Page 75 of Edward’s Bunny

“Schatje,” my Nana said softly.

I looked behind my sister, and not only my Nana was there but all my brothers and sisters and my parents. They all showed up at the hospital. I shook my head.

“Go home, all of you.”

My mother stepped forward. “Swe—”

I raised my hand, cutting her off. “You’re not my family. Your words hurt the man I love, my fated mate, all because of what he is, and what is he? A kind, generous man. A man that would die protecting me and the people he cares about. You call him a predator and evil.” I shook my head. “You’re worse than any predator I’d ever met. You hurt your son and brother because of your prejudice. Leave me alone.”

I turned around and walked back to my seat. I hung my head and closed my eyes. I wanted all this to be over with a dream.

A soft hand touched my back. “Schatje, I know you’re hurting. I had a long talk with your parents and siblings. They regret their actions. It will take time to build the relationship back but don’t give up on them. They love you, Schatje.”

Nana’s words caused my chest to ache. In my heart, I knew what she was saying was true, but in my mind, the anger and hurt were still there.

“Nana, I, I don’t know if I can.”

“Brian,” Olivia said softly. “I was wrong. I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I’ll leave if you really want me to, but I’m truly sorry.”

I lifted my head and stared at her. “Why the change of heart? Why rush here? Was it just because of what Nana told you?”

She shook her head. “I was still adamantly against the bond, even after Mom, Dad, and everyone else had come around. It wasn’t until Eva said something. She asked me if Uncle Brian’s mate was a bad man. I was snarky and said yes. Then she asked me what he did. I told her he was a predator.”

Olivia took a deep breath. “Eva, my Eva. Raised her chin as she spoke. You’re wrong, mommy. Mr. Winters, my teacher, says we shouldn’t treat someone badly unless they do something bad. It’s like my friend Pauly. He was being picked on because he was a different color. Then she called me a racist.”

My eyes widened. I couldn’t believe my little nine-year-old niece had said that to her mother. That she recognized the hatred for what it was.

“Eva really said that?” I asked.

Olivia nodded. “She did. I’m sorry, Brian. I was a fool. Please give your big sister another chance. I don’t want to teach my daughter to be hateful.” She looked back at the rest of the family. “Give your family another chance. We’ll do better.”

Nana squeezed my hand, and I nodded. My parents and other siblings who’d been standing by the door rushed into the room and surrounded me—their presence attempting to offer comfort.

“Any word?” Talon asked, running into the room.

“Where’d all these people come from?” Walter asked, not far behind.

“This is my family,” I said to Walter before turning to Talon. “He’s still in surgery. It’s a waiting—” I paused and jerked my gaze to Walter. “Have you called Hayden and Vanessa?

He nodded. “Hayden and Owen are flying back now from Daytona. Vanessa was with Mike at a friend’s wedding. They’re on their way as well.”

“How’s the pride? Wait, you should be with them,” I said.

Walter came closer and crunched down. “The pride’s okay. Martha’s handling things there, and I’ll be going back. I came to get an update.”

I nodded. “Go back. We need stability in the pride now. You’re Edward’s second, and Hayden’s not here yet. You’re in command now. Talon go—”

“I stay with you. You’re the king’s consort, and it’s my duty to protect you,” Talon interrupted.

“He’s right, Brian. I’ll go back, but Talon stays. I’ll be sending additional men over,” Walter said.

I nodded and sighed. “What happened with the authorities?”

“It’s being worked out.” Walter paused and cleared his throat. “They are taking the death of Edward’s ex as self-defense. I didn’t tell them we had the shooter. That we have Amy. “

“Good,” I said. “She dies regardless. I’m not as forgiving as Owen and Hayden.”

Walter nodded and opened his mouth to speak when Randy entered the room. I jumped to my feet and rushed to him.

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