Read Hard Shift (Immortal Guardian Mates Book 1) by Kate Allenton (19) Page 19 Online novels for free

Elizabeth sat up with a start, letting out a quick breath as she remembered the vision of Rhys lying near death on the forest floor.

“It’s okay,” Evan said, calming her and easing her back down onto the bed. “You’re safe.”

She gazed around the unfamiliar room. “Where am I?”

“The infirmary.” Evan eased down on her bed.

“Where’s Rhys?”

Evan shifted his gaze to the bed on the other side of her, and she turned. Rhys had IVs sticking in his arm, attached to hanging bags of red liquid. The same stuff she’d drunk the last time she’d lost too many enzymes. Monitors displayed his vitals.

“Why isn’t he awake?” she asked, trying to sit up again, only to be stopped by Evan, who pressed a lever on the bed, raising the head portion so she could see.

“The transformation takes time, Lizzie.” Evan’s voice was quiet.

She turned back to Evan. “What happened? Did everyone make it out?”

Her heart clenched, and she swallowed around her sore throat.

Sensing her pain, Evan handed her a glass of the red liquid. “We salvaged what we could from the warehouse in an attempt to find Raw, and the women are safe.” He pressed his lips together.

“What about the woman with the violet eyes? Have you figured out who she is? I tried to push my will on her to keep up, and she blocked me.”

His brows dipped. “She doesn’t remember who she is or even how she ended up at the compound.”

Evan’s gaze softened as he pushed the hair behind her ear. “You saved him.” He ran his hand over the pink mark on her arm where Evan had bitten her.

“He saved me first,” she said, glancing over to her mate. Hell, would he even want her when he realized what they’d done? Did he even want to be immortal? “Let’s just hope he wanted this.”

Evan cupped her face, turning her to look at him. “He’s a lucky man.”

“You’re going to be a dead one if you don’t remove your hand,” Rhys growled from his bed and grabbed his throat.

Lizzie slid her legs over the side of the bed and stood, pulling her hanging bag with her. She took the crimson drink and lifted it to his mouth as she held his head. “This makes the pain go away.”

He drank until the cup was empty.

Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder to find Evan had left and they were alone in the room.

“Don’t hate me,” she whispered and cupped his cheek. “I wanted to keep you safe.”

“I could never hate my mate. I figured out what you’d done five minutes after I left, but those assholes wouldn’t let me back in.” He pushed himself to sit up before pulling her into his lap. “I love you. I’ll always love you.”

A tear slipped from her eye. “I love you, too.”

He crashed his lips to hers in an immortal force he’d yet to control. His passionate kiss was different now, more intense since he’d been turned. His lips on her mouth set off fireworks in her core. Everything was magnified tenfold. The kiss, the feel, the emotions coursing through her body hit with the force of a tidal wave, ready to pull them back out to sea from the safety of the shore.

She broke the kiss.

His lust-filled eyes stared back at her, his gaze intent. “I could get used to that.”

She smiled. “Not until we’re both well.”

“And preferably when you have a room with a door and walls,” her father announced, walking into the room. “Glad you’re safe.” He glanced at Elizabeth before stopping at the end of the bed.

“Rhys.” Her father gave a royal nod to her mate. “You saved my Ab— Elizabeth, and for that, I give you my blessing.”

Elizabeth tilted her head, unsure what the hell the old man was talking about. “Blessing for what?”

He glanced up from their joined hands to Elizabeth. His face softened. “Now that he’s immortal, you can complete the mating bond without killing him.”

“Hate to break it to you, old man, but I don’t need your blessing. I’ve gone my whole life without it, and I’ll live the rest of my life the same way.”

“Lizzie, give him a chance,” Rhys said softly. “He’s the reason you were born. He’s the reason I found you, and he’s the reason that we can finally be together.”

Her heart skipped a beat, and her belly fluttered as she squeezed Rhys’ hand, but she still couldn’t let go of the anger toward her father, not without him feeling the same pain.

“Rhys, I know you think I need him, but I don’t. I only need you. I”—she swallowed around the lump in her throat—“can’t forgive him.”

“Baby, I know this is hard, but in the end, you’ll thank me.” He glanced up at the king. “Hurt her again, and I’ll kill you myself.”

“How dare you.” The king bristled.

“With all due respect, sir, you did this to yourself. If this is the best she can do, you have to accept that. A wise friend once told me that, with your daughter, trust had to be earned. If you want a relationship with her, then I suggest you start trying, because crown or not, I won’t let you hurt her again. I may not be related by blood, but I am her family, and I will protect her, even if that means protecting her from you.”

