Page 34 of Lake's Legacy

Lake nods. “That makes sense. The entire tribe was out looking for you at our request. That allowed someone an opportunity to attack Coyote without being seen.”

“They also said someone wanted us,” Annette chimes in.

“She’s right. The leader mentioned it. He stopped one of our kidnappers from hitting Annette because he didn’t want to lose the payday.”

I hear Toff growl, but I’m watching Lake. His jaw clenches, and I can see his mind working. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but the thoughts are dark. He says nothing more until we get to the hospital.

Lake pulls me to him once we exit the vehicle. He slows down to let Toff and Annette get inside first. “I’ve called Hex. He and the others are on their way here. I want you to go back to the clubhouse with them.”

I stiffen at his words. Is this it? He’s sending me back to New Orleans so he can stay here? I wonder if he’ll tell me it’s over or have Hex deliver the news. Or maybe Levi?

Lake gives me a shake. “Olivia? Are you alright? Is it the concussion? Are you feeling dizzy?”

“No. I’m fine. Let’s go inside.”

But Lake doesn’t let it go. He tugs my hand to keep me from walking away and pulls me back towards him. He captures my face in his hands as he stares into my eyes. “What just happened there? I lost you for a minute. Where did you go?”

I try to shake my head, but his grasp is too firm. “It’s nothing…” I start, making him frown as his hold on me tightens.

“Olivia. I can’t fix the problem if I don’t know what it is. Please. Talk to me.”

“I don’t want to lose you,” I whisper.

“Why would you lose me? Are you still worried that whoever attacked Coyote will come after me? You know I can take care of myself.”

“That isn’t it. You’re staying here and taking on the role your father wants you to inherit. You want me to leave. What does this mean for us? Are you staying here permanently? Are we over?”

“Oh, sweet girl, we aren’t over. We’ll never be over. I love you. A hospital parking lot isn’t where I wanted to say it, but I think you need to hear it. I’ll do what I must for my tribe, but this is not where my life is. My life is in New Orleans with the Demon Dawgs and with you. I have a plan, but I need you to trust me.” He glances up to look inside the hospital before looking back at me. “Toff is the man the tribe needs as chief. They aren’t ready to accept him. Yet. But I also don’t want him taking on the role until we know who attacked Coyote. I’ll be their chief until Coyote heals or until we find out who attacked him. Then, Toff can take back what is rightfully his. Okay?”

Wrapping my arms around him, I bury my face in his chest and breathe in the woodsy scent of Lake. “I’m sorry, I’m being so selfish. The thought of losing you…”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. Everything has happened so quickly. We’re all just trying to stay one step ahead. You aren’t losing me. You’re stuck with me until you no longer want me.”

Leaning up, I kiss his chin before snuggling back into his chest. “I guess you’ll be with me forever, then. I love you, too.”

Lake slams his lips down on mine. We get lost in each other until Toff steps back outside and calls out. Breaking apart, Lake takes my hand and leads me inside. I move toward the waiting room where Toff and Annette have found seats, but Lake pulls me to the check-in desk. A young nurse sits next to a security guard. They both stare at Lake. The nurse eyes him like he’s a giant chocolate bar she wants to take a bite of, whereas the security guard looks like he’s debating on calling for reinforcements.

“My woman has a gash on her head. We don’t think she has a concussion, but we need the doctor to examine her.”

“Of course,” the nurse simpers, shoving a clipboard into my hands without taking her eyes off Lake. Shaking my head, I pick up a pen. Since no one else is waiting, I fill in the form at the desk, letting the nurse finish eye-fucking Lake. What? Knowing someone else envies what I’ve got is a significant confidence boost. Handing the clipboard back, I glanced up at Lake, who smirked. He ignores the nurse but leans over to kiss me.

“We could have sat down to fill in the forms,” he says, leading me toward Toff and Annette.

“We could have, but she looked bored. Thought she might appreciate the distraction.”

“Dad’s in surgery,” Toff says when we reach him. “The nurse said someone will come out to update us.”

We’re the only four people in the waiting room, so I’m not surprised when the nurse calls my name minutes after we’re seated. Lake stands to go with me, but the roar of motorcycles announces the arrival of the Demon Dawgs.

“That’s probably Hex and the others,” Lake says, glancing toward the door.

“Go talk to them. I’ll be fine.” He kisses me and watches me disappear behind the doors.

“I hear you have a nasty gash on your head,” the doctor says when he enters the exam room. He’s attractive with thick black hair, including a touch of gray at the temples. He has a copper skin tone, similar to Lake’s but lighter, something you’d expect for someone who likely spends his days indoors. He’s handsome. I imagine many of the nurses and patients find him irresistible. He goes through the standard questions one asks to determine if a patient suffers from a concussion. I assure him I’m not.

“I’m surprised Annette suggested you come in,” he says, giving me a quick grin when I look at him in surprise. “Annette’s my daughter. I’m Dr. Antoine Solon. You must be Olivia? Annette called me and told me what happened to you both.”

“Annette saved our lives. I couldn’t have escaped without her help. She led us through the swamp until Toff and Lake discovered us.”

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