Page 72 of Taken By the Fae

I lift my head enough to look at her, my eyes stinging from crying for so long. “Thanks,” I whisper as a few more tears slip free.

The nurse checks the machines and glances over Elijah’s chart before she leaves the room.

I sweep the hair out of Elijah’s face and press my lips to his temple.

“Aurora?” a soft voice calls.

I turn to see Tristan leaning in the doorway. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” I dry my cheeks and stand, pushing the chair back against the wall.

“Nothing to apologize for, Rory. I can take you home,” he offers, and when I nod, he places his hand at the small of my back to guide me out of the room.

Back in the car, I give him directions and stare out my window. I jump when Tristan’s hand touches mine. I don’t pull away when he slips his fingers through mine.

ChapterNineteen

We pull up out front, and Tristan insists on walking me to the door. I texted my mom on our way over, so she’s already waiting for us. It’s a struggle to get out with my gala dress, but Tristan helps. He keeps his hand at the small of my back as we approach the front of the house.

My mom glances between the two of us before settling on me as her eyes well. “Aurora, I’m so glad you’re here.” Her complexion is splotchy and pink, which makes the dark circles under her eyes look worse. Her hair is frizzy and tied back in a messy top knot.

I wrap my arms around her in a tight embrace, my eyes burning from hours of crying and the fresh tears forming now. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

She pulls away and looks at Tristan. “Who’s this?”

“Tristan Westbrook,” he says. “I’m sorry to have to meet you under these circumstances, Mrs. Marshall.”

Mom nods. “Please, come in.” She ushers us into our small but cozy living room off of the main entryway.

My dad is throwing more wood into the fireplace when we walk in. I give him a hug, and he shakes Tristan’s hand before we sit. Tristan and I are on the couch, and Mom and Dad take the chairs across from us.

“That dress is beautiful, Aurora,” Mom says in a hoarse voice.

I try to smile. “Thank you.”

“We appreciate you bringing her home, Tristan,” Dad says, Mom nodding in agreement.

“Of course.” Tristan glances at me. “I should leave you with your family,” he says in a hushed tone.

I bite the inside of my cheek. “Please stay.” His presence makes me feel stronger, almost as if I have an anchor to keep me grounded, to keep my mind from racing in too many directions. I don’t have the strength to hide the emotions that are tied to feeling that way. In this instance, I don’t mind Tristan seeing them.

There’s hesitation in his eyes before he says, “Okay.”

“We’ll head back to the hospital in the morning. Elijah’s doctor said he was stable and suggested we get some rest tonight. They are going to run more tests tomorrow.”

Letting out a slow breath, I nod. “I’m going to change.” Tristan follows suit when I rise from the couch.

My parents stand, their hands reaching for each other’s, while Dad shoots Tristan a wary look. “Aurora, see if you can find something of mine for Tristan to change into. I’m sure he’ll be comfortable staying in the guest room tonight.”

“That’s appreciated but unnecessary, sir,” Tristan says.

Mom and Dad don’t push the offer on him. Instead, they walk out of the living room, leaving us alone.

“Thank you for bringing me home,” I say, looking at the carpet under my heels.

He cups my cheek and lifts my face so our gazes meet. “I’m glad I can be here for you.” His thumb brushes across my skin, and my pulse quickens in response.

“I…” My eyes dart between his, wanting nothing more than to get lost in their calm, deep blue depths. “Will you stay?”

His expression softens. “If that’s what you want.”

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