Eric watched Iris slump to the ground, falling back into the snow. She must be in shock. Her breath steamed in the air and her skin was pale. Even if he barely felt it, he knew it was bitterly cold. Between the crash, the cold and his fight with Rex it was just too much for her to take. Her body must have shut down. He needed to warm her up, as well as the other female and the baby, and he was going to have to shift to do it.

 

He stepped back and reached deep into himself. He focused his energy and sent a surge of power through his body. His wolven form rolled back, fur flowing back into itself and bones sifting smoothly. In seconds he was human again, standing naked in the snow.

 

He walked forward to her fallen form, barely feeling the cold on his bare skin, even in his human form. He scooped her up and gently settled her back into the front seat of the car. Now he needed to see about those emergency supplies. He leaned across and pulled the keys out of the ignition, then quickly moved around the back of the car to the trunk. He forced the key into the lock and tried to turn it, but the trunk wouldn’t open. The metal must have bent in the crash. He jerked the key, harder, trying to force it, but it still didn’t move. He was going to have to open the trunk the hard way.

 

Reaching down with both hands, he jammed his fingers under the lower edge of the trunk. He slowly applied pressure, pulling up. The entire back end of the car started to rise as he applied his strength. Leaning forward, he kept pulling steadily, then jerked upward suddenly and violently. The trunk slammed open with a snap of breaking metal as the side of the trunk scraped past the crumpled frame. The broken lock fell down into the trunk with a clang.  

 

He quickly scanned the contents of the trunk. It was mostly empty. Just some old jumper cables, an empty plastic gas can, a small toolkit and a duffel bag. He grabbed the bag and pulled it out of the trunk, praying it had emergency supplies.

He ripped the zipper open and stared inside. Relief flooded through him. Two wool blankets were folded inside, along with a puffy jacket, a pair of sweatpants and an old hoody. There were also two flashlights, a basic first aid kit, some flares and a pack of gel handwarmers. There were some other small items in the bottom but he ignored them until a flash of blue caught his eye.

 

He reached down to the bottom of the bag and pulled out a silver necklace that tucked away underneath the supplies. A jolt of electricity surged up his arm as he touched it. He held it up, dangling in front of his face in the moonlight. The pendant was a silver wolf with small sapphires sparkling for its brilliant blue eyes. He sucked in a sharp breath. If there had been any doubt before it was completely gone now. The other One True Mates had necklaces just like this one. The silver wolf with the blue eyes had to be him. It was a perfect match to his wolven form. The pendant spun slowly in his hands as he held it up and an angel rotated into view on the back, delicate golden wings spread behind the silver body. He stared. It was beautiful, but now was not the time. He shook his head and carefully tucked it back into the bag. This necklace was important, but it would have to wait.

 

As he tucked the necklace back into the bag he saw a small card and an envelope sitting in the bottom. The name “Iris” was handwritten on the front of the envelope. He whispered it out loud. “Iris.” As soon as he said her name he knew it belonged to her, to his mate. “Iris.” He said it again, louder. It was perfect.

 

Grabbing the two wool blankets, he rushed back to Iris in the driver’s seat. He had to take care of Iris. His mate. He gently wrapped the first blanket around Iris then settled her back down in the seat. It wasn’t perfect but it would have to do for now. It wouldn’t be long anyway. Wade was close now. He could hear the siren getting louder as the truck moved out of the trees behind him.

 

He gently eased the front door closed, trying to shelter Iris from the wind and keep as much heat as possible inside the car. He opened the back door and leaned across to check on the baby. She was bundled up in a pink jumper and hat, but he could see the fog from her breath and he knew she must be cold. She had stopped crying, but he wasn’t sure that was a good sign.

 

He saw a diaper bag on the floor behind the driver’s seat and reached inside. He pulled out a small blanket and a jacket and tucked them around the baby. He broke open the handwarmers and tucked them into the carseat as well. They should provide enough heat to keep her warm. He didn’t want to take her out yet. She would be warmer in the seat, and he wouldn’t be able to hold her and check on her mother.

