“Right here, sweetheart.” With a glad cry, Brenna gathered her close. Carson put his arms around them both, unabashedly weeping.
Lucy smiled dreamily before her eyes drifted closed again.
And Sam slid to the floor. Unconscious.
Chapter 12
No! Rushing to Sam, Luc fell on his knees and gathered her in his arms.
The entire room went silent. Dr. Nettles came to her side. Taking her wrist, he felt for a pulse. “I’m sorry,” he said, looking at Luc with stark pity in his gaze. “There’s nothing I can do. She’s gone.”
Brenna and her brother, Alex, exchanged a long glance. “Our healer…” she said.
Luc shook his head. “She’s not gone,” he told them, his voice fierce, his heart thudding hard in his chest. “She’s not.”
This time, he saw sympathy in every one of their faces.
Except Samantha’s. Her beautiful features wore no expression, no expression at all.
“Sam,” he murmured. He felt…broken, as if what remained of his heart had been ripped away. “Sam, please.”
She looked peaceful. As still as…
No.
Not Sam. He refused to believe she was dead. They’d only just found each other. He couldn’t believe fate would so cruelly rip them apart before they’d even begun their life of love and happiness together. He’d helped her before, somehow. Maybe, just maybe, he could help her again.
“Luc, I’m sorry.” Alex crouched by him and slung his arm around his shoulders in a gesture meant to comfort.
Luc wanted no part of it.
“Does that always happen when a healer heals?” Lyssa sounded hopeful, as if by her words she could bring a sense of normalcy back to the room.
“Only when—” His voice broke. “She does too much. She can’t heal twice in one day. The last time she tried, her heart stopped. I got her to a hospital and they couldn’t save her. She nearly died.”
Nearly being the operative word. She’d somehow come back from the dead and woken in his arms.
He willed it to be so again.
“What happened then?” Carson asked, his expression expectant. “What did they do to bring her back?”
The others surrounded him, watching, solemn and quiet, the air of celebration gone. Little Lucy slept, a natural, healthy sleep, and though Brenna would not let go of her daughter’s hand, she watched Luc and Sam with concern and expectation in her face.
Mutely, Luc stared at them, dimly aware of tears coursing down his cheeks.
“They must have done something,” Lyssa said. “Maybe we can try the same thing now.”
“Can we help? What can we do?” Carson and Alex, Lyssa and Brenna—Luc saw in their faces that they’d all help if they could.
“I don’t know.” Feeling more helpless than he had in his entire life, Luc gathered her lifeless body in his arms and kissed her lips. Maybe this was the secret cure. The last time he’d done it, she’d begun to breathe again.
Not so this time.
Suddenly, he realized what was wrong. This time, his energy alone was not enough.
“I do need your help. Please, make a circle around us. Touch me, help me, lend me your strength. We can bring her back.”
Instantly, they did as he asked. Brenna let go of her daughter’s hand to join them. Crouching on the floor around him and Sam, they linked hands and closed their eyes. He felt their unity, their love, their distress.
Pack.
Humans and shifters alike, they silently began to pray.
Sam still lay unmoving in Luc’s arms.
Cradling her, rocking her gently, he felt Alex’s palm on one shoulder. A second later, Brenna placed her hand on the other.
“Healer, heal yourself.” Joining them, Dr. Nettles spoke the same words Luc had thought the last time Sam had fallen.
“Sam, heal. Don’t leave me.” Luc brushed a kiss against her cheek. When he lifted his head, her face was wet with his tears. “Sam, come back to me.”
She didn’t move.
“You’re my mate,” he said, ignoring Brenna’s surprised gasp. “The other half of my soul.”
He kissed her again. Then again, willing her to live.
And then her pale skin went from a frosty shade of ice to cream, flushing peach as her blood flow returned. Her chest rose as she took a shuddering breath, and then rose again.
“Ninety-five seconds,” the doctor said. “Reviving now, she shouldn’t suffer any neurological damage.”
The others gave a quiet cheer.
Luc laughed. Joy flooded him. Not tentative, but strong and sure.
He kissed her again. Her lips curved in a dreamy smile. Holding her, he gave her his heart, his strength, his soul.
In return, she gave him healing. Opening her caramel-colored eyes, she connected her gaze with his, and he knew. Even now, weakened and near death, she was trying to heal. Him. She wanted to heal the rift that had festered so long in his soul.
“Stop,” he told her, whispering against her lips. “Conserve your strength. You’ve already repaired what was wrong inside me, with your love.”
Sighing, she kissed him. Weakly at first, but as he deepened the kiss, she responded with increased vigor.
“Ahem.” Alex and Lyssa, Carson and Brenna all cleared their throats at once. “You two, there’s a child present.”
Blushing, Sam broke away. Brow wrinkled in confusion, she scrambled out of Luc’s arms and tried to stand.
With his help, she was able to regain her feet.
“What happened?” Still shaky, she looked from one face to another, finally peering intently at the sleeping little girl. “Was I too late?”
