Sorry guys. I've been real busy. The next chapter might be in Danny's POV, but maybe not. I don't know yet. I honestly have no idea for the next chapter so... Please review :3 Enjoy!

~Anni12

Chapter 21

Josh

A sharp pain hit my stomach at the thought and I felt myself shifting. A weakened cry escaped my lips and I clutched at my stomach, tears flowing down my cheeks. She… she couldn't be. No… It… it wasn't possible. I loved her. I couldn't lose her.

That wouldn't be the last time I heard her voice. It wouldn't be the last time I held her in my arms. It wouldn't be the last time I felt her kiss. It wouldn't be the last time I told her I loved her. It couldn't be. It just… couldn't.

My vision blurred and I could no longer feel my finger clutching at the snow covered ground. All I could feel was the pain spreading through me, tugging at my heart and closing my throat. Breathing wouldn't come. I sucked in breath after breath, but the cold stung and my chest was closing in on itself. It was the need to fill the spacious, aching hole where my happiness used to be. My numb fingers clutched for something, anything to hold onto. I felt like I was falling, floating, drifting through nothingness.

She was gone.

My love, my life. She was gone. I would never see her anxiously bit her lip again, or look up at me with those beautiful brown eyes. I would never again feel her skin brush mine, or marvel as her cheeks darkened in embarrassment. Her tiny hands would never grasp mine again. Mostly, I would never hear her sweet voice again.

I was frozen. The only source of heat was the searing tears racing down my cheeks. Everything was drained from me in that second, with that one thought. With the little strength I had, I sat up slowly, the trees blurring before me. My mind was blank. No thoughts came to me, no plan to rescue her even if she