Hiraeth

Chapter Fifteen

The door creaked open. Kade stepped in, his face lighting up with relief as he saw her awake.

"You're up!" he exclaimed, rushing to her side. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," she replied, testing her shoulder and wincing slightly. "Still sore, but at least I'm not bleeding out anymore."

He chuckled, leaning closer as if to inspect her injury more closely. "You gave us quite the scare. I was afraid you were going to pass out on us."

"I had to keep up with you," she teased back, a smile spreading across her face. "You're the one who charged into battle without a second thought."

"Well, I'm glad you're okay. You scared me." His gaze softened, and for a moment, it felt as if the room shrank around them, leaving just the two of them in their own world.

Sage couldn't help but feel the tension between them, the underlying spark that had been growing. It was more palpable now, igniting something deep within her She felt a heat rising in her cheeks, a mix of exhilaration and vulnerability.

"Listen, I-" Kade started, but a loud knock on the door interrupted him.

"Is she awake? I need to check on her!" The voice belonged to Beckett, who entered the room without waiting for an answer. His presence filled the space, and Sage felt her heart race at the sight of him.

"Yeah, she's awake," Kade said, stepping aside as Beckett rushed forward, concern etched on his handsome face.

"Thank the stars," Beckett breathed, kneeling beside her bed. "You had us worried sick. I swear, if you ever try to fight without me again..." He trailed off, shaking his head in disbelief.

"I can handle myself," Sage shot back playfully, leaning back on her elbows. "I didn't see you complaining when we were all in the thick of it."

He chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "Touché. But you're still lucky to have survived."

"Can you both stop fussing over me like I'm a child?" Sage laughed, feeling buoyed by their attention. "I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself."

"Maybe so," Kade said, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "But you're still going to let us take care of you, right?"

Before Sage could respond, the door opened again, this time revealing Fleck, his dirty blonde hair tousled and brown eyes bright with relief. "Is it true? You're awake?"

"Yes, I'm awake." Sage confirmed, an amused smile forming on her lips at the sudden influx of attention.

Fleck approached with a grin, and Sage felt her breath hitch slightly. There was something about the way he looked at her, a blend of admiration and desire that sent warmth coursing through her. "We were all worried about you. Kade and Beckett kept pacing outside like wild animals."

"Hey, we were just being vigilant," Kade defended, crossing his arms with a smirk. "You'd have done the same."

"I'm just glad to see you on your feet again, Sage," Fleck said, his gaze intense. "I can't stand the thought of anything happening to you."

In that moment, the air around them thickened with tension. The three men surrounding her-all strong, capable, and undeniably handsome-filled her with a sense of longing she hadn't anticipated.

"Okay, okay," Sage said, trying to diffuse the intensity. "I appreciate your concern, truly, but I can't be your damsel in distress forever. I'm ready to get back."

"Are you sure?" Beckett asked, his voice dropping slightly, the teasing edge gone. "You still need to rest."

"I can't sit here and twiddle my thumbs while you all fight my battles for me," she replied, determination flaring in her blue eyes. "I want to be part of this, to help however I can."