Loyal Heir (The Heirs 4)

“So he’s going to be okay?” Uncle Falcon asks, relief washing over his tight features.

I feel so bad for them. First Fallon’s car accident and now the earthquake. Mom wraps her arm around Aunty Layla’s shoulders to comfort her.

“Yes, Mr. Reyes will be able to go home after we’re satisfied with his oxygen levels. He’s sleeping right now, but you’re welcome to sit with him in the private room.”

“Can we all go?” I ask, my eyes wide on the doctor.

He hesitates for a moment, and my stomach tightens.

Please.

“They’re family,” Uncle Falcon says.

“As long as the patient is allowed to rest. It’s important for his healing,” the doctor warns. Then his eyes fall on me. “You’ll need to clean up first so we can keep Mr. Reyes' surroundings hygienic.”

Crap, I forgot what a mess I am. I’m still covered in brown and grey dust from all the debris. Even my dress isn’t black anymore. My gaze darts to Dad because I have no idea where I’ll be able to shower.

Dad sees my concern and quickly says, “The hotel wasn’t damaged during the quake. You can shower quickly and get something to eat. Then we’ll come back.”

My heart sinks, knowing I have to wait even longer before I can see Forest.

“We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Dad says to Uncle Falcon.

Mom gives them both a hug. “Can we bring you anything?”

Aunt Layla shakes her head. “Thanks, though.”

They walk to the room Forest is in, and my parents pull me down the hallway.

I have an overwhelming need to rush to Forest’s side to protect him, and I don’t think it will go away until I see with my own eyes that he’s okay.

Chapter 24

FOREST

Coming to, I’m disorientated and sluggish. I pry my eyes open, and confusion washes over me when my sight focuses on Mom and Dad.

It takes another couple of seconds, and then the memories flood me, chilling my body.

“Baby?” Mom whimpers. Her face crumbles as she leans closer to me and presses kisses all over my face. “God, my heart.”

“Aria,” I murmur. “Where’s Aria?”

As Mom pulls back, Dad presses his hand to the side of my face, and when it looks like he’s about to cry, my stomach bottoms out.

Mom gathers her emotions, then finally answers me, “Aria’s just cleaning up. She’ll be here soon.”

“She’s okay?” I ask, desperately needing to hear the words.

“Yes. Besides a couple of bruises, Aria didn’t get hurt,” Dad answers, his voice hoarse.

Relief fills me and makes my body feel numb. My gaze focuses on my parents and seeing the night of terror they lived through etched deep on their faces, I ask, “I’m okay, right?”

I become aware of tubes over my face, and lifting my right hand, I feel the nasal cannula supplying me with oxygen. My hand drops to my chest, and a dull ache spreads through my rib cage.

“You broke four ribs,” Dad informs me. “And you broke your left arm. But you’re going to be fine.”

I let out a sigh of relief, hearing I wasn’t injured too severely.

Remembering that I passed out, I ask, “How long were we trapped?”

“Four hours,” Dad answers me.

God, Aria was alone for two hours. “Aria’s okay, right?”

“Yeah, she’ll be here any minute,” Mom assures me.

I take a moment to just breathe. It’s something I’ll never take for granted again.

Flashes of the elevator falling, the earthquake, us being buried – they all overwhelm me, and I close my eyes against the rampant emotions sweeping through me.

I feel Mom move closer, and she presses her cheek against mine. “It’s okay. Shhh… my precious boy. Momma’s here. You’re safe now.”

Lifting my right arm, I wrap it around Mom and hold her as tight as I can while I ride the violent wave of emotions rushing through me.

It takes me a couple of minutes to regain my composure.

Mom brushes her fingers through my hair, her eyes never leaving my face. Knowing how traumatizing the ordeal must’ve been for my parents, especially after Fallon’s car accident, I keep rubbing my hand over her shoulder and whisper, “I’m okay.”

Her face crumbles again, and she whimpers, “I know. I just need to look at you until it sinks in.”

My lips curve up into a gentle smile. “I love you, Mom.”

Tears roll over her cheeks, and seeing how deeply my mother loves me fills my chest with emotion.

I turn my gaze to Dad, and we just stare at each other for a moment. I can see Dad’s struggling to keep his composure as well.

“Thank you for finding me,” I whisper to him.

“You’re my boy. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” He places his hand on my left shoulder, keeping his touch light.

Having my parents with me is food for my soul, and it gives me the strength to process what happened.

ARIA

My parents hover around me as if I might disappear if they dare to glance away.