Chapter 26 #3
Lucifer shifted too, fighting beside me.
His wolf was much larger than mine, coat pure black, eyes glowing gold.
He tackled one attacker, snapping his neck with one bite.
I bit, I killed. Claws raked through flesh, blood splattered across the floor.
Screams echoed through the warehouse, mixed with the smell of rust and blood. The men were quickly eliminated.
Lina's wolf had gray-brown fur, slightly larger than mine. She lunged at me. We collided, rolling and fighting. Her claws raked my ribs. I bit her neck.
—Elena!
Lucifer's voice rang in my mind.
I froze.
—Watch your left!
I immediately dodged right. Claws slashed through where I'd just been, stirring the air.
—Lucifer?
—It's me.
My heart jumped.
Mind link.
The bond had been repaired. When? Could it be... during this time?
I'd never let him go.
—Together, Lucifer said, his voice resonating in my mind, steady and warm.
—Okay.
We coordinated, flanking Lina from both sides. She gradually weakened, wounds accumulating, blood running down her fur, leaving dark red pools on the floor. Finally, she collapsed and shifted back to human form.
I shifted back too, standing over her, gasping.
Lucifer came to my side, taking my hand. His hand was warm, palm sweaty, but his grip was firm.
"It's over," he said.
Lina lay on the ground, blood trickling from her mouth, chest heaving. "I won't stand trial," she said, voice soft but clear. "I'd rather die."
Then she bit down on something. Black blood flowed from her mouth, smelling of bitter almonds. Her eyes slowly closed. Her chest stopped moving.
I turned and ran to the children. Liam had passed out, head hanging, covered in injuries. Anya was still crying. When she saw me, she struggled frantically, the chair scraping harsh sounds across the floor.
I untied the ropes and tore the tape from her mouth.
"Mommy—" She threw herself into my arms, shaking with sobs.
"It's okay now." I choked out, holding her tight. "Mommy's here. It's over."
Lucifer was untying Liam. He carefully lifted Liam, checking his wounds. "Badly hurt." His voice was tight. "We need to get him to a hospital immediately."
Sirens wailed in the distance, growing closer.
Marcus rushed in with guards. They quickly secured the scene.
"Call an ambulance!" Lucifer shouted. "Now!"
The ambulance arrived quickly. Medics loaded Liam onto a stretcher. I carried Anya, following behind.
Lucifer never let go of my hand.
The hospital corridor was long and white, reeking of disinfectant.
I sat on a bench outside the operating room, Anya curled in my lap, little hand clutching my clothes. Lucifer stood beside me, one hand on my shoulder, the other in his pocket, jaw tight.
The surgical light stayed on, the red "In Surgery" sign glaring.
I don't know how long it was.
Maybe an hour. Maybe two. Anya fell asleep in my arms, tear tracks still on her little face.
Finally, the door opened.
A doctor emerged, pulling down his mask, face tired but relatively relaxed.
"Family?"
"We are." Lucifer stepped forward immediately.
"The child is out of danger." The doctor said. "All wounds have been treated. Two cracked ribs, minor concussion, significant blood loss. He needs rest. Fortunately, you brought him in time. No life-threatening injuries."
My tears finally fell.
"Thank you... Thank you..."
Lucifer's hand tightened, pulling me closer.
Liam was wheeled out, pale as paper, but his chest rising and falling steadily.
We followed the nurse to the room. It was quiet, curtains drawn, only the bedside lamp glowing. Liam lay in the bed, wrapped in bandages, an IV needle in the back of his hand, clear fluid dripping down.
I sat beside the bed and took his hand. It was cold. I wrapped both my hands around it, trying to warm it.
"Liam..." I called softly.
His fingers moved. Then he slowly opened his eyes, those gray eyes staring blankly at the ceiling for a few seconds before focusing.
"Mom..." His voice was weak, like it would scatter in the wind.
My tears fell again.
"I'm here," I said. "Mommy's here."
He looked to the other side, voice even softer. "Anya..."
"She's fine," Lucifer said, carrying the sleeping Anya over and gently setting her in a chair by the bed. "You protected her well."
Liam's mouth curved in a weak smile.
"Good..."
Anya woke then. She rubbed her eyes, saw Liam, and immediately reached for him.
"Brother—"
I steadied her. "Careful, your brother's hurt."
She carefully extended her hand, lightly touching Liam's fingers.
"Liam..." she said softly, tears falling again. "Don't be scared. I'm here with you."
Liam squeezed her hand.
"I'm not scared."
I watched this scene, chest aching and full, like something warm had filled it. Lucifer sat beside me, arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. I leaned against him, closing my eyes. His scent surrounded me—cedar and amber mixed with a bit of disinfectant, but still so familiar, so comforting.
Outside, the sky slowly lightened. Dawn light leaked through the curtain gaps, cutting thin strips of light across the floor.
A family of four.
Finally together.