“LIAM,” I shouted and relief washed over his face when he saw me. He started toward me, a noticeable limp slowing him down. Dad and Monster trailed behind me as I met him, throwing my arms around him as I said, “Thank you.”
He placed his arms awkwardly around me, hugging me back carefully. “For what?” He muttered, his head downturned. “You were almost killed and Leah….” He waved his hand in the direction the ambulance had gone. “I don’t know if she’s okay.”
“You did what you could. No one could have predicted the guy running us off the road. You gave me time to escape,” I reassured him and when he still acted doubtful, I gave him a shake. “You did what you could, more than,” I added, glancing at his leg. “What happened?”
“The crash,” he mumbled, not meeting my gaze. “It broke some bones.”
“And you shifted before it was set properly,” I guessed and he nodded. “Can we fix it?”
Liam shrugged and finally shook his head no.
“Thank you,” I said again, tears springing to my eyes at the price he’d paid to help me. “I mean it, Liam. I’m honored to know you’re a part of this Pack.” He swallowed hard, his head bobbing.
You’ll forever have my gratitude, Dom added, something in his voice causing a chill to go through me and Liam straightened in shock. Your sacrifice on my mate’s behalf will never be forgotten. Liam shoved his palm to his eye, rubbing it hard, as he nodded in acknowledgement to Dom’s words.
Hank Navarre came over in his sheriff uniform, his gaze sweeping over us. “Son, you need to go on home. Jess’ Dad will take her back.” Dom let out a low growl, pressing closer to me, and I sank my hand into the fur of his neck.
“Your Dad is right,” I told him. “You’re covered in blood.”
“Some guy gets mauled in the forest, I’d rather not have to get a hunting party together for my own son,” Hank admonished and Dom lowered his head, his ears flicking, before running into the woods.
“Is it going to be a problem?” I questioned, my gaze going toward the spot where we’d left the dead man.
Hank shook his head, mouth pursed. “Nah, people get lost in the woods, come across wild animals. It’s a tragedy, but what can we do?” He lifted his hands, palms up and I nodded.
“What can you do,” I echoed, a vaguely unsettled feeling coming over me at remembering the ease in which I’d watched the man die. My gaze fell on Leah’s car, the metal twisted and bent, and then to Liam, whose face was exhausted, and the feeling disappeared. “People should really know better than to go into the woods unprepared,” I stated, unsmiling and Hank gave me a respectful nod.
“Come on, Bunny, let’s get you to the hospital,” Dad urged, tugging my arm. His words brought every cut and bruise to life and I winced at the sudden onslaught of pain. I groaned as my ribs gave a deep throb.
“No,” I told him, shaking my head. “Take me home. Dom can heal this.” Dad’s hand hovered uncertainly for a second, but my expression was resolute and he finally gave in with a sigh.
“Fine, but he better make sure he heals every scratch,” he declared, guiding me to the Jeep. I pulled myself up into the oversized four wheel drive with a groan. Liam followed me up, his expression not giving any indication his leg pained him as he crawled in the back with Monster, but the Pack bond told me differently.
I closed my eyes, resting my head against the seat as Dad got us on the road. My connection to Dom hummed, a continuous vibration reassuring us both that we were okay. When we pulled into the lot, Liam jumped down first, reaching up to help me down. “Your leg,” I protested.
“Is something I’ll have to live with,” he answered doggedly. “I’ll adapt.”
I wanted to cry at his words, at the pain he attempted to disguise, but I could feel his resolution and knew my tears would do nothing for him. “I admire your strength,” I said instead, accepting his hand as I pushed away the threat of tears.
A smile flickered on his lips as he nodded. “I’d like to go check on Leah,” he told me and I nodded in agreement. I wanted to go too, but as I stepped forward, my ribs protested, the sharp pain telling me going anywhere wasn’t a good idea.
“Please let me know how she’s doing,” I asked, squeezing his wrist.
“I will,” he replied and I glanced over at Dad.
“Can you and Monster go too?” I questioned and waved at Dom’s Jeep. “Take the Jeep,” I offered and Dad shook his head.
“We’ll go to the hospital with Liam, but I’ll take my car,” Dad replied, handing me Dom’s keys. “A little less noticeable,” he explained, before adding, “And easier to get into.” I chuckled, then winced at the jolt of pain. “Go and have Dom take care of you,” Dad said, shooing me. “I’ll take care of them.”