Chapter 48: Recovery
276words
"They're fine," Liam assured me, helping me into a sitting position. "Jackson is fully recovered. Sophia is staying with us for now, until we figure out what to do next."
"And Richard?"
Liam's expression darkened. "In custody. The pack council will decide his fate."
I nodded, relieved that at least everyone had survived. "The formula?"
"Destroyed, along with all your research," Liam confirmed. "Though I'm sure you remember enough to recreate the helpful version."
"For Jackson," I agreed. "Not the weaponized version."
We fell into a comfortable silence, Liam continuing to stroke my hair absently, as if reassuring himself I was really there.
"You took a bullet for me," he finally said, his voice low and intense. "Why?"
I met his gaze steadily. "You know why."
"Say it," he urged. "I need to hear you say it."
"Because I care about you," I admitted. "More than I should, probably. More than makes sense given how much you've tried to push me away."
A smile—a real, genuine smile—transformed Liam's face. "I stopped trying to push you away a long time ago, Charlotte Hayes. I just didn't know how to pull you closer."
"It's Charlie," I reminded him softly.
"Charlie," he amended, leaning down until his face was inches from mine. "My brave, brilliant Charlie."
When his lips met mine, it felt like coming home—like finding a piece of myself I hadn't known was missing. His kiss was gentle at first, mindful of my injury, but deepened as I responded, my good arm wrapping around his neck to pull him closer.
