Chapter Twenty-One
Rylee
“Rylee, you need to rest,” Heath says.
I keep my focus on my mate. “Not until he wakes up.”
“You should eat something,” Juliana says softly.
Ezra is in the middle of my bed. The doctor left, a gentleman named Estes, who looks ancient, yet moves like a young man.
I was told he has taken care of many shifters in the family, and has known the panthers since they were young.
Now all I can do is wait. His fox is healing him, but not as quickly as I would like.
At least the severe pain I felt through his mark has eased.
“You know Ezra would want you to take care of yourself,” he says, and I sigh.
“You’re right.” I let go of Ezra's hand and stand. “I’ll eat, but I’m coming back.”
“We’ll sit with him while you do,” he offers.
“Thank you.”
I look at my mate again before leaving my room. Alanna and Issy have been cooking. The smell tempted me, but I didn’t want to leave Ezra’s side until I knew he was healing. Haven is sitting at the table with her mates, staring at her coffee, but looks up.
“How is he?” she asks.
“He’s healing.”
“I made you a plate,” Issy says, rushing around the counter.
“I appreciate it.” I drop into a chair, and she puts it in front of me. My eyes feel gritty and raw.
“Rylee, if it wasn’t for me—” She shakes her head, pressing her hand against her mouth.
“No.” I grab her arm, pull it down, and grip her hand. “This isn’t your fault. Ezra wouldn’t want you to blame yourself. Bode would have found a way.”
“I still don’t know why,” she cries.
“He’ll tell us when he wakes,” I say, swallowing. We didn’t hear much as we approached the door. I know it was because of someone he killed.
“No crying,” Alanna says, joining us. “My boy will be fine.”
“I never understood how you can be so calm,” Issy grumbles.
“Because I’m a mother.” She nudges Issy out of the way and sits beside me.
“Ezra won’t miss out on loving you forever.
” She smiles, and I try not to cry. “He’s been the man who has taken care of us, never worrying about himself.
He has something now, it’s important, and beautiful.
” Patting my hand, she motions to my plate.
“Eat, and I’ll tell you a story.” I pick up my fork, and she glances around the table.
“I lost my mate. I’m sure Ezra told you. ” She looks at me.
“Yes,” I whisper.
“I’m so sorry,” Haven says.
“I can’t imagine.” Bane holds Haven’s hand.
Alanna smiles in thanks. “He was big, bold, and loud. His voice filled the house. I swear the man couldn’t speak at a normal decimal.
The kids loved it and joined him many nights in song.
He could sing anything. I fell in love with him when he sang me a love song on the second day after we met.
We would sit outside, build a fire, and snuggle together.
The kids worshipped him and rightfully so.
The love in his heart was as big as his voice, especially for his children.
” Issy bows her head. “I never had to worry or doubt his loyalty.
He lived for us. We would dance around the kitchen while he made the music.
Issy would take her turn, her little feet on top of his, her hand held safely against his chest. He taught Ezra how to dance and showed him early how to treat a woman.
“My mate bragged constantly that it was his talent with singing that made me love him. One night, shortly before he was murdered, Ezra asked him a question. He wanted to know how he would make someone fall in love with him since he couldn’t sing.
” She chuckles, and I forget about my food.
“He said, ‘You don’t have to sing, boy. Find the thing you are good at, be the best, and show your mate your heart within it.'’ Alanna cups my cheek, brushing away the tears. “Ezra was determined to find that magical thing. He discovered his talent for detail, seeing a problem and finding the most efficient way to solve it. When their dad left us, he became the man of the house. He felt valued when he could protect us, and he tried his best to shield us from every hurt. When a man hit me, he taught him the lesson I couldn’t.” She drops her hand and glances at Issy briefly.
“I’m sure he told you what happened to Issy. ”
“He did,” I say softly.
“I was raped.” Issy lifts her head.
“No,” Haven gasps, reaching across the table, grabbing her hand.
“He pretended to be Ezra’s friend,” she continues.
“Fuck,” Hunter says low.
“Ezra tortured him, and we helped him bury the body,” Alanna says, and presses her hands together. “He has devoted his life to protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves. Rylee, he didn’t tell me what happened to you, but I know it was bad. I think my son is someone you wished you had then.”
“Yes,” I say faintly.
