. We all want to know,” Maddox said, joining up with them.

Nix looked to Sam and Cal, and when he saw the guilty look on the former’s face, he said, “I’d take a bullet all over again, for this outcome.” He met Sam’s gaze and shot him a smile.

Ryder walked back and cleared his throat.

“What’s up? Who’s that?” Nix asked.

Ryder smirked. “Two guesses.”

Nix smiled. He didn’t even need to guess. They all knew. And he couldn’t wait to get on his way. Both Nix and his tiger couldn’t wait to get back to their mate.

“Rick was calling to check on you. He found out you got hurt, and he was a little frantic.”

Guilt shot through him, and he patted his pocket for his phone, but it wasn’t there.

“Here,” Ryder said. “I already dialed the number.”

River answered after the first ring. “How is he? Can I talk to him now?” he said, not bothering with a hello.

“Babe, I’m fine.” Nix was quick to reassure his mate.

“Oh Goddess,” He felt River’s relief. “Are you serious? Nix?” Nix heard River sobbing on the other end before he could even speak.

Emotions crashed into him, and his chest tightened.“Babe, please, don’t cry. It’s me. I’m safe and sound. I’m coming home to you. Please, baby, I hate to hear you crying.”

“I’m so happy.” River sniffled and Nix closed his eyes.

“I’m happy too, my love. I’m sorry I had you worried. I’ll spend the rest of my life proving to you just how sorry I am. I love you, River.”

“I love you too! Hurry home, Nix, okay?”

“I’m on my way, love, tonight,” he told his mate.