 

He grabbed the second wool blanket and placed it over the other female. She still hadn’t moved at all, or even stirred. He was worried about this female. He could see blood in her hair and her seatbelt was unbuckled. She must have taken a nasty blow in the crash. She was lucky to be alive, but she wasn’t out of the woods yet. They were going to need to get her to the hospital right away.
 

He checked her pulse. It was there but weak, and her breathing was shallow. He gently pressed his fingers along the back of her neck and traced down her back. Nothing felt out of place, but he couldn’t tell much out here. The EMT’s would need to check her out when they got here.

 

Stepping back, he gently closed the car door behind him and grabbed the sweat pants and the coat from the bag. He held them up, frowning. No chance they were going to fit him. He would have to get something from the rest of the team when they got here. He should use these though. They looked warm, and anything he could do would help.

 

He opened the driver’s door again and laid them gently over Iris. He leaned closer, focusing on her face. Some color had returned to her cheeks and her breathing was steady. She was already doing better. Good. He wouldn’t be able to take it if something happened to this female. As he watched her he couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she was. Looking at her face took his breath away. He stared at her, trying to memorize her features, the full red lips, soft fair skin and soft eyes. She was stunning. Delicate, yet somehow strong and powerful as well. He breathed deep, closing his eyes and savoring her delicious scent, focusing on the sticky toffee and caramel, letting the sweet scent swirl through him, luxuriating in it. Despite the terrible circumstances, he felt his cock stir, the intoxicating scent and closeness of his mate sparking his desire.

 

He growled low in his chest and stepped back, pushing the door closed and standing beside the car. Hard as it was he had to control himself. Now was not the time. He couldn’t take his eyes off her though. Light she was beautiful! Flaming red hair framed a beautiful face with high cheekbones, a sharp nose and luscious full lips. He could picture himself kissing those lips, losing himself in them. He thought about the feeling of her body as he carried her to the car. She was all toned muscle, lean lines and soft curves. He shuddered just thinking about holding her in his arms.

 

He stepped away from the car and stood in the snow with his back to it. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply again, focusing on his mate’s intoxicating scent as his mind wandered to thoughts of kissing her. He couldn’t help himself. His cock stiffened until it was hard as steel, pulsing and throbbing as it extended to its full length while he stood naked in the snow.

 

____________________

 

He was still standing in the snow, eyes closed with a massive erection when the sirens cut off and a pickup truck rolled to a stop right in front of him. He heard the doors open and the other males step out but he didn’t want to move. He didn’t want to let go of the images in his mind or the lovely scent that was filling his entire being. Enchanting him.

 

He heard Wade’s voice call out. “Eric.” Then more urgently, “Eric!” He reluctantly opened his eyes. Wade was striding towards him from the driver’s side of the truck, holding out a bundle of clothes. Eric glanced down. He wasn’t hiding anything. There was no way Wade could miss the raging hard-on, but he didn’t say anything. Behind Wade Eric could see Alex moving towards them from the passenger side, with Jason a few steps behind Wade as he slid out of the backseat. Both had huge grins on their faces and he could tell they were trying not to laugh.

 

Eric didn’t laugh though. Fury rose inside him as he locked his eyes on Jason. He would kill Jason if that male came anywhere near his mate. His blue eyes blazed and he growled deep in his throat. He stepped forward, ready to attack. Wade held up a hand. “Eric.” Then louder, “Eric! We’re here to help.” Alex hurried around from the passenger side of the truck to get between Eric and Jason.

 

Eric could deal with Wade and Alex, those two males had mates of their own, but the sight of Jason, reckless and dangerous and always pushing too close to the edge, drove him wild with fury. He took another step forward. He felt Wade’s hand press against his chest, holding him in place, but he didn’t look away from Jason. “Eric. We’re all on the same team here.” Alex pushed himself into Jason, holding that male in place as well.

 

As Eric advanced on Jason, the wry grin slipped off Jason’s face and a mask of cold anger replaced it. Eric had been training with this male for six weeks now. He knew he was preparing for violence. But Eric didn’t care. That male was not coming anywhere near Iris. He would rip him apart if he took another step. Even Wade wouldn’t be able to hold him back.

