Chapter 66 You're My Sweetie
Wynter‘s POV
"I..." I started, my voice trailing off as I caught the flicker of hope in Chase's eyes.
Before I could finish my thought, Chase moved closer, sliding onto the bed beside me. The mattress dipped under his weight, and I felt the heat of him even through the layers of clothing between us.
"You should sleep," he said softly, one hand brushing a strand of hair from my face. "We can talk about this tomorrow, when you're stronger."
"I'm not that tired," I protested, even as my eyelids grew heavy.
"Liar." The word was gentle, affectionate, and he opened his arms in invitation. "Come here."
I gave in, too exhausted to maintain my usual walls. I let him pull me against his chest as he arranged us face to face, his eyes soft in the dim light.
"Sleep," he murmured, his hand moving in slow circles along my spine. "Just let yourself rest."
Chase began to hum—low and melodic, an ancient tune that felt like something passed down through generations. The sound vibrated through his chest, soothing and hypnotic.
He shifted, turning me so we were face to face, his hands patting my back in rhythm with the lullaby.
"I'm not a child," I protested weakly, embarrassment heating my cheeks.
His hands slid up to cradle the back of my neck, and he leaned forward until our noses brushed together—a gentle nuzzling that sent warmth cascading through my chest.
"You're my sweetie," he murmured, his breath ghosting across my lips. "My little baby. My everything."
The endearment should have made me bristle, but instead I melted further into him, a small, contented sound escaping before I could stop it.
Chase pressed one more gentle nuzzle against my nose before resuming his humming, his hands never stopping their soothing motion. "Just sleep, sweetheart. I've got you."
And despite everything, I believed him.
I let my eyes drift closed, let myself sink into the warmth of his embrace and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. For the first time in days, sleep came easily.
---
A soft knock at the door pulled me from sleep.
Chase stirred, his arms tightening reflexively before he moved to answer. Dr. Reeves entered with brisk efficiency, setting his medical bag and pill bottles on the desk.
"Good morning, Miss Vaughn. How are you feeling?"
"Better," I admitted, though sitting up left me breathless. "Stronger than yesterday."
He took my vitals quickly. "Fever's gone, heart rate normal, liver enzymes trending down. You're healing faster than expected, but you're far from recovered."
He handed me several bottles. "Anti-toxicity treatment, liver support, and pain medication for when the bond starts causing problems again. Because it will, without the suppressants dampening the connection." His expression turned grave. "But under no circumstances are you to take any more bond suppressants. Your body can't handle another dose. The next time might kill you. Understood?"
"Understood," I said quietly. "No more suppressants."
"Good. Continue as prescribed, avoid stress, and come see me immediately if anything feels wrong." He packed up efficiently and left.
Chase pulled me against his chest, holding me through a wave of grief I hadn't expected. When I could breathe again, he said gently, "Let's get you back to my quarters where you can rest properly."
He helped me stand, and immediately my legs trembled, threatening to give out. His arm slid around my waist to support my weight.
"I can walk," I managed weakly.
"I know you want to," he said with understanding. "But right now, you can't."
Before I could protest, he scooped me up into his arms. "Don't argue. You're exhausted and recovering from toxicity."
We'd barely crossed the threshold when I heard Rosalie's voice, sharp with relief.
"Wynter!"
I looked up to find her and Jax standing just outside the medical wing entrance. Rosalie's face was streaked with tears, and Jax's expression was tight with barely controlled emotion.
"I'm okay," I said quickly. "I promise."
"You don't look okay," Jax said bluntly, his gaze moving from my pale face to the way Chase cradled me. "You look like you're about to pass out."
"I'm just tired. Dr. Reeves says I'm healing."
Rosalie reached out, squeezing my hand with desperate gentleness. "We've been so worried."
"We need to talk," Jax said, his voice rough. "About Owen, about what happens next."
"Not here," Chase said. "My quarters—it's secure."
He started to move past them, but I stopped him with a weak tug on his shirt.
"Wait. Put me down."
Chase's arms tightened. "Wynter, you can barely stand—"
"I know," I interrupted, meeting his eyes. "But we need to discuss what happens next, and I can't do that while you're carrying me. Please."
Jax spoke up, surprisingly gentle. "Let her down, Sterling. She needs to do this her own way."
Chase's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "The second you start to fall, I'm catching you."
He lowered me carefully, keeping one arm around my waist. My legs trembled as they took my weight, and I had to grip his shirt to stay upright.
"See? I can walk," I managed.
We made our way slowly to Chase's quarters, me leaning heavily on him while Rosalie hovered on my other side and Jax ranged ahead. By the time we reached the door, I was trembling and breathing hard.
"Okay," I admitted. "Maybe I overdid it."
Chase swept me up again once we were inside, settling me on the couch. Rosalie immediately took my hand.
"Don't ever scare us like that again," she said, voice shaking. "When Chase said you were in critical condition—I thought we were going to lose you."
"I'm sorry. The suppressants were helping with the bond pain, and I thought if I took a little more—"
"You nearly killed yourself," Jax interrupted harshly. "And for what?"
His gaze cut to Chase with hostility, and I felt Chase tense.
"It's not his fault," I said quickly. "The incomplete bond affects both of us. I made the choice."