Total pages in book: 203
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 199654 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 998(@200wpm)___ 799(@250wpm)___ 666(@300wpm)
I also got a message from my youngest sister saying she’s headed back to school and hopes to spend time with me and Bailey next month when she comes back to bring her boyfriend home to meet us.
My lip curls at the idea of some shmuck laying his hands on my baby sister, but I do my best to put it out of my mind, thinking on how great Grey is being about the fact that I can’t keep my hands off his baby sister.
I pocket my phone and decide to walk over to my folks’ place to sit with Bailey while we wait for them to get back.
53
BAILEY
It was strange waking up alone. The front door was locked, but I knew he had to have gone for a run with the guys since his phone and keys were here. He seemed restless last night, waking me up a few times by tossing and turning. I’m sure he’s bothered by the fact that a drone was in the village. I initially told myself it was a coincidence, but of course it’s not. It’s definitely something more.
Halfway through my first cup of coffee, Jase’s phone rang and it was Taylor. I answered it and that led me to now, here in Jase’s parents’ house, babysitting a sedated Sherry.
I’m in their dining room, which has been transformed into Sherry’s hospital room. The dining table is against one wall with the chairs stacked beside it. The table is now the prep station for Sherry’s care, piles of IV bags, medication, and other medical supplies on top.
I’m in the recliner that’s now in the corner, which was where Robert sat when me and Stacy visited. It has obviously been relocated for whoever is watching over Sherry.
My job is to just sit here, so I’m trying to read an e-book on my phone, but can’t help but feel strange about being in the Creed house babysitting the sedated sister-in-law who hates me. She looks so normal and non-bitchy while she sleeps. I’ve always thought of her as pretty on the outside and hideous on the inside. But I now feel sorry for her.
When I got here, Taylor was flustered and apologetic. Her middle child got into a fight at school, the fourth this month, and she needed to go in to pick her up. She told me she’d just finished doing all she needed to do for Sherry and there’s nothing for me to do but be here until Val and Robert get back, which they’ll do before Sherry needs more meds or an IV change.
I’ve only been here about half an hour and have just gotten off the phone with my mom, who enjoyed her spa trip, was stoked for us when I told her about the trip Jase planned. And I suspect Mom is hoping I don’t go to Alaska as she’ll miss me, but she was 100% supportive if it’s what I choose to do. She also says she’s dying to meet my wolf. She’s so happy for me, knows how hard it was in my adolescence to watch my peers meet their wolves. Mom took that on back then like it was her fault for not being shifter, which I never wanted her to do.
Mom isn’t sure if they’re going to the party tonight as they’re waiting for word on who the council is inviting. They’ve decided they’re keeping the gathering smaller with the code orange status, so Mom wants also to organize a party for me and Jase when we get back from Italy.
It’ll be awesome seeing some of our people tonight, though, especially getting to do it in public as Jase’s mate.
***
Sherry groans and it startles me, causing me to snap from reclined position in the chair to sitting up straight.
I’m now watching from the edge of my seat, wondering if this is normal. Taylor didn’t say anything about Sherry making sounds.
She groans again and her eyes bolt open. They bolt open so instantly and go so wide that it’s creepy. She blinks twice before her nose twitches and her gaze snaps to where I’m sitting.
She frowns and sits up gasping.
“What the fuck?” she whispers, looking around the space.
I jump to my feet. “It’s okay. It’s okay. You’re fine.” I press my hands out in what’s supposed to be a calming gesture, I guess.
“I’m fine?” she asks, looking bewildered.
“They’ve had you on a… healing regimen.”
“Why am I in the dining room?”
“You’ve been sedated. They’ve been… maybe I should get Cat here.” I fish around the recliner for my phone.
“Why are you here?” she demands.
“Your family has been taking turns looking after you and your folks are taking Gwendolyn to the airport. Taylor had an emergency come up so she asked me to just sit here with you to make sure you’re okay until she or your parents get back.”