 

Suddenly Jason went slack. His expression went blank and he sagged in Alex’s grip. That was the last thing Eric expected. Eric saw him suck in a deep breath, filling his lungs as his head swiveled to stare directly at the wrecked car. Eric felt rage flare within him like an uncontrollable wildfire. He pushed forward, prepared to smash through Wade to destroy Jason. Then Jason spoke softly to himself. His words were distant, not expecting an answer, not realizing anyone else could hear. “What is that? It smells like baked apple with brown sugar and caramel.” He breathed deep again, still mumbling to himself. “It’s amazing.”

 

All of the rage flooded out of Eric. He took a deep breath of his own. The tantalizing scent of sticky toffee pudding and caramel filled him. But no apple. No brown sugar. He stepped back and frowned as he watched Jason. What was going on? The other male slid out of Alex’s grip and walked towards the wrecked car. Alex glanced at Wade, who nodded. Let him go.

 

When he reached the car, Jason vaulted up onto the hood, then slid across to the passenger side. He twisted his upper body through the broken passenger window and reached for the female lying in the seat. He reached out and caressed her hair, breathing deeply. He shuddered, then snapped back to himself. He jerked his body back out of the car, eyes wide with desperation and fear, staring at Wade as he shouted. “She’s hurt. She needs help. Right now!” His voice shook with panic. “My mate needs help!”

 

The baby started crying again, snapping the other three males out of shock as they jerked their eyes to the back of the car. They jumped into action. Wade slammed the bundle of clothes into Eric’s chest. “Eric. Clothes. Now.” He strode towards the car. We need to make sure these females are safe. Then find out what the fuck happened.” As he walked he called out orders. “Alex, check on the driver. I’ll check the baby then help Jason.”

 

Eric’s eyes narrowed as Alex moved past him, heading towards his mate, but Alex was safely mated to Rose. He wasn’t going to try anything. Still, Eric needed to get changed in a hurry and get back to Iris. He quickly pulled on the tactical pants, long sleeve thermal shirt and boots Wade handed to him. When he turned back, Alex was kneeling next to the driver’s seat and Iris was slowly sitting up. His mate. His! She had opened her eyes and was nodding her head at Alex’s words, but her eyes looked past him, seeking Eric, burning directly into his.

 

Wade was standing behind them holding the baby carefully, her tiny body bundled up in the blanket and the spare clothes. He leaned past Alex and handed the baby to Iris, who took the baby in her arms and squeezed her close, slowly rocking her. Eric couldn’t help himself. He smiled as he watched her with the baby. She looked so comfortable, so happy and content. His thoughts trailed off. One day he would give her a baby of her own…

 

He snapped himself out of his daydream. He needed to focus. They could still be in danger. There would be time for that later. Wade pulled Alex back and gestured for him to take Iris and the baby to the truck. Eric’s breath caught as she stood up and started walking towards the truck, towards him. As she moved out of the way Wade slid into the car and leaned over the other female, closing his eyes and gently pressing his fingers onto her temples.

 

Eric stopped paying attention to Wade and Jason. All his focus was on Iris as she walked towards him with the baby. She was so beautiful. His heart racing, he stepped ahead and pulled open the back door of the truck for her. He held it open as she brushed past him and climbed in, then he gently closed the door behind her.

 

The wail of another siren rang out and flashing lights reflected off the snow. Eric looked back down the road. More help. Good. An ambulance slowly pulled out of the woods and eased down the snowy road. Eric and Alex waved their arms overhead to signal the driver. Alex walked out into the road. “I’ve got them. You go sit with her.”  

 

Alex walked towards the ambulance, still waving, as Eric moved around the truck to the passenger side. He took a deep breath to settle himself, then opened the rear door and climbed in. His skin tingled as he sat down next to his mate, alone with her for the first time.

 

Her luscious scent filled the cabin, and for a second he couldn’t breathe. He looked over at her, wrapped in the blanket and holding the baby to her, slowly relaxing in the heat of the cab. He savored the feeling of just being with her.

