Chapter Twenty-Seven

“I need to talk to you,” Killian said.

“What do you need?” Derek yawned. “It’s time for me to go home and sleep.”

“I know it’s late, but I wanted to ask a favor.”

“You’re seriously asking me a favor? What do I owe you?” Derek wrinkled his brow. “What’s this about?”

“It’s for Blythe. I want to do something special for her and in order to do that I need your help. She’s been through a lot. She almost died twice! She had to shoot one of your guys and then was harassed by another one of your officers. Don’t you think she deserves a moment of happiness?” Killian growled.

Derek sighed and rubbed his hand down his face. He looked around, but the hallway was empty besides the two of them. “What is it?”

“I want her parents to be able to visit her. I want her to be able to talk to them. It’s really cruel for them to be stolen from their parents and family and never see them again. How would you feel? Do you have any family? Is there nothing that you can do?”

“I have a sister. I’d be heartbroken if I didn’t get to see her. Even though she is a troublemaker.” Derek ran his hands through his hair, seeming to be a bit agitated. “I’m in charge until Carter gets back. So, I do have the power to make that happen. But I want to make a deal with you.”

Killian was immediately hesitant. What could Derek want in return? Was it worth it?

“What is it?” Killian asked.

“I will let Blythe’s parents visit her, if you promise to owe me a favor. It will be whatever I ask of you. No matter the time or place. And you will have to do it.” Derek looked him in the eye. “Do we have a deal?”

Killian closed his eyes, thinking about it. Did Blythe mean that much to him? This guard could ask him to murder one of his best friends. Or even harm his mate. He was allowing him a lot of power over him.

“Can we make one rule?”

“No negotiations,” Derek shook his head.

“I won’t kill someone I care about,” Killian snarled.

“Fine. I won’t ask you to kill someone you care about.” Derek stuck out his hand. “Shake on it. And give me your word.”

“You have my word,” Killian shook his hand.

“I’ll see what I can do and I’ll letcha know when it will be.” Derek turned and stalked off. Then he stopped and turned around. “Betray me, and I’ll kill you both.”

Killian jerked his head as a response and Derek studied him. He turned on his heels and kept going. Killian watched him go, wondering if he’d messed up.

“What was that all about?” Kip asked, stepping out of his room, his arms crossed across his chest.

“Mind your own damn business,” Killian snarled.

“You’re making a deal with the devil. Your mate isn’t worth your life,” Kip commented.

“My mate is worth everything. I’d die for her. You don’t understand,” Killian told him. “Just wait until you get a mate.”

“I’m not sure if I want one. I’ve seen the trouble they cause. Might be good to stay single.”

“Your loss,” Killian shrugged. He stalked off, leaving the man to contemplate what Killian had told him.

***

Blythe stared at the ceiling, lying flat on her back. She sighed and rolled over to touch the empty bed beside her. Where was Killian? He’d gone before she’d woken up and now she wondered what he was doing. Last night had been amazing. She felt completely healed now and was surprised by that. Maybe being a shifter had its benefits.

She got to her feet and eyed the shower. After last night, she needed another one, but she hated how cold it was. Maybe she could take one really fast and then cuddle with Killian when he got back. She smiled at that thought and got out of the bed.

She walked over to the dresser and pulled out some clean clothes. She really needed to talk to Killian about getting more stuff. She hated having to steal his clothes and she never had a bra or underwear. It wasn’t normal for her and she wanted some normalcy. She didn’t even know where Killian managed to get all these clothes.

Walking into the bathroom, she shivered at the temperature difference. Setting the clothes on the sink, she used the bathroom and stretched out all the sore muscles in her body. She felt like a cat just waking up from a nap. She stared in the mirror and noticed that her eyes were a little darker. They held a feline inside of them and she wanted to come out and play. Blythe smiled at the thought and turned away from the mirror. She turned on the water, wondering if it was worth it to run to the infirmary to get a hot shower. Killian would probably be pissed, so she decided to stay put.

Hurrying through her shower, she dressed quickly and ran back into the bedroom. Just as she curled up under the covers, the door opened and Killian came in. His face was serious and Blythe didn’t like it one bit. She smiled at him and motioned him toward her. He smiled when he saw her.

“Hello gorgeous,” he murmured, jumping on the bed beside her. He pulled her toward him and kissed her. “I see you took a shower without me. How rude!”

“I didn’t know how long you’d be gone,” Blythe laughed.

“How are you feeling?” he grew serious once more.

“You didn’t hurt me. I know you were worried, but I’m fine. Look at me. It doesn’t even look like I was beaten to an inch of my life yesterday. You shifters heal fast,” Blythe told him.

“But now you’re a shifter, too. You will heal as fast as we do. You also will have quicker reflexes and be much stronger. I can’t wait to see you shift for the first time.”

“Can we do it now?” Blythe asked, getting excited. “I want to see my other form.”

“I want to talk to Seth first. I’m not sure how long we’re supposed to wait.”