“He would have if fate hadn’t stepped in.
It wasn’t time yet. It’s time now.” For the first time, her eyes shine.
“My boy doesn’t sing, but he found a different way to show his love.
He will protect you in life and beyond. He doesn’t do it because you can’t, but so you don’t have to.
He values the bond. He saw the hell I went through.
Fortunately, it didn’t scare him and make him never want a mate, but the opposite.
” She clears her throat. “So, I didn’t panic when I saw him bleeding.
I knew he would fight to come back to you.
He found his song, and he will never give that up. ”
“Thank you.” I press my cheek against hers. “Ezra is lucky to have such an amazing woman as a mother.”
“Well, of course,” she laughs. “He got an earful when he did anything stupid.”
“Sure,” Issy snorts, and Alanna pulls back.
“Should we talk about all the trouble you got in?” she asks.
“No. Nope. We don’t need to do that.” She grins. “Let’s keep talking about Ezra.”
“Smartass,” Alanna says.
“I didn’t have good parents,” I say, and the humor disappears.
“They abandoned me most of my life, but especially when I needed them the most. They are still alive, but we don’t speak.
So, I’ve never had a family or a mom. I came here and fell into something special.
Ezra is the man of my dreams. I would be honored to call you, Mom. ” I lick my lips and wait nervously.
“Oh, my girl.” Alanna pinches my chin. “Of course you can. The daughter born from my heart, and the song of my son.”
“Shit,” Haven sobs, waving her hand in front of her face. “Can I be a daughter, too?”
“Yes.” Alanna laughs.
“I don’t know,” Issy says, crossing her arms. “You might want to rethink it. She gets feisty when she’s mad.” The comment earns her a slap on her arm.
“Little shit,” Alanna smirks. “I would be careful what you say, Daughter. You’re just like me.”
“Nuh-uh,” Issy pouts.
I push away my food. “You are welcome to stay, but I want to be with Ezra.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Issy says, and her mom nods.
“We’ll clean up,” Lawson says.
I share a smile with Haven and return to my bedroom.
Heath and Juliana stand as I enter. “His breathing is easier,” he says softly.
“Good.” I pause to listen. His heart is steady. “Thank you.”
They turn to leave, but Heath pauses. “I didn’t want to think about you having a mate,” he says, facing me, and Juliana leaves the room.
“I remember the day I found you. It’s forever clear in my mind.
The pain you felt affected me deeply. My rule was never to get involved.
I was selfish and tried to protect myself by being that way.
I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing bringing you home. ”
“Why did you?” I ask.
“I saw something in your eyes that reminded me of me. You looked up at me, and I didn't sense fear. Everyone was leery of me, and most of the time, it was for good reason.” He chuckles. “But this little fox stared at me as if I were a hero. I guess I liked that feeling. I shoved everyone away, and I was lonely. While you locked yourself in your room, I stayed home as much as I could. I didn’t want to leave you alone, and I couldn’t understand why I cared so much. ”
“I knew you stayed close, but not to that extent,” I whisper.
“I gave you the space you needed to heal, to trust me.”
“Coming home with you meant I already did.”
“I felt responsible for your mental health, yet I didn’t know how to help you.” His hand tightens on his cane. “I couldn’t relate to what you had gone through.”
“Heath, don’t you know, just by being there, you were doing everything I needed. You left food outside the door, and didn’t force me to talk to you. I needed the space, and you did it without thought. I will always be grateful to you,” I rasp.
He clears his throat. “I didn’t want you to be afraid.
When you finally came out of your room, it felt like I had won a war.
You sat across from me, and we ate together.
Most nights, I ate alone, never allowing that kind of relationship.
I hid you for so long because you needed to remember who you are.
That moment in time didn’t define you. If I’m honest, I also wanted to keep you to myself.
I hadn’t had anyone who was just mine since my family was alive.
Every day, you opened up more, and it was like my life started to begin again.
I think you helped me when I met Juliana.
She became my world, yet my sister didn’t leave me. ”
“I would never,” I say firmly. We have talked about our early days together, but never to this extent. I think we decided to leave it in the past.
“Everyone always left me,” he says quietly.
“I swore I would protect you always. You were strong and resilient. It’s been an honor to see how you have grown and found yourself again.