 

Through the window he could see two bearen jump out of ambulance. They gave the impression of being roly-poly, but he knew they were strong and tall and they moved with easy competence. They paused next to Alex and he saw Alex give them the basic details, then they jogged through the snow towards the wrecked car.

 

Before he could say anything to Iris, Wade knocked on the driver’s window, ready to come in. The he paused, turning away as another bearen walked around the back of the ambulance. Wade broke out into a grin. Eric could hear his voice through the closed window of the truck. “Bruin! Great to see you! Thank you for coming.” Bruin grabbed Wade in a big hug, squeezing him tight. Just like a bearen. Then Wade let him go and pulled open the driver’s door and climbed in. The big bearen moved around the truck and climbed in the passenger door. Both males turned to look into the backseat, ignoring Eric and focusing on Iris and the baby.

 

Eric opened his mouth to speak but Bruin went first. Eric could tell he was trying to put Iris at ease. “Hi. I’m Bruin. I’m the fire chief in Serenity.” He pointed to Wade. “This is Deputy Chief Lombard of the Serenity Police. My EMT’s are taking care of your friend right now. But we need to know what happened here.”

 

Iris looked a little unsure as she stared between the two males. She dropped her eyes, hesitating, then turned to look at Eric. Her face relaxed as she met his eyes. His heart leapt to know that she trusted him over the other males, that she recognized their bond. He nodded to her, letting her know it was ok. But she didn’t respond directly, instead asking her own question. “What about Ivy? Is she going to be OK?”

 

Bruin looked back at her, expression serious. “She’s pretty badly injured. We need to get her to the hospital right away. Right now she seems stable but there’s only so much my EMT’s can do from here.” He softened his voice. “She’s in the very best hands though. We’ll do everything we can to help her.”

 

Iris shuddered and seemed to hunch in on herself, clutching the baby closer to her. Tears slowly rolled down her face. Eric wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms, to hold her close and take away all her pain. He reached out and took her hand in his, holding it gently. Bruin gave her a second to gather herself, then Wade broke in softly.

 

“I’m very sorry about Ivy. But I was hoping you could tell us what happened. And also, first, what’s your name?”

 

Eric sucked in his breath. Her name. Iris. He felt like he knew her deep in his soul, knew everything about her and that they were connected. But he realized he hadn’t spoken to her, hadn’t heard her voice. And even though he knew it, she hadn’t told him her name. He leaned forward, still holding his breath, needing to hear it from her. She turned to look at him as she responded, sensing his need, answering as if it was only for him. She replied softly. “I’m Iris.” She stared into his eyes, the depths of her sparkling blue eyes holding his. Again, he savored the name. Iris. It was perfect. He couldn’t help himself. He reached out and touched her face, lightly tracing his fingers down her cheek. She closed her eyes, resting her cheek against his hand and sighed.

 

Nothing else existed for him. Not Wade, not Bruin, not the wreck. Just this beautiful female. His mate. Iris. He was already hers. Everything he had, everything he was, belonged to her. His whole body tingled, sending shivers from his fingers through the center of his body, radiating out into his whole being. His cock stiffened again, the barest touch from her sparking passion and desire beyond anything he could ever remember. He was barely able to respond to her. “I’m Eric. Eric Steele.”

 

Wade broke back in, interrupting him before he could continue. “Thank you Iris.” She opened her eyes, and turned back to Wade. He could see her gather her resolve, summoning her courage before she continued. “I’m Iris McKenna. Ivy is my cousin. Ivy Walsh.” She looked down at the baby in her arms. “And this is her daughter Sophia. She’s six months old.”

 

Wade gently prompted her. “What happened Iris? How did you crash? It looks like there was another car involved.” Eric felt a growl building low in his chest. He remembered the truck running them off the road. Forcing the crash. Someone had done this to them. Done this to his mate. That person was going to pay.