When they told her she hadn’t been, she nodded with satisfaction. “Good.”
“Very good.” Luc pulled her close, drinking in her scent, gazing at her and letting every emotion show in his eyes.
He knew the instant she realized. “You’ve been crying,” she said in wonder, brushing his cheeks with her fingers. “I’m so, so sorry.”
“Don’t be. You healed them both.”
She took a deep breath. “Though I’m still weak, I feel stronger. Again, you healed me.”
“No,” he corrected. “We all healed you. Together.”
She smiled up at him, contentment shining in her face. Contentment and something else, something more.
Love. He could scarcely believe it.
“I love you, Luc,” she told him, in case he had any doubt.
With a glad growl, he covered her mouth with his. “I love you, too.”
“Mates,” Brenna said, satisfaction ringing in her voice.
“Mates,” Luc echoed, against Sam’s lips.
At the word, Sam stiffened, pulling away. “I can’t be your mate,” she said. “You know I can’t have children.”
As Luc opened his mouth to tell her it didn’t matter, Dr. Nettles came forward and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Have you been tested?”
“Yes.”
The single word broke Luc’s heart. He opened his mouth to tell her that didn’t matter, but a sharp glance from the doctor stopped him.
“Were you trying to conceive with a human?” Dr. Nettles asked.
Sam nodded. “My ex-husband.”
“That’s the problem, then. You’re a Halfling, and a special one at that. Some Halflings can only conceive with a full-blooded shifter. I think if you and your mate—” he glanced at Luc “—try to conceive, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
Tentative hope bloomed in Sam’s eyes. “Really?”
The doctor smiled. “Yes, really.”
With a glad cry, she flung herself at Luc, squeezing him tightly. Her joy was contagious, for everyone began to clap.
Luc kissed her instead.
Though the Anniversary police department was small, they had a working jail. One of the three cells held Michael. He’d been arrested on charges of kidnapping and aggravated assault.
Luc hadn’t wanted Sam
to visit him. But she’d insisted, explaining that having a brother felt too new and welcome for her to ignore.
“Even after what he did to you?”
She nodded. “Even so. I think his illness made him a little crazy.”
Luc decided to let the “little” part pass. “I’m coming with you,” he announced, unwilling to risk her to a known threat.
“Of course you are. He’s your brother-in-law now.”
Luc grimaced. “He also tried to hurt you.”
“But he’s healed,” she reminded him. “He got what he wanted. He won’t harm me now.”
“You’re forgetting his little comment about power. He wanted to control you, so he could be in charge of who you healed.”
She shook her head and didn’t reply.
Once they arrived at the jail, Sam gripped Luc’s hand tightly as they walked toward the holding area. She’d pressed charges, but had been wavering about withdrawing them. Luc knew that the FBI had gotten involved, since the kidnapping attempt had crossed state lines, and she’d be told she couldn’t withdraw. That would likely upset her to no end, as she wouldn’t want her newfound brother in a federal penitentiary.
Luc didn’t feel nearly as benevolent.
Michael had been told to expect them, and already waited in the holding room. He smiled at them as Sam and Luc took their seats.
“I’d like to apologize,” he said at once.
Luc watched Sam melt. “That’s all right,” she answered. “I completely understand.”
“I don’t,” Luc growled. Sam squeezed his hand.
Michael ignored him, looking only at his sister. “You’ve given me my health. That means more to me than anything.”
Luc refrained from saying he was glad Michael would get to enjoy his health while he served time in prison for kidnapping—and the murder of their father. He’d confessed to setting the fire and ending his father’s life.
Sam took a deep breath. “I had a reason for wanting to talk to you.”
At Michael’s expectant look, she shook her head. “Not the reason you’re thinking. I want to know if we—I—have any living relatives in the Pack where you and our father lived in Maine.”
“Of course we do. There’s Aunt Merriam and Uncle Ben, and scores of cousins. Why, if you drop the charges against me, I’ll personally introduce you.”
Still holding Luc’s hand, Sam rose. “That won’t be necessary. Luc and I will pay them a visit. I’m sure we can find everyone.”
“But what about the charges?”
Sam stiffened. “What do you mean? You’ve confessed to everything. They’re not going to let you go.”
“I know that.” Expression serious, he cocked his head and looked at her. “But I meant you. Do you think you will ever forgive me?”
Because there had been so many lies already, he deserved the truth. “I don’t know,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “There’s so much I have to think about.”
“Once you come to terms with everything?” Hope shone in his face. “Maybe?”
She could promise nothing, but she was going to try to adjust—and maybe even forgive. Just not yet. It was too soon. “Maybe,” she managed to say. “One day.”
On the way out the door, Sam looked over her shoulder. “Good luck, Michael. Write me and let me know where you end up, and I’ll write back.”
Once they were in the car, she started crying. “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Luc kissed her cheek.
“You’ll make a damn good mother,” he said gruffly, and started the car.
Nine months later
Waddling into the coffee shop, Sam smiled. She’d arrived before either Jewel or Patricia, which meant they could sit at the bar. Patricia preferred a table, but she was the only one with a normal size stomach.
