“They are currently in isolation until they can control themselves,” Duke said. “You know it can be a struggle for them.”

“This shit shouldn’t have happened.” He rubbed his hands down his face, trying to clear the lack of sleep from his mind.

All he wanted to do was protect her and he’d fucked up.

You weren’t here.

“Son, he’s still fighting. This is good news,” Nelle said.

The door opened, and Mabel walked out. She looked so fucking pale. He went to her, cupping her face, pressing his head against hers. He tried to give her strength.

“I’m okay,” she said.

“How is he?” Nelle asked.

“No change. The doctor said that it could be a good thing.” Mabel blew out a breath. “Mom has asked me to go and get her some clothes.”

“I’ll come with you.”

She nodded.

Duke and Nelle stood. He held Mabel’s hand, taking the lead.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“I feel like I’ve been hit with a train or something larger. It’s hard to describe. He’s always been so strong, you know?” She sniffled.

He pulled her beneath his arm and kissed her head. “The boys responsible are in isolation. They should be punished.”

“Dad doesn’t want that. He’s said they can’t be blamed for what happened.”

“I can’t stand to see you in any kind of pain.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “You’re being so good to me. I’m sorry our … mating reconciliation has been put on hold.”

“I can wait, babe. You don’t even have to think about that. Not ever, okay?” He wasn’t thinking about anything but his woman.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll do anything for you. I hope you believe that.”

She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m starting to get that.”

He’d driven over in his car, and he opened the passenger door for her. After kissing her knuckles, he quickly rounded the car. He climbed behind the wheel, started up the engine, and took off, heading toward her home. She didn’t live too far from the medic, but they’d already been a spectacle in town. He wasn’t sure if she’d seen the attention they were getting, but he wanted to protect her from whatever rumor they’d decided to spread.

Glancing over at her, he saw she’d rested her head on her hand.

“He might make it out of this,” he said.

She turned to look at him. “The doctor said that … with no change, it could happen, or it could go either way. I just, I don’t know why it has to end this way. I don’t get it.” She sniffled.