“You’ve always been you, Ember. You just have to navigate around how the new emotions will dictate your life now.”
Blowing out a deep breath, I still have no idea how I’m going to get through this.
Noah
“You keep watching that clock, and you’re going to go out of your mind.” Kol chuckles as he sits on the corner of my desk.
“Yeah, I know. Can’t help it, though.” Ember started her appointment with her therapist an hour ago, and she promised to text or call when she was done.
“She’s going to be fine. Em is one of the toughest girls I know,” Kol tries to reassure.
“She’s your sister, you have to say that,” I point out.
“Probably true, but doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
Sitting back in my chair, I pick up the report I was reading on her attacker. Kol and I weren’t allowed anywhere near his interrogation because of our connection to Ember, but Hunter Adams is on her case now, and after the work he did on Th
ea’s, I know this asshole will not get away with what he’s done to all those women.
So far, the man has been charged with multiple counts of breaking and entering, assault, unlawful confinement, and a few others I think Hunter threw in for fun. He's been denied bail and is now waiting for a trial after his "not guilty" plea.
“Stick around the office today. Forward any calls you get to second watch; they’re already on standby.” Kol may hate the paperwork that accompanies his new position, but he’s one of the best sergeants we’ve ever had.
My phone vibrating on my desk pulls my attention from the file in front of me. Seeing Ember’s name flash, I immediately answer.
“Hey baby, how’d it go?” I didn’t realize it was possible to miss someone as much as I’m missing Ember right now.
“I had a panic attack,” she blurts out, sounding frustrated.
“Are you alright? Do you need me to come pick you up?” Thea originally drove her and would be her ride home, but I’ll be there in a flash if she says the word.
“No, Noah. I’m fine. I think it helped. I know that doesn’t make sense, but having someone objective witness and validate my crazy feelings helped ease some of the uselessness I’ve been feeling.”
“You aren’t useless, Em.”
“Logically, I know. And I appreciate you being there for me this week, with every nightmare, all the anxiety, every damn tear. I can’t explain how much it all means to me. But I think it’s time I go home, Noah.” My body tenses at her words.
“You don’t have to leave, Em. My house is yours.”
“I know, I just need to face the past in order to push into the future. I want to look forward, not behind.”
“If you’re sure that’s what you want?” I’m not going to like it. And I’ll most likely wind up sitting outside her house every damn night in case she needs me.
“Noah?” My name is hesitant on her lips.
“Yeah, baby?”
“I’d really like it if you came with me.” The words are rushed, as if she thinks I won’t like the idea.
“Of course, I will. Whatever you need, Ember.”
“Thank you, Noah.” She breathes out softly, and I can hear her close a car door. “I’m at the house now. Thea is with me. We’re going to clean up a bit then get groceries. Will you and Kol be here for dinner?”
“I’ll make sure we are.” I smile because this is the most normal conversation we’ve ever had.
“You’ll stay…for a while, right?” I’ve never heard Ember be anything but confident, and it’s a bit of a relief to know I’m not the only one who is swimming in unchartered waters here.
“As long as you want me.”