“That’s fine,” Blythe kissed his cheek. She laid her head on his chest and breathed in his scent.

“Would you like to go get some breakfast? I’m sure Shayne has been worried about you. Word got around fast. Some people are pissed about the verdict and are itching to get to Leo. Others are keeping to themselves and not taking sides.”

“I’ve been thinking about something else,” Blythe muttered after a moment.

“What is it?”

“I want to try and talk to Walker again.”

Killian shook his head. “Absolutely not.”

“Why not?”

“He hurt you last time. Tristan had to save you. He’s not stable. I’ve heard things. He’s been stuck in his animal form. He won’t shift back to human form. He’s attacking guards and friends alike. The only person who can handle him right now is Tristan. I’m not letting you around him.”

“Can I at least talk to Tristan? This is my fault. I still feel responsible for Carrie’s death. She was with child, Killian. Think if that was me and I was pregnant with your child. Wouldn’t you go crazy too? This is his grief blinding him,” Blythe argued.

“If that happened, then I would not want the person I thought responsible to come near me. I would need time to grip what happened and move past it. If I did move past it at all. You are asking to be killed. If the situation was reversed and I was him, I wouldn’t hesitate in ending your life. I would blame you.” Killian stopped after seeing the look of pain and sorrow on Blythe’s face. “I know it wasn’t your fault, my love. Please don’t feel this way. You both wanted to feel fresh air. It was supposed to be a time of joy and a monster stole that from you. He was nothing but a monster and we will not even speak his name. You have to let this go. But if it will make you feel a little better, I will send someone to get Tristan and you may speak to him.”

“Thank you,” Blythe smiled up at him. “That would mean a lot. I really do want to ask about Walker.”

“Let’s go eat now and I’ll send someone to get Tristan.”

***

“I think it would be fine,” Seth told them.

“It’s not too soon? She was almost killed yesterday!” Killian still shook his head. Blythe smiled at him and kissed him briefly.

“But I’m not dead and I’m a shifter now. Is it so bad that I want to shift and see what it feels like and what I look like?”

“I guess not,” Killian sighed.

“Thank you!” Blythe jumped up and down. She would be lying if she didn’t say she was sore, but she knew it wasn’t from her injuries. Killian had loved her right. She was ready for another round and maybe another shower. That had been exciting and erotic. She smiled at him, sure that the heat and passion was reflected in her eyes. Killian caught her look and he growled. Seth looked between them and just shook his head.

“I’m trying to take inventory and see what we need. Derek told me he’d help me get some new supplies. I really like this guy. He’s halfway decent,” Seth told them.

“He isn’t a bad guy. He’s a little intimidating, but he has helped us out several times now,” Blythe admitted.

“You stay away from him,” Killian snarled, grabbing her and pulling her close. Blythe laughed it off, knowing how possessive her mate was.

“I was only planning on running away with him,” she teased.

“Blythe,” he warned. She laughed and snuggled her face into his chest. His arms tightened around her and she felt completely safe.

“Let’s go back to your room so I can shift,” Blythe said.

“If you need any help, let us know,” Killian called, releasing Blythe and turning her toward the door. Just then the doors swung open and Tristan entered. The doors swung shut behind him and he crossed his arms.

“Did someone ask for me?” he asked dryly.

“Hi, Tristan,” Blythe smiled at him. He nodded at her.

“Is everything alright?” Killian asked, taking in the aggression and stress that Tristan was projecting.

“Just having some issues with my brother. Nothing to concern yourself with,” Tristan said bluntly.

“What’s happened? Is he okay?” Blythe’s hands went to her face and her eyes widened. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. Walker is in a dark place right now and it’s taking a long time for him to come out of it. He’s attacking guards and they want to put him down. Over my dead body,” Tristan growled.

“They want to kill him?” Killian asked. Seth stood up and set his clipboard down. He walked over to stand beside Killian and Blythe.

“Don’t they know that attacking him and trying to kill him will only make him more aggressive? He could be stuck in this state forever unless he’s pulled out soon. He needs something to pull him out of it,” Seth commented.

“I’m fucking trying!” Tristan roared. He turned and slammed his fist into the wall. “Don’t you realize that I want my brother back?”

“Calm down. Seth was only trying to help,” Blythe muttered.

“Don’t you fucking tell me to calm down,” Tristan took a step toward her.

Killian growled and pushed Blythe behind him. “Calm yourself or leave.”

“You going to make me?” Tristan took another step forward.

Blythe looked from both males to Seth. She growled and jumped between them, placing one hand on Tristan’s chest while the other rested on Killian’s.

“What are you doing? Get behind me!”

“Killian, he’s not going to hurt me. Can’t you see that he’s hurting? He only wants someone to take his pain and aggression out on. Don’t be that person.” Blythe turned to Tristan. “This isn’t like you. Please calm down. You’re making my mate nervous and I want to talk to you.”

“I’m sorry. It’s been hard,” Tristan took a couple steps back. He sighed and all the fight drained from him. He stumbled and then sank to the floor, leaning back against the wall.

