"I … I … "
"Don't try to talk." Kira's hands fluttered over him and finally landed on his face. She pressed her lips to his in a kiss that was both unexpected and absolutely perfect.
"Give the man a chance to heal, jeez."
But her kiss was healing in all the right ways. Nash lifted an arm and threaded his fingers through her hair, holding her in place. The taste of her on his lips was exactly what he needed, because it meant … What did it mean?
She pulled away and tears filled her eyes. Was that a good-bye? He would absolutely not accept a good-bye. She was his. They were fated. And that meant everything.
"What's wrong?" He found his voice. "Are you hurt? He didn't hurt you, did he?"
She shook her head, but still didn't speak.
"I'll leave you two alone," Kade said.
Nash had already forgotten he was in the room. He only had eyes for his mate. There was a soft click of the door and then they were alone.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded.
"He didn't hurt you?"
"No."
"Kira, I-"
"Nash, we-"
He managed a small smile. "Let me go first. Please."
She nodded.
"Kira. When I sensed that you were in trouble earlier, it scared the hell out of me. And when I saw him … that asshole, pointing a gun at you … well, I can't even … " She grabbed his hand and squeezed. "It terrified me that I could lose you and I knew in that moment, I would never be able to survive without you. I won't survive without you. But I already knew that."
"Nash, I-
"I can't, Kira. We're fated. You know it and I know it. We were meant to be together, and your family and my family, well … they'll just have to-"
"Be okay with it."
He shook his head, not sure he heard her properly. "What?"
Her smile gave him a thrill. "They'll be okay with it," she repeated. "They are okay with it. But even if they weren't … Nash, it's you. It's always you. It will always be you." Tears streamed down her face, but she was still smiling. "I was so worried," she said. "I thought I lost you. And you're right. I can't survive without you. And I won't."
Bullet wound or not, he didn't care. The pain was white-hot as he pulled himself into a sitting position, but it didn't matter.
"Nash, you're going to open your wound," she protested but didn't try to stop him.
He was healing fast. Besides, it wouldn't matter if his body healed if his heart wasn't pieced back together.
"Kira Jackson, I need you more than I need the air in my lungs. I thought I could step back and let you have time to figure out what you needed to do with your family, but I can't."
"Nash, I-"
"No. I can't." He shook his head. "I just can't sit back and wait for you to make a choice that could destroy us both. I know the pull of family is strong. I know. I … I feel it too. But I also know something else." He threaded his fingers through hers and pressed them to his lips. "Nolan and the pack, they aren't my future. They aren't my family. You are. It will always be you. I need you to tell me you feel the same."
"I do."
Her voice was so soft, he wasn't sure he heard her properly.
"What?"
"I do," she said again. "I feel exactly the same, Nash. That's what I'm trying to tell you. From the moment I let you walk away, I was empty. I can't live without you either. And I won't."
"Come here." She did as he asked and sat on the side of his bed. He tugged her toward him, needing to feel her.
"Nash, I'll hurt you."
"No, babe." He pulled her into him with as much strength as he could manage. "You'll never hurt me." His hands cupped her cheeks and as he held her face in his hands, he held his whole world.
He kissed her softly. There'd be time for heat later when he was completely healed. Although with each passing moment he could feel his strength returning. His cock twitched under the bed covers, obviously feeling more than healed. But no. He had a lifetime to show her exactly how he felt about her. For now, having his mate in his arms was all he needed. Nash nestled into Kira's neck and breathed deep, inhaling the sexy scent that was all her. He let it fill him, but there was something different. He stopped, and then leaned in and took another breath.
"What's wrong?" Next to him, Kira shifted so she could look into his eyes. "Nash?"
"Nothing," he answered honestly. "I think my senses are just a little off right now."
She sat up and smoothed his hair back off his face. "Of course they are. You're healing. Let your body work."
He smiled what he hoped was a reassuring smile, but his mind was still working. "Tell me about Grizzly Ridge," he said. "When do we leave?"