My Defender(47)

"I wanted to thank you. Whatever you did for the Garcias helped." Tears shone in his eyes. "I don't think I could have helped them as I am."

Grant laid a hand on the young Alpha's shoulder. "I'm a bit older and somewhat removed from the situation. Don't sell yourself short."

Stefan gave him a grateful look. "I hope you consider my father's offer to join our pack. We could all benefit from having you."

Grant nodded but didn't answer. He still didn't know how he felt about being with a pack again. "If you need us, I have my walkie-talkie on."

Stefan let his hand drop, and Grant jogged to the transport tunnel. Jumping in, he grabbed his stone and floated down to the Unit Level. It didn't take him long to head to his house and grab what he needed. He hopped back into the tunnel and dropped down to Level One. Once his feet hit the floor, he was running toward the lab. He spotted Emeric standing outside the door.

"How is she?" he asked, coming to a stop at the door.

Emeric's eyes look haunted. "Stronger than I could ever be." He swallowed hard. "I had to leave when she began washing the little one. I couldn't..." He shook his head. "It's not right losing one so tiny."

Grant nodded. "I've got her now; why don't you take a break?"

Emeric pushed away from the wall. "Normally, I'd decline, but I think I'll take an hour or two to myself. Thank you."

Grant waited until Emeric disappeared down the hall before he let himself into the lab. When he opened the door, he blinked. The room was pitch black. "Ellie?"

"I'm here," a soft voice called.

Grant turned on the lights and saw his sweet mate on the floor next to the empty table, her forehead resting against her knees. "Why are you sitting in the dark?" She shrugged but didn't answer. He didn't ask her to stand. Instead, he joined her on the floor. He put his presents on the floor beside him and wrapped an arm around his mate, scooting her so that she sat between his legs. She collapsed against him, practically lying on top of him. She buried her face in his chest and inhaled.

Grant knew she was taking comfort in his scent. He gently ran a hand over her hair and waited. All he could do was show her she wasn't alone; she'd have to open up on her own.

After thirty minutes of simply sitting together, she looked up at him, her eyes rimmed red. "I found something."

"What'd you find?"

Ellie moved back so that she sat crossed legged in front of him. She sniffled and wiped her nose on her sleeve. He could see she was gathering herself together.

"Clara had a heart defect."

"Huh? Do shifters have heart defects?"

Ellie shrugged. "I have to assume we do. Only I'm betting, like with Clara, it's not detected due to our healing abilities."

"Is that what killed her?"

Ellie shook her head, paused, and then nodded. "Yes and no. Her healing abilities couldn't handle both the sickness and the heart defect. As she grew weaker, her abilities must have concentrated more on the sickness, and her heart gave out." She looked up at him, exhaustion etched on her face. "I'm so tired. My soul hurts, Grant."

Grant wasn't about to lose his mate to the despair eating away at her heart. He picked up his gifts and held them out to her. "Brought you something."

Ellie stared down. He saw a glimmer of light slowly reappear in her eyes. She reached out and cuddled the two stuffed animals close to her chest. She rubbed her cheek across them and looked up. "You really are perfect, you know."

Grant smiled. "You noticed the elephant, but not the wolf. Whenever I moved them around the room, they were always together. I didn't know why at the time, but it makes sense now." He pulled her close, and she relaxed against him again. "You're not alone anymore, Ellie."

She released a huge sigh and got comfortable, her stuffed wolf and elephant smushed between them. "Can we stay here for just a little bit?"

"Whatever you need."





*****





Ellie was a trembling mass of nerves as they stood at the Garcia's front door. When Grant knocked, Tobias opened the door, looking older and more haggard.

"This way." He motioned to the family room.

Ellie's heart stuttered at the sight of the toys on the floor. Shoving the pain aside, she followed Tobias and settled into the small love seat with Grant.

Susan sat across from them wearing a loose dress. She looked only half alive. When her eyes focused on Ellie, a bit more awareness appeared. "You found something."

Ellie noticed it was a statement and not a question. She nodded. "Yes. Several things, in fact. I'll be reporting everything to Prince Magnus, but I had to tell you first."