 

“Glen,” she said softly. Then she looked up and continued, stronger. “Glen Kelly. He’s Ivy’s boyfriend and Sophia’s father.” Anger filled her voice. “He’s also a worthless piece of shit and a drunk. He’s been beating Ivy for years. Even after Sophia was born. She finally got the courage to leave him, but we weren’t fast enough. He was chasing us in his truck. He tried to kill us. The last thing I can remember is his truck smashing into us and then sliding off the road.”

 

The temperature in the truck dropped as she spoke, cold anger showing on the faces of each of the males, even Bruin. What kind of person tried to kill females? And his own daughter. Rage built inside Eric, an unstoppable inferno that could not be quenched. That male had tried to kill his mate. Eric was going to rip him into pieces. Wade’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

 

“Eric!” He realized he was growling, the deep rumble ripping from his chest, filling the cab. Shit. Iris was watching him but she didn’t look scared, or even surprised though. Instead, pure love shone from her eyes.   

 

Before they could get back on track a gentle tap at the driver’s window interrupted them. Eric glanced up at the window. One of the other bearen was standing at the window, expression grim. Wade glanced at Bruin, then looked back at Iris and Eric. “Give us a second Iris.” She frowned. “No, I’m coming too. What’s going on with Ivy? I need them to tell me too.”

 

Wade frowned, then nodded. “Yes, you’re right. You deserve to know.” Wade pushed a button and the rear window rolled down silently. Wade swung open his door and stepped out. He stood next to the open window as Iris leaned her head out. Bruin followed, walking around the front of the truck and joining Wade and the other bearen.

 

Bruin asked, “How is she Bradley?” The other bearen glanced at Iris before answering. He ran his hand through his curly brown hair. “She’s not good chief. She’s still unconscious, still unresponsive. I can’t feel any fractures and I don’t think she’s paralyzed, but we need to get her to the hospital right away. She needs more tests and she needs to see the ER doctors right away.”

 

Iris looked away, shaking with the effort of holding back tears. Bruin looked at her with sad eyes, then back to Bradley. “Is it safe to move her?” The other bearen nodded. “Yes sir. Doug and I can handle it.” He hesitated for a second, then pointed back at the car. The others turned to look. Alex was standing between Jason and the bearen, clearly ready for a fight. Jason was barely able to contain himself. He was pacing violently back and forth, stomping a path through the snow, eyes never leaving Ivy as she lay still inside the car. “As long as that crazy wolven leaves us alone for a few minutes.”

 

Wade clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks Bradley. Don’t worry about Jason. I’ll handle him. Go take care of Ivy.” The bearen nodded, then walked away towards the ambulance.

 

Wade turned back to Iris. “Iris, we need to get Ivy to the hospital as fast as we can. She’s stable now, but we don’t know what could happen. The EMT’s are going to get her set in the ambulance and I’m going to send two of my best men with her. They’ll keep her safe. On the ride and in the hospital.”

 

Tears rolled down Iris’s cheeks. “I need to go too. I need to be there with her.” Wade nodded. “I understand. Trust me, I know how you feel. But there isn’t room in the ambulance for everyone, so they’re going to go ahead. Normally I would drive you to the hospital right behind them, but I don’t think it’s the best thing for Sophia, or for you, to spend the night in the hospital.”

 

Iris closed her eyes, disappointment and fear plan on her face as she listened to Wade. She shook her head though, not wanting to accept. “Sophia can stay with me. We need to be there for Ivy.” Eric’s heart broke for Iris. He knew the pain she was going through, the helplessness she was feeling as she watched her cousin in pain, knowing there was nothing she could do. He would do anything to take it away.

 

Wade held her eyes, solemn and serious. “Iris, I promise you that we will look after Ivy and that she will get the best care possible. We’ll bring you back over in the morning so that you and Sophia can be there for her when she wakes up.”

 

Iris opened her mouth to continue the argument. Eric touched her gently on her back, interrupting. She turned back to him, pain clear on her face, desperation in her eyes. It killed him. All he wanted was to take care of his mate, to protect her, to keep her safe. He never wanted to see pain like that in her eyes again.

 

He spoke softly, ignoring Wade and the rest of the world, focusing completely on his mate. “Stay at my house. You and Sophia can stay with me.”

