Claimed (Blood Ties #6)

“I know.”

“This is really…really fucking bad.”

I winced as he climbed from the car and followed them inside. I had no choice but to follow, wondering how the fuck I could keep us together now. How could I fight the demons that raged inside my son’s head?

I didn’t know. But I had to try.

I followed Carven and Guild inside and headed to our wing. I didn’t even say anything as Guild invaded our space, following Carven to Colt’s room. He couldn’t leave us, even if all he did was stand outside.

Carven lingered outside the closed bedroom door, listening to Vivienne’s almost inaudible murmur as she coaxed Colt into the shower.

“What if he…what if he hurts her?” He glanced my way.

I didn’t know.

No one did.

Where was the goddamn doctor when I needed him?

“I’ll make us some coffee,” Guild offered as he turned away.

“Don’t think I don’t know about Vivienne coming to you, either,” I muttered, my tone dangerous.

Guild stopped in the middle of the hallway.

“Before this night is over, you and I are going to have a conversation, my friend. One I don’t think you’re going to enjoy.”

“I can’t fucking wait,” he answered carefully, then walked away.

I sucked in a hard breath. The moment she’d winced and pulled away when I’d touched her in Helene’s basement, I knew something had happened. But it was that careful glance from Guild which sealed the deal.

Vivienne was pregnant.

And Guild had known before I did.

That twitch came in the corner of my eye.

I wanted to know why.

I turned around, listening to the water rush from inside Colt’s bathroom. They were in there now. Him and her. I could imagine how gentle she was…and how fucking on edge he was. I wanted to see him. I wanted to protect her. Both were needs I couldn’t fulfill, not now at least.

Beep.

I looked down at my phone.

DeLuca: Pulling up now.

“About goddamn time.” I gave one last glance at the closed bedroom door before turning away and heading for the front of the house.

Headlights flared. I waited for the thud of the car door before I opened the front door wide, watching him haul the massive black pack with him.

“This is becoming all too fucking regular,” he snarled as he pushed past. “How many more visits will negate your threat on my life?”

“As many as I fucking need,” I answered as I closed the door and started walking back to Colt’s room.

The doctor followed without a sound, meeting my gaze only when I stopped outside Colt’s room and placed my hand across the door, blocking his way. “I want to make it perfectly clear what you’re about to see in here is very much my son. So, I’ll expect you to treat him accordingly.”

He scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”