Climbing aboard the bar stool was no easy feat, given Sam’s size. Eight months and three weeks pregnant, and deliriously happy, she felt as if she might pop at any second.
The bells over the door jingled. Since Jewel was carrying twins, her stomach arrived before she did. Patricia hurried along behind, looking tiny in comparison.
Sam waved at them.
“No way can I sit at the bar,” Jewel said. “Let’s take a booth.”
“I doubt you could fit in a booth, either,” Sam teased. “Your size is sooo impressive. I’m jealous.”
“Don’t be.” Rubbing the small of her back, Jewel grimaced. “The little twerps won’t let me sleep. Worse, when I glance in the mirror I look like a huge swine about to have a litter.”
Sam laughed. “No you don’t. You look like a very pregnant, very beautiful woman about to have twins. Is Colton excited?”
“He gets worse every single day. The overnight bag for the hospital has been packed and beside the front door for two weeks now.”
Getting down from the bar stool wasn’t any easier than climbing up had been. Feeling as graceful as a hippo, Sam managed to land on her feet without mishap. She followed Patricia over to a large corner booth.
“What about Luc?”
“Luc keeps sitting in the rocking chair in the nursery. He says he’s getting used to the chair before the baby comes.”
Patricia grinned. Flanked on either side by a pregnant woman, she looked at each of them and then herself. “The best part about hanging out with the two of you is how you make me feel positively thin.”
The bells on the front door jingled again.
“Hey, werewolf-man,” someone called. “Done any good howling lately?”
Both Sam and Patricia turned to look. Charles Pentworth ducked his head, looking a bit sheepish.
“At least the mystery of the so-called werewolf got cleared up.” Like Sam and Jewel, Patricia knew better, but she’d gone along with the story they’d concocted for the sake of peace. Luc had humanely trapped a large coyote, passing the animal off as the mystery wolf, before turning it over to the local game farm.
They’d also found and destroyed any remaining bear traps. Charles had set them, hoping to catch a werewolf.
Life was good.
“I have some news,” Sam told them, unable to contain her excitement. “The adoption agency called again. I’m next on the list.”
Patricia’s eyes widened. “What are you going to do?”
Grinning, Sam shrugged. “I told them I was pregnant and to take me off the list. Some other prospective parents who’ve been waiting forever were given my spot. I can’t think of a time when I’ve been happier.”
“I can.” Grinning, Patricia wagged her finger at her friend. “Let’s see…what about when Luc asked you to marry him? Or at your wedding, when he read aloud the verses he’d written for you? Or the day you learned you were pregnant, after years of believing you couldn’t have a child of your own?”
“Okay, okay.” Laughing, Sam sipped her lemon-flavored water. “You’re right. I’m a very lucky woman.”
They all raised a glass of ice water in a toast.
Sam turned her attention to the menu, which Jewel was already avidly studying. “All I want to do these days is eat,” Jewel said.
“Me, too.” Sam patted her huge tummy. “This baby is always hungry. As a matter of fact—” The first pain hit like a tsunami. Gasping, she doubled over, her eyes watering. “Oh. My.”
Patricia instantly grabbed her. “Are you—?”
“I think so. Yes.”
As soon as Patricia’s hand made contact, she snatched it back. “Ouch. That burns. You’re doing it again.”
“Sorry, but I have no control. Oh!” Another pain knifed through Sam’s abdomen. “I think I’d better get to the hospital.”
“Guys?” A look of shock crossed Jewel’s face as she clutched her own abdomen. “You’re not going to believe this, but I think I’m going to be joining you.”
Six hours later
Luc paced the hospital corridor, stopping at Sam’s room every time he made a complete circuit. He held her hand
, helped her count, fed her ice chips, then had to pace the corridor again.
By the bed next to them, Colton, on the other hand, stayed at Jewel’s side.
“Are you in here?” a familiar voice called. Carson stood in the doorway with Brenna and Lucy, Alex and Lyssa right behind them.
A second later, the doctor shooed everyone from the area. Only the husbands were allowed to remain.
Dr. Nettles had, at their request, flown to Texas to oversee Sam and Luc’s child’s birth. After all, the baby would be born a Halfling and, healer or not, would have unusual blood.
They couldn’t take a chance on being discovered. Though most shifters had their children at home, Luc refused to risk Sam in any way. She was far too unique and special to him. Colton felt the same way about Jewel.
Jewel’s twins were born first. A boy and a girl, they were both large, healthy babies with well-developed lungs.
Sam’s eyes filled with tears when she heard their lusty cries.
Luc, thinking her tears were because of the pain, stopped his pacing and dropped into the chair at her side, taking her hand. “I love you,” he said.
Too busy fighting a contraction to answer, she squeezed his fingers in response.
Their son was born with a full head of dark hair, shortly after midnight.
They named him Kyle.
Luc swore the baby grinned when he heard his name.
All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.
All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II B.V./S.à.r.l. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
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