“That’s really sweet.” She tilted her head.”
“I wasn’t with you guys.” Sadness darkened his face as a tear streamed from the corner of his eye.
“Well, that is a crazy dream because I’m not planning on having a baby any time soon.” She sat up a little straighter. “And these guys wouldn’t go anywhere without you.”
“I never really put much faith in dreams.” He took a deep breath. “Until I met you.”
“You sweet, awkward weirdo.” She smiled, furrowing her brow. “Don’t start putting too much stock in all that mystical mumbo jumbo. I can’t be the only sane person around here.”
“I’ve never been good at talking to girls.” He scoffed to himself. “Even as a kid. It was like I could only think of the worst possible thing to say.”
“You didn’t get many valentines in elementary school, did you?” She stroked his face.
“I never had a girlfriend. Not that I minded much.” He chuckled then winced at the pain. “Being out here, there weren’t a whole lot of opportunities to meet people. After spending almost a year on the streets, I didn’t want anything to do with people.”
“The guys are both worried about you.” Jillian started to get up. “I’m going to go get Vincent. He’ll want to know that you’re awake.”
“No.” He reached out and grabbed her hand. “There’s nothing they can do. I can feel it.”
“I know you’re in a lot of pain, and shifters aren’t big on pain killers.” A knot formed in her throat as she squeezed his hand. “I can’t imagine what you must be going through, but you’re not going to die, okay?”
“You’re awake.” Conner came out of his room, rubbing his eyes. “You thirsty?”
“A little.” Finn shifted his weight as a pained expression came over his face.
“Finn.” Vincent came out of his room. “How are you feeling?”
“I think it might be time to call it a day.” Finn smiled weakly.
“That’s bullshit.” Conner snapped. “You’re too damn stubborn to die.”
“Conner, easy.” Vincent approached, picking up his blood-pressure cuff. “He’s right, Finn. We’re not ready to lose you just yet.
“Whatever part I was meant to play in this.” Finn looked up at the ceiling and then back at Vincent, who was glaring at the blood pressure gauge. “I think it’s almost over.”
“Dammit…” Jillian got to her feet. “I should have known this would happen. The spirit said I would end up coming back for another favor. I just assumed it would be my life on the line.”
“What are you talking about?” Conner looked at Jillian.
“I don’t know if the spirit saw this coming or if she made it happen.” Her eyes filled with tears. “But, I know what we need to do. We have to take him to the circle.”
“What?” Conner’s eyes darted to Finn and back to her again. “It took us forever to get you there and no offense, but even when you’re not dying, you’re too slow.”
“Out of the question.” Vincent held his hands up.
“I’m telling you… this is the only way to save him.” Her voice grew stern.
“And I’m telling you,” Vincent growled, his boots heavy on the wooden floorboards as he planted his feet in front of her. “Every time he moves, we risk opening up whatever arteries got nicked when that bullet shattered. If we try to haul him up the mountain, he’s as good as dead.”
“Vincent, you’re going to have to trust me on this.” She knew what happened when her mother talked back to her father. The sound of the back of his hand against her mother’s face wasn’t something she would easily forget. Still, she couldn’t back down.
“I am still the alpha of this den!” You can choose to stay here and be a part of this, or we can take you back to the city. But neither of those scenarios will involve you having the authority to…”
Vincent was so much bigger than her, even though she was reasonably sure that he was a better man than her father, it took all her courage not to shrink back as he raised his voice.
“Listen, the spirits can save him, and I have something they want.”
“Don’t.” Finn shook his head. “I’m not letting you sell yourself to the spirits for this.”
“Why not?” She held her hands out. “It’s my fault you got hurt in the first place.”
“That’s not even true.” Finn closed his eyes.
“You were doing something nice for me, and you got hurt.” She looked around at Conner and Vincent. “I don’t know what kind of asshole would just sit back and let a good person die, but it’s not me.”
“All due respect.” Vincent stood between her and Finn. “I don’t care what you say. I have been part of this world a lot longer than you have. I’ve seen a lot of shifters die, giving themselves over to faith when they should have had a dose of common sense.”
“I know you’re scared of losing him.” She gestured to Finn. “But that’s exactly why you have to trust me.”
“Trust is something you earn in this house!” He roared, towering over her. “You had just finished complaining about him taking off without a word. But where were you this morning when stumbled in here bleeding all over the floor?”
“That wasn’t her fault.” Conner cut in.
“You stay out of this!” He took a few steps toward Conner. “We’ll definitely be having a discussion later.” He looked back at Jillian. “But, we are not dragging Finn up that mountain.”
CHAPTER NINE
“Fine.” She narrowed her eyes at him, storming out the front door.
“Great.” Conner chased after her, shoving past Vincent. “Way to lay down the law.”
“Let her go.” Vincent followed them outside, grabbing Conner by the arm. “She’s not a prisoner; she can leave