I gave you the tool to defend yourself, but you did all the work.
” He glances at Ezra, and I don’t try to wipe away my tears.
“I really wanted to hate him. I feel like a father giving away his daughter. It’s annoying,” he hisses, and I laugh lightly.
“I took my job as your protector seriously. I would have done it forever.” He shakes his head.
“He’ll do it now. I’ve watched him…carefully.
He would do anything never to allow you an ounce of pain.
He loves you. I know the signs. Remember when you lectured me?
I was struggling with giving in to the mating bond? ”
“Yes, I remember.”
“Let him love you. Lean on him, Foxy. He will never let you fall,” he rumbles.
“I will.” I move toward him. “I hope you know how much I love you. Having a mate was the last thing I wanted. I compared every man to your example. Seeing you with Juliana reinforced the need to find someone as loyal and loving as you are. We are family, and I will always look to you for guidance. I will still come over for meals and conversation. Ezra will be with me.” I step close, lean in, and hug him.
“You saved me then, Heath. You put me on a path that led me to my mate.” I ease back.
“We know blood doesn’t mean anything, yet you bled for me.
You killed the men who took away my strength. ”
“And you bled for Juliana and me.” He squeezes my hands. “They didn’t take away your strength. You always had it in you, and you have proved that every day since.”
“I’m beginning to believe that,” I whisper.
“Ezra has shown you.”
“He has,” I say.
“He’s a good addition to the family,” he rumbles, stepping back. “Don’t tell him that. He needs to keep proving his worth to me.”
“I promise.” I smile.
“We will stay until he wakes up.”
“Thank you.”
He nods and tugs my hair before turning away, shutting the door behind him.
I look at my mate, and my heart thuds. Moving around the bed, I climb on and lie against his good side.
Resting my head on my palm, I stare at his face, hoping his eyes will open.
Lifting my other hand, I brush his hair from his forehead.
Hearing more about his younger years, his need to protect people makes more sense.
Not many people go to the lengths he does for people he doesn’t know.
I knew he was a good man when I learned what he did, but every minute since, he has shown me.
Heath is right. I’ve held myself back. It hit me all at once when he was taken.
He is the man I love. I couldn’t go a day without him.
I bend my arm and lie down. I haven’t been paying enough attention to the emotions his mark is showing me. I know he loves me. His pain is lowering constantly, and I know he will be fine. I just have to wait.
I want my mark on his body, so he does not doubt my feelings.
I huff and brush my hand across my face. Something tickles me again, and I frown.
“Foxy,” Ezra chuckles.
Shit, Ezra. I lurch straight. “You’re awake,” I gasp.
“I am.” He smiles crookedly.
“Are you okay?” I kneel beside him and run my hands over him. “Is the pain gone? Did you heal?” I lift the sheet from his chest and lean over, inspecting the wound. “There’s still blood.”
“Baby,” he says, grabbing my hands. “It’s old blood. Look, it’s dry.”
“Do you need water? I’ll get you some food too.” I try to ease away, but he tightens his grip.
“Rylee, stop.” He pulls me closer. “I’m good,” he says softly, and I burst into tears.
Dropping my head, I press my face to his neck. “You’re good,” I cry.
“Hey,” he whispers, stroking my hair. “Don’t cry. I got you.” He rolls to his side, arranging my body beside him, circling my waist.
“Damn, I thought I was holding it together,” I sob.
“You did good, baby. It was a rough night.”
“You were the one hurt.” I press my lips against his skin.
“Yes, but so were you,” he hums.
“I didn’t like seeing you bleed,” I sniff.
“I wasn’t a fan either.” He grips my hair and tugs my head back. “Does this mean you like me?”
“Seriously,” I laugh, and he shrugs.
“I had to shoot my shot,” he smirks and glances over his shoulder. “I think Mom and Issy want to say hello.”
“I’ll let them in,” I offer.
“Alright, baby.” He kisses me softly. “I’m happy to see your face.”
“Me too.”
I suck back my tears and let his family in the room. Biting my lip, I exhale slowly, calming until Haven appears in front of me. She pulls me into the spare bedroom, seeing that I’m on the edge, and holds me close. I cry silently, giving my friend my pain. I let go of my worry and fear.
It’s time to take the life my mate is offering me.