 

She stared at him, blue eyes holding his. She opened her mouth, ready to protest, then closed it again. She held his eyes with hers, searching for something within them. Then, slowly, she took a deep breath and nodded. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she nodded. Then her head dropped and she collapsed, huddling in on herself and hugging Sophia tight to her. As she leaned forward, Eric pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. He felt her sobbing against his chest. He stroked her hair gently, comforting her, letting her release the pain. He barely heard her whispered answer. “Yes. I’ll stay with you.”

 

Eric held Iris in his arms, watching through the window as the rest of the team quickly cleared the scene. The bearen eased Ivy out of the car and gently placed her onto a stretcher. Then they wheeled her through the snow and slid the stretcher into the back of the ambulance. Jason stalked beside them, holding open the door of the ambulance then leaping into it after the bearen. Eric stared. He knew what that male was feeling. Hopefully everything would be ok. If not, Jason was going to tear the hospital to shreds. The two bearen, Bradley and Doug, stared at him for a second, then quickly dropped their eyes and went back to working on Ivy as he bared his teeth defiantly, daring them to say anything.

 

Wade stood beside the ambulance, having a few last quiet words with Bruin. He shook the big bearen’s hand then walked back to the truck. Bruin climbed into the driver’s seat of the ambulance and Eric watched as it eased slowly down the snowy road, red flights flashing in the darkness.

 

The driver’s door of the truck opened softly and Wade climbed in. He glanced back at Eric, eyebrow raised. Eric nodded, without letting Iris go. He never wanted to let her go. He was going to keep her safe in his arms the rest of his life.

 

____________________

 

Eric didn’t look up until he felt the truck ease up his drive and pull to a stop in front of the house. Sophia was sleeping next to him, tucked safely in her car seat. Wade had rescued it from the wrecked civic before they left. Iris was asleep on his other side, curled tight under his arm. He felt terrible for her. He would do anything to take her pain away. But at the same time he felt a deep contentment. He felt whole with her in his arms. He had never known what he had been missing, but now he couldn’t understand how he had lived without her.

 

Wade walked around the truck and opened the back door. He slung the diaper bag over his shoulder then gently pulled the car seat out, holding it carefully to not wake Sophia. Eric wrapped his arms around Iris and pulled her close to him, lifting her off the seat into his arms. She stirred as he picked her up, but settled back into sleep as he held her close.

 

He eased up the steps, surefooted even in the snow that was slowly piling up. Wade followed behind, holding Sophia. As they reached the front door at the top of the stairs, Wade glanced at Eric and raised an eyebrow, tilting his head towards the door. Eric nodded. With all the shifting the wolven usually didn’t carry keys with them. They would constantly get lost. Standard procedure was to hide a spare in a lock box behind the porch light. As much as he loved to run in the forest behind his house, it had saved his doors and windows more than a few times. Wade reached up to the light, punched in the code and pulled out the key.

 

He eased the door open and stepped inside, holding the door open for Eric. Eric carried Iris through the entryway and into the living room. Wade followed behind them. Eric eased Iris down onto the couch, setting her head on a soft pillow at the edge. He pulled a soft fleece blanket off the back and tucked it over her.

 

Wade set the car seat down next to the couch, then carried the diaper bag into the kitchen. Eric trailed after him. Keeping the lights off to not disturb Iris or the baby, Wade pulled a bottle out of the diaper bag. He filled it with water and scooped some formula into it. Then he closed it and shook it, mixing it all up. Eric raised an eyebrow. This was a side of the police chief he hadn’t seen before. He whispered, “Where did you learn how to do that?” Wade grinned. “I’ve been a cop a long time Eric. You learn a few things on patrol. Some of them come in handy occasionally. Now we need a crib too.” Eric looked at him skeptically. “I hate to disappoint you Chief, but you know there’s no crib here.”

 

Wade walked back towards the living room. He pointed at the couch. “Not yet. Go grab a laundry basket and two of those blankets. Just another trick I’ve learned over the years. Set it up in the bedroom next to the bed.” Eric couldn’t help it. He laughed to himself. A laundry basket? Well, if Wade said so.

