Page 130 of Running Winter

Someone lifted me and put me in a car. Raven was beside me, my head resting on her knee as she cradled it softly. She stroked my face and spoke to someone who was driving.

I knew I was losing consciousness, but there's something I needed to say. My mouth refused to move, and the last thing I saw was Raven gazing at me with adoration.

I needed to tell her it was worth it.

A L I C E

Lucas walked into the hospital two hours later to take care of the bills.

He looked exhausted despite our two weeks in the sun, and my heart still skipped a beat when his eyes met mine. He strode towards me, a force to be reckoned with, his every step thundering down the hospital hallway.

I stood, crossing my arms as he bowed his head, lifting my hand to his lips.

"My Queen. I'm sorry."

This wasn't about me or us.

We were volatile, sure, but we were madly in love. This man had saved me in more ways than I could count over the years. We'd grown together in so many ways, and now Raven had gone and fucked her bodyguard.

But I understood Lucas, as well as I understood our daughter.

Raven was fierce and intelligent, but more than that, she was in love.

"Can you imagine if my father would have shot you when we met? What would I’ve done?"

Lucas frowned before nodding. "Yes."

"You better go and make this right. Now."

I wouldn't hesitate to choose my children over my soulmate, but the idea was he shouldn't ever force me to.

"I will. But promise me something, Alice."

Lucas moved forwards, his hands cupping my face as he did.

"Don't ever threaten me again. Not with losing you. You are my Queen."

My heart thundered in my chest, and I clung to my sanity by a thread when I responded.

"I know, but you can't hurt Raven or Rafe. Ever. So don't make me choose."

We gazed at each other for a moment before he nodded. It was a strange understanding, but we had one.

Lucas moved his gaze to the guards standing outside the door, wincing as he did. He clenched his jaw as he exhaled, meeting my eyes.

"This is the first time I've asked about someone I've shot, but how is he?"

"In a lot of pain, but he will be alright. Raven’s wounds are deeper, Lucas."

Lucas hummed.

"I'll try and fix this, baby, but Raven is nasty. Shit, she is worse than you."

"Because she is both of us, Lucas."

As Lucas made his way over to the room where Leigh and Raven were, he turned back to look at me.

For once in his life, Lucas Deacon looked afraid, and my heart melted.

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