Bound by Love

22. Rest and Recovery

Wren clings tighter to Van, her body shaking as a chill sweeps over her skin. While she did get rid of the cursed Devil's Splinter, the pain still lingers. That, and her body's reaction is to fight off the 'infection'. Van cradles her close, kissing her forehead and cheeks, so thankful that she is alive.

Gray's jaw clenches at the Council's questions. He uses the link to keep Patricia from hearing what is truly being said.

Gray – 'Not in front of that bitch.' "Van was too quick for you to see, but he provided the blade to Wren." 'I promise we will tell you the truth tomorrow' "We do have the mind-link of mates and we told Wren what to do. But for now, our mate is tired and in pain. She needs her rest. Can we go over the details tomorrow?"

"Of course," Atticus bows his head in respect. "We will also decide Patricia's fate. We still need answers on how they got a hold of this weapon and why they wanted to use it on you."

Ian growls at the captured vampire, "Yes, we will definitely be discussing her punishment."

Atticus gives them one last glance, his gaze lingering on Wren, a contemplative look on his face. "Until tomorrow. Same place and time?"

The three brothers confer with each other in the link before conceding to the Council's wishes. Van reluctantly releases the force field, Walter's mangled body falling to the ground while Patricia is quickly detained by Emma, Helena, and Victor. She tries to fight them, while screaming that they will all pay for Walter's death.

Eventually her ramblings got on Atticus' nerves. "Silence!" he comes in close, grabbing her chin with an unbreakable grip, her jaw cracking. "You. Do. Not. Speak. We will deal with you later." He pushes her away, her chin hanging at an odd angle.

He runs his finger through his hair and over his beard. With eyes closed and face tilted to the sky, as if asking for strength, he sighs. "We will meet tomorrow. If Wren isn't ready to come out here, let us know and we can come to you or delay it to another day." He kicks Walter's lifeless body, "I'll send out the glantóirí to get rid of this mess."

The brothers give their agreement and the Council left with Patricia in tow.

Once they are sure that everyone has left, Gray and Ian turn to face Van – Wren. She is still shivering, her arms tucked up close to her chest, her cheek against Van's chest. She opens her eyes, first looking at Van, then Gray, then Ian – checking to make sure that they are all okay. She pauses on Ian, with chattering teeth she asks, "Where are your clothes?"

"Sorry Little Bird, I destroyed them when I shifted."

"Oh, itz kay," her voice is slurred with sleep. Her eyes dropping as she relaxes once more in Van's embrace. Suddenly, she jolts upright, her eyes wide swiftly changing to a swirl of gold, red and silver just before they narrow in on Ian, "Did anyone else see you naked? Your mine!"

"I'm truly sorry Little Bird. They did, but I promise you they all know that I am yours."

She huffs, crossing her arms and pouting. "They better."

He leans over and kisses her sweetly. "Let's get you to bed. You need to rest sweetie."

She yawns, and nods her head before closing her eyes once again. "Yeah, I need a nap and then..."

"Then what my Heart?"

"Then I need my mates. It's been too long."

The men's cocks rise at her words. With a groan, they remind each other that they must wait until she is better. They cannot do anything that will strain her until she is well once again.