“Seth, you go back to taking inventory. Killian, you guard the door. I want to talk to Tristan.”

“No way. I’m not leaving you alone,” Killian shook his head.

“I’m not alone. Seth is in here. And you're right outside. Plus, look at him,” Blythe motioned with her hands toward Tristan. He looked pitiful.

“I’ll kill him if he touches you,” Killian promised.

“Okay. Thank you.”

Blythe watched Seth eye her and then get back to work. He was counting softly under his breath. Killian made sure the door was cracked, but he was outside. She sighed and rolled her eyes. Her mate was funny at times.

“What did you want to talk to me about?” Tristan asked, opening his eyes and looking at her.

“How are you, really? You look exhausted. Are you getting enough sleep?” Blythe asked.

“I’m terrible. I’m losing him, Blythe. I don’t see him coming out of this, but I can’t let him go. We constantly have to restrain him and he won’t even shift out of his bear form. He’s stuck. He’s more beast than man now. There’s no talking to him.”

“Don’t give up hope. I still feel responsible. This is my fault,” Blythe sighed, sinking to the floor beside him. She leaned back against the wall and rolled her head toward him. “He’s missing Carrie. He lost two people when she fell. It’d be hard on anyone to cope with that.”

“I’m afraid that he may come out of it enough to take his own life. We have him under 24/7 surveillance, but that’s getting harder and harder to do. Some people are telling me to just let him go or hand him over to the guards. I can’t lose my brother. He’s the only one left. He’s definitely off the Council. They are, well were, supposed to be his friends and they’re the ones that are the most vocal in ending his life.”

“That’s awful!” Blythe couldn’t believe it. “Can you give him any sedatives or any medicine to relax him?”

“We don’t have that kind of stuff,” Tristan shook his head.

“Can Seth get you any?”

“No,” Seth called. He was obviously eavesdropping, but no one commented on it.

“It’s a lost cause,” Tristan muttered. “I don’t know why I try anymore.”

“Stop! You can’t give up. Keep trying! Please!” Blythe begged.

“You don’t understand! It’s so fucking hard,” Tristan yelled, getting to his feet and pacing. Blythe jumped to hers.

“I want to help!”

“He wants to rip your throat out and dance on your entrails. He used to mutter and growl your name when he was human. He blames you, though it’s not your fault. You cannot go near him. I mean that, Blythe. Don’t try to sneak. I have people watching for you. I won’t endanger you again. I was terrible the last time you came down. I almost let him rip you to shreds. I didn’t even know the whole story.” Tristan had his hands on her arms and shook her. Blythe nodded her head and he released her. She was glad that Killian hadn’t seen, but she’d seen Seth jump to his feet.

“I won’t. I’ve heard how bad it is. I wouldn’t risk my own life when it could put my own mate in that very state. I hate myself for what happened to Carrie. The man responsible got what he deserved. He paid for his mistakes and now I will live with the guilt of taking her up there. Nothing anyone says will make that any different. But I’m moving on and living my life. I’m trying to be happy. Maybe it’s time for you to be happy.”

“First, you tell me to let him go, and now you’re telling me to end his life,” Tristan jerked back. “What the fuck, Blythe?”

“I didn’t say that,” she denied, shaking her head. “I said I wanted you to be happy.”

“The way you said it made it seem like it,” Tristan eyed her.

“Seth, we got an injured cub,” Killian called, holding the door open for Kip and Kale. Kale was limping and winced with every step he took on his left foot.

“What happened?” Seth asked.

“He broke his leg and it healed wrong. We need you to re-break it and let it mend right this time,” Kip told him.

“Everyone out. This is not a place to have a conversation. I have work to do,” Seth commanded. Kip helped Kale over to a bed and Tristan headed toward the door.

“Tristan, wait,” Blythe called. He didn’t stop. He pushed through the doors and disappeared. Killian came over and flung his arm over her shoulders, pulling her close to him. He kissed the top of her head and she breathed in his scent.

“You can’t save everyone. Let him go,” Killian told her.

“I hate it that I can’t help,” she muttered.

“I know, love. But it happens. Let’s go back to the room and let you shift. Afterward, we’ll fuck like rabbits and then go get some lunch,” Killian smirked at her. Blythe gasped and punched him.

“Killian! Control yourself,” she laughed.

“You know you like it when I talk dirty to you.”

“Would you guys leave already?” Seth snapped. Killian raised an eyebrow at him, but ushered Blythe out the door. They strolled calmly down the hall and toward their room. Killian opened the door and locked it behind them.

“Are you ready for this? Truly?” he asked.

“Trust me. I am ready. I want to feel strong and powerful. I’m tired of being weak. I know there will be pain, but after what I’ve been through, I think this will be a piece of cake.”

“I hate that you’ve been through so much. I should’ve protected you better,” Killian cupped her face, kissing her softly.

“I love you. You’ve done your best. I don’t blame you,” Blythe told him.

“Then let’s do this.” Killian moved back, giving her some space.

“Tell me what to do.”