Seconds that seemed like minutes ticked by before her father spoke again. His voice softened. “Glad to hear you say that.” He paused. “Because when you complete the bond, you’ll be her protector. Evan will have fulfilled his duties, and the connection between Evan and Elizabeth will be severed.”

“What?” Lizzie asked, unsure she’d heard him correctly. “I thought there was no way to break the tie. He would have told me.”

Her father pressed his lips together. “Of course he didn’t tell you. He knew you would never be able to complete the mating bond with Rhys or anyone else. He’d never leave you alone and unprotected. Ever.”

Her heart fell into her stomach, and she looked down at her hands. He was always supposed to be in her life. In the short time, she’d known him, he had been the only one besides Rhys who attempted to understand. What was life going to be like without Evan in it? She’d come to care for him, maybe not as a mate, but as a friend. Would he even consider her a friend if it weren’t mandated? She could hear her father’s heavy step as he left without another word, letting her ponder what would be.

Rhys used the crook of his finger to lift her gaze. “Lizzie. I’m sorry, baby. I know you care about him.”

She swallowed, and a tear slid down her cheek.

“I’m thankful he’s been there for you.” He brushed his lips across hers in a heartfelt kiss, making her close her eyes. Another tear slipped free.

“I need to talk to him.” She opened her eyes. “Either way, he’ll be crushed or elated. Whatever his reaction, it’s going to hurt me.”

No need to tell me. You already did, Evan said into her mind. I’m due for a vacation. Lizzie, it’s better this way. You love him, and he’ll make you happy.

Evan…

I just need some time. Goodbye, Lizzie.

Don’t go, she pleaded. Let me help you.

****

Evan didn’t answer back. No matter how many times she called for him in her head, the answer was always the same. He was silent.

Elizabeth took one last look in the bathroom mirror and gave herself a sad smile. Butterflies flitted in her belly at the thought of completing the bond with Rhys. He made her happy, yet she knew the minute she bit him her connection with Evan would be forever gone. One more try. One more final goodbye. She had to try.

This is your last chance, you stubborn ass. I won’t hear you again. I love Rhys with every fiber of my being, Evan, and I can’t change that, but you and I….it wasn’t supposed to end this way. I miss your friendship. I miss you.

Silence greeted her as she gripped the sink tighter and lowered her head. Her shoulders deflated while waiting and hoping that he’d reply.

Go bite your mate already and get out of my head, Abigail.

Her eyes popped open, and a small smile tilted on her lips at him calling her the name meant to aggravate her.

Asshole.

Takes one to know one, princess.

Elizabeth rested her hand on the knob, knowing that this was the last intimate conversation she’d ever have with the man who was tied to her soul.

Quit stalling, he teased. I’m ready for the silence.

She grinned and turned the knob.

One more thing, Lizzie. There was a pause. We’ll always be connected even if I’m no longer your protector and can’t hear your thoughts. I think everyone is forgetting that I turned you into an immortal. We’ll always have that bond. I’ll always have your back, no matter what, princess. You can count on it. Now go be happy. You damn well deserve it.

You do, too. I hope you find love and peace, Evan. Wherever that may be.

I’ll be seeing you, Queenie.

Elizabeth chuckled. Asshole.

Always.

Elizabeth pulled the door open to find Rhys lying on the bed. Worry clouded his gaze. “Did he answer this time?”

She smiled and nodded.

“About damn time. I thought I was going to have to hunt him down and kick his ass.” He smiled up at her and held out his hand. Her life would never be the same after tonight.

She crawled up onto the bed and into his arms. Rhys leaned over her and pressed a tender kiss to her lips. “This isn’t the end, baby. It’s just the beginning.”

“I love you,” she whispered against his lips. “I’ll love you forever.”

Rhys cupped her cheek with his warm palm. “I was born to love you, Elizabeth. You’re my family, and bite or not, that will never change.” He held her gaze. “I’ll still protect and love you, always, even without the bond.”

Rhys’ eyes gleamed with love. He meant every word. She knew it like she knew how to breathe. This man was her world and would always be. No matter what obstacles life threw her way, there was no one else she wanted by her side. Her man, her mate.

“I’m yours, only yours,” she whispered and watched as his bear’s eyes flashed back.

“As I’m yours, my mate,” he answered before crushing his lips to hers.

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Other Books by Kate Allenton

Hard Shift (Immortal Guardian Mates Book 1) by Kate Allenton (19)

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