CONW

t lights, a dull, rhythmic pounding echoing in my skull. My right arm felt like it was made of lead,

rming the crisp white sheets. I was in the St

d my stirring. Relief washed over her fea

I tried to speak, but my throat felt li

t a lot of blood, Casey. You have a mild concussion, too." She helped me sit up, her eyes shining with an unexpec

er, letting it soothe my thr

lf, then went straight to deal with the aftermath. He's a legend, Casey. The youngest an

doesn't use his power to crush people. He's fair. Kaden is in the holdi

saved me solidifying in my mind. A terrifyingly

d through the room. The door swung open, and the air grew heavy with the

ver hair was neatly combed, and his face was set in an expression of deep, grandfa

ead, she wore a simple, pale dress, her face devoid of makeup. Her eyes were red and swol

ir and sat beside my bed, his eyes filled with a practiced, sorrowful warmth. "I cannot express how deep

on neutral. I could see righ

ot-blooded warrior. He let his protective instincts for my daughter cloud his judgment. Stone River is facing threat

crisp check, and placed it gently on my tray tabl

nsation for your medical bills and a fresh start. All we ask is that you sign a settlement agreement and

he sobbed, her voice trembling with perfect vulnerability. "I know he hurt you, and I'm so, so sorry. But he only did it bec

ion, begging for the man she loved. I

. They were trying to wrap their cruelty in a bow of fake sympathy, u

sion burned away, leaving behi

and, picked up the check, an

I met Marcus's eyes, refusing to shrink under his Elder aura.

ng he had won. "You'r

fluttered through the air, landing on t

"I don't care how many borders he can defend, or how many tears your daughte

y pillows, holding his

ey. I refus