 

He ducked down to the laundry room and grabbed the basket and blankets. He carried them down the hall to his bedroom. When he walked in Wade was sitting in the easy chair holding Sophia in his arms, feeding her from the bottle. Eric set the makeshift crib on the floor next to the king bed and eased back out of the room.

He walked back down the hallway and paused at the entrance to the living room. He had only been gone a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity since he had seen Iris. He couldn’t believe his luck. He had spent his entire life alone, and now his One True Mate was in his house. Here, with him.

 

He walked into the living room and settled into the chair across from the couch. He sat quietly, content to just sit with Iris, to watch over her and protect her. She looked so peaceful sleeping. He didn’t want to disturb her. She deserved a few moments of peace after the day she had endured.

 

After a few minutes of just sitting quietly, watching her sleep, she opened her eyes and looked up as if she sensed him. She slowly sat up, blanket still wrapped around her. She looked at him across the room, meeting his eyes. He felt himself stand up and cross to the couch, drawn to her, unable to stay away. He sat down next to her and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. She leaned into him, settling her body against him. They sat quietly for a few minutes, content to be in each other’s presence. Content to put aside the troubles of the day and just be together.

 

He heard the bedroom door close, then the sound of Wade walking down the hallway. The older male walked into the living room and took the seat across from them. He looked across the coffee table at Eric and Iris. “Sophia is sleeping in the bedroom. She had a bottle and a fresh diaper, so she should sleep for a while.”

 

He looked between Eric and Iris. “I need to get to the hospital now. I promise I’ll call you the minute there is any news about Ivy. I’m also going to have a patrol car come by and watch the house tonight. I don’t think you have anything to worry about here but I’m not going to risk it.”

 

Iris nodded. “Please call the second Ivy wakes up.” Wade stood up to leave. “Absolutely. The second she wakes up.”

 

Iris continued as Wade started walking out. “And what about Glen?” Wade turned back to her, his face hard at the mention of their attacker. “We’re out looking for Glen. And we’re good. We’ll find him soon. And no matter what, he’s never going to hurt Ivy again. I promise you that.” Wade turned back as he reached the door, giving one last update. “I’ll call you soon. Don’t worry.”

 

With that, Wade walked out. Eric heard the front door close, and he was alone with Iris. Truly alone with his One True Mate. His heart started beating faster. He still couldn’t believe this was happening. It felt like a dream.

 

She looked up at him. “Thank you for letting us stay with you. I think Wade was right. Sophia is exhausted. She wouldn’t have been ok at the hospital.” He nodded. Anything he had was hers. He couldn’t say that yet though. He didn’t want to come on too strong and overwhelm her after her ordeal. She had been through enough. Her world had changed enough today. He didn’t want to shock her further. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re here.”

 

She closed her eyes, nodding. “Somehow I’m glad to be here too. Even with everything that happened I’m happy I’m here with you. I feel calmer, more at peace with you. And there’s nowhere else I could have gone. Glen knows my place and my mother’s place…”

 

Her voice trailed off as she spoke. She paused, silent for a few seconds. He could see her getting upset again, losing her sense of calm. He knew something important was coming. When she spoke again she sounded scared. “Shit. My mom. I need to call her. They haven’t talked in a long time, but Ivy’s her family too.”

 

He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Of course. You should call. She should at least know what happened and that you and Sophia are safe.”

 

He didn’t know what her relationship with her mother was like. Or Ivy’s relationship for that matter. It sounded like it wasn’t the best, and he could imagine with someone like Glen in the picture, but they were family. He didn’t want to make things awkward for her though. He gently let go of her hand and stood up from the couch. “I’ll give you some privacy to call her. And while you do I’ll ask Wade to send a car to her house too, just in case.” As he stood up she was already pulling out her phone. “Thank you.”

 

He walked across the living room and pulled open the sliding glass door to the deck. Stepping out into the snow he eased it closed behind him. He glanced back to make sure she was ok. She had the phone to her ear and seemed fine, so he turned back and walked out to the railing, staring out into the night.