She shies away. “No,” she snaps in clear fright. “They will get me to the hospital. There will be men there looking for me.”
Leaning forward, I stroke her cheek, watching her eyes widen in surprise.
“Trust me, I will keep you safe.”
She shakes her head with a sad look on her face.
“No one can keep me safe.”
To even hear her say that has fury bubbling close to the surface. To have someone in this world, who is all by themselves, completely despondent, believing that there is no hope left, and evil constantly wins, is sad.
“I will prove to you that you are finally safe. They will have to kill me to get to you.”
My words have her gasp. “Why? Why would you do that for someone you don’t even know?” she asks.
“I told you, you are my mate. The minute I saw your photo, I knew you were meant for me.”
She shakes her head emphatically with her eyes wide. After everything she has been through, I know she won’t trust me or anyone for a while, but after starting our bond, it is necessary that she knows that no matter what, I will be by her side. I will make sure that she is protected at every turn or die trying.
“That’s not possible. Trust me, you don’t want me.” The complete certainty in her voice has me stiffening but I don’t insist. I will give her time to realize that what I say is true. For now, I need to get her to the hospital and better. After that, we will see.
Picking her up, I grind my teeth as I hear her gasp in pain. Knowing that I am causing her pain, even though it’s for her benefit, is like a blade being plunged deep into my gut. “Fuck, I’m sorry,” I mutter as I once again walk with her out of the room and towards the entrance.
“Doc said you need to take your woman to the hospital?” Tor asks as I walk into the bar area where he is leaning against it. One of the jezebels is standing between his legs with her hands on his chest.
“Yeah.”
“Einar, Garth, and Tal are outside waiting to escort you to the hospital. Haldor is in the SUV to drive you.”
I nod, thanking him as I make my way outside. As Elementals, we have been together for centuries. We are family and will die for each other. The moment the men found out that I had found my mate, she became a part of our family too. I know that every one of them will die to protect my mate, but the fact that Esmeralda is being hunted by a gang that is dangerous and can hurt her if they did get close enough has me being cautious with everything I do.
Walking outside, I see Esmeralda cautiously looking around. I hate the fact that even though she is injured and should be feeling secure, she is still weary. She’s surrounded by men whose purpose is to keep her safe. But I still worry that when she is better, she will once again try to run.