Chapter 38
The first pale gold streaks of dawn spilled over the hills, filtering soft through my window and spilling warm light over the bed.
I blinked awake, a quiet smile spreading over my face all on its own. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt truly at peace.
I shifted, reaching out automatically to the empty side of the bed. The sheets were still warm, carrying the faint shape of him, and that familiar scent of worn leather, rain, and him still lingered there.
Rage was gone – most likely up early to check the grounds – but the memory of last night made my heart give a happy little flutter.
After all we’d said round the table, when everyone else had drifted off, the old fears had tried to creep back in. The thought of walking to my room alone had twisted tight in my chest. So, I’d found him waiting in the hall and asked him to stay.
He hadn’t hesitated. Hadn’t stood there looking all fierce and distant like I’d half expected. He’d just kicked off his heavy boots, pulled off his top, climbed in beside me, and wrapped me up so tight in his arms I felt every bit of fear melt away.
I hadn’t slept hardly at all those first few hours – not because I was scared, but because I couldn’t believe how safe I felt there, just his skin against mine, him letting me see all the parts no one else did. And then the thought hit me – I really was going to be a midwife.
Wrapped up in his arms, all the dark things I’d carried for so long just faded away. I’d never slept so soundly as I did then, drifting off to the slow steady beat of his heart.
I sighed soft and happy, then climbed out of bed, showered and dressed, pulling on comfy leggings and my soft green sweater. I ran my brush through my messy red hair, then headed out to join everyone else.
The bright morning light had shifted the whole feel of the place, washing away all the heavy tension of the last few days.
“Look who’s up!” Ivy called out cheerfully from the kitchen counter.
I walked in to find Rose, Ivy and Diamond all gathered round the big table, covered not with mugs or plates, but stacks of course leaflets, university guides, and a sleek new laptop sitting right in the middle.
“Morning, Tamer,” Rose said, beaming, and slid a steaming mug of tea over to me. She gave me a little knowing wink. “I can tell you’ve had a good night. Don’t think anyone missed the extra glow you’ve got today. Sit down – Diamond’s been on the phone since six.”
Diamond turned round, her dark hazel eyes bright and determined, tapping the paper in front of her with perfectly manicured nails.
“Alright love, here’s the plan,” she said, warm and steady.
“I spoke to the head of nursing at the main hospital I work at. Because of who we are and how much help we give the area; you won’t have to go traipsing off to some busy city campus – it’s far too risky.
Thorn and Ivy have sorted you a fully accredited online course, so you can do all your theory and studying right here, safe inside the gates. ”
“Online classes?” I asked, eyes going wide as I pulled out a chair next to Ivy.
“Exactly!” Ivy said excitedly, turning the laptop round to show me a pre-made student login page. “All your anatomy, health, everything you need to learn – all done right here. And Hacker’s set it up so no one can trace where you’re studying from. They’d never find a single trail.”
“But what about actually delivering babies?” I asked, hope blooming bright in my chest. “I can’t learn that from a screen.”
“That’s where I come in,” Diamond smiled gentle, reaching over to squeeze my hand.
“The hospital works closely with us, everyone there knows better than to ask awkward questions,” she went on. “I’ve already got you lined up for placements there. You’ll go in with me, work right alongside my team, and get all the hands-on experience you need.”
Tears pricked at my eyes. They’d thought of absolutely everything. They’d built me a whole new life, right here where I was safe.
“And you won’t be going anywhere alone,” Rose added, her voice turning serious and firm. “Any time you leave here to go to the hospital, Leo’s already got your personal protection sorted.”
Just then the big kitchen doors swung open, and in walked Tiny and Swift.
They made quite the pair – Tiny huge and broad as a brick wall, filling out his cut so tight it looked ready to split, and Swift lean, sharp-eyed, watching everything with that quiet alertness he always has. They both stopped, thumping a fist over their hearts in a warm, respectful nod.
“Reporting for duty, Tamer,” Swift said, a cheeky little grin tugging at his mouth. “Pres and Rage gave us our orders. From the second you open that laptop, to the moment you step foot inside that hospital – we’re right there.”
“Anyone so much as looks at you wrong,” Tiny rumbled, his voice deep as thunder, “they’ll have us to deal with.”
I laughed soft and happy, and for the first time in forever, I didn’t feel small or scared. I felt powerful.
“They acted like they were doing me a favour,” I said quiet, looking between the three women. “But I know what this is. They don’t have a clue how much this means.”
I looked down at the laptop, then up at them all, my heart fit to burst.
“Okay,” I whispered, a brave, bright smile spreading over my face. “Let’s get started.”
Rose, Ivy and Diamond all cheered, pulling me in for a big group hug. Tiny and Swift stepped back to stand by the doors, arms crossed, keeping watch. I clicked the button to log in, watching the screen load up.
I was going to be a midwife. And with this whole family standing behind me, nothing could stop me. I just wish I found them sooner.