Chapter 938 Chapter 938
Webb was so distracted going over what had happened, he barely felt Shaelan touching the gashes on his back and shoulder. Had he squeezed harder or twisted his hold on Kiloh? It was hard to tell if he had killed him or his own struggling had done it.
“I’m just taping this up to stop the bleeding until you can shift,” Shaelan said softly.
He could hear the sympathy in her voice. Everyone had to know what he did by now. Blaise had pointed to the office by the entrance when they got back, so that was where he sat. Waiting for judgment.
Rhogue was outside it with her friends. They’d rushed to her and hugged her, each one glancing at him every few seconds as she spoke to them.
“You’re a very brave man.” Shaelan took off the gloves and stood by the desk.
What did someone say to that? He’d never been called that before. “I couldn’t let him reach the factory.”
She looked at him with understanding eyes and a friendly smile. “I’m going to get some food and juice brought to you. Do you need anything for the pain?”
Webb shook his head. “No. It’s numb.”
She nodded. “Hopefully, you can shift before that wears off.” Picking up her supplies, she opened the door and went out.
Rhogue hurried over to her and listened. He watched her anxious expression change to relief. His animal moved through him. “She’s safe now,” he whispered out loud.
Gia came in the front doors, carrying a soft rifle case over her shoulder. She looked at Shaelan and then turned to look at him through the window. Nodding to whatever Shaelan said, she came and opened the door.
“Are you crazy?” She blew out a breath. “I don’t think I stopped to breathe all the way here.” Her shoulder slumped. Brushing her hair back from her face, she frowned and pulled a dried leaf out of it. “Is Cassius all right?”
“I haven’t heard.” He leaned forward onto his knees and rubbed his hands over his face. That movement reminded him of his injury. “If I hadn’t stepped in, Kiloh would have killed him.”
“I know.” She glanced at the door. “Everyone knows. Is it true he was after Rhogue?”
Webb nodded and sat back. The scratches on his back stung when he leaned against the back of the chair, so he moved forward again.
Gia pulled out her phone and tapped the screen.
“Calum will coral them down the left side.” It was Blaise.
“Calder isn’t a tiny bear, is he?”
Webb wanted to grin, but didn’t.
“Don’t give them a chance to shift, or we’re going to be in all kinds of fubar,” Tripp said.
“Noah, what are you—shit. Someone stop him.” Blair sounded panicked.
“I got him.” It was Amari.
“Darlin…”
“Shh, I’m focusing,” Amari responded. “Hey, how’s it going? You two have been bad little bears, huh?” She laughed. “One twitch and I’ll aim this in a place that will have you yodeling.”
Webb looked at Gia.
“Taser.” Gia smiled.
“Anyone with a shot for tranq’ing them, go for it. She really doesn’t know not to poke the bear.” Tripp wasn’t happy.
Gia shut off the speaker. “You saved Cassius and Rhogue and who knows how many others.” She adjusted the strap on her shoulder. “I’m going to find Blaise. They should be celebrating what you did, not having secret meetings.” She turned on her heel and walked out, leaving the door wide open.
Rhogue came in. “Are you all right?” She came over and leaned on the desk in front of him.
“Physically, I’ll be fine.” He put his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands in front of him. “I didn’t intend to kill him.” He frowned. “At least, I don’t think I did.”
Reaching forward, she put her hand over his. “He would have killed you if you hadn’t.”
Webb put his hand over hers. “I couldn’t let him find you.”
“Thank you.” She exhaled a long breath, but didn’t pull her hand away. “Cassius is okay. One of the cuts on his side is deep, so he can’t shift for a few days, but he’ll be okay. Thank you.”
He wanted to tell her he didn’t need her gratitude. At this point, he wasn’t even sure if he had done it for her and Cassius or if his bear had overridden logic and done it for himself. Parts of it weren’t clear now.
“I don’t like seeing you so conflicted, Webb.”
He looked to see the worry on her face. “I’ve never killed anyone before.”
“That’s good to know.” She gave him a slight smile, but neither of them was feeling the teasing right now. She looked at the door. “What's the procedure when something like this happens?”
Webb looked out the window. “I’m not sure, it’s not something I’ve paid attention to.”
She squeezed his hand. “Are you cold? I could go find you a shirt.”
He shook his head. “No. It would probably get hung up on the bandages Shaelan put on.”
“Okay.” She looked at the floor. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about what Kiloh did to me.”
“I get it. It was probably something you didn’t want to remember or talk about.” His animal stirred, and Webb had to clamp down on any further movement. Now was not the time.
“I think I should have.” She held his look, and he could see the uncertainty in her eyes. “Are we mates, Webb?”
He nodded. “Yeah, we are.”
She blew out a breath. “I thought so. The moment I saw you when you were your bear, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Which made me feel worse about the mark on my neck.”
He stood up and moved closer. “That is not your fault. No one should be forced to take someone’s mark. Doesn’t matter if they’re mates or not. It's wrong.” He wanted to pull her into his arms and hug her. Just hold her and feel that she is healthy and safe. “If you want to wait before we—” he frowned. “Before we explore what this means for us, I get it. I don’t care how long I have to wait.” Of course, if he was shipped off to some holding facility for his crime, it would be a very long wait for her. If he left her unclaimed, it would be easier.
Her eyes rounded. “No. I’m okay. I want to get to know you better.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m not very interesting, but you should know me better.”
He put a finger over her lips. “I think you are. What you’ve been through in your life –” He shrugged and was again reminded of his injury. “—and you still have such a positive and accepting outlook. That’s pretty awesome, Rhogue. Most would be bitter and—” he exhaled because his nerves were getting to him, and he was forgetting to breathe. “Most would end up like Kiloh and his friends.” He moved his finger from her mouth. “I consider myself very lucky.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly. “I know a lot of shifters without clans, and they’re not like Kiloh at all.”
Voices in the hall had both of them turn to see what was happening.
Gia and Blaise stood outside the door.
“They got them.” Gia’s expression was intense. “Deacon, Calder, and Tripp are bringing them in.”
“Is everyone okay?”
Webb liked that it was the first thing Rhogue thought of.
Gia nodded. “Yes. No injuries.” She looked relieved.
Louann came from the direction of the cafeteria carrying a tray. She paused for a second and listened to Blaise, and he could see when she’d been told that the men who were a threat to them had been caught.
Coming in, she set the tray down. “Holly added extra for you, Rhogue.” She smiled and looked at her for a moment before she turned to Webb. “Thank you. My daughter is safe, Rhogue is safe, and Cassius is alive because of you.”
Webb wanted to object. To him, he was no hero.
“Eat. Both of you.” She leaned over and moved Rhogue’s hair aside. “I guess you won’t need that tattoo after all.” She smiled at her and walked out.
Webb was going to ask what tattoo, but Rhogue sighed and looked at him.
“I’m not hungry, but I know I have to eat.” She reached over and pulled the tray closer. “You need to feed your bear. The two of you used a lot of energy.”
Webb looked at the food. With the not knowing what was going to happen, he wasn’t hungry, but he needed his animal to behave when they found out the verdict of his actions. “Have a seat.” He needed her here with him, too. Pulling the chair, he’d been sitting in, he perched on the side of the desk and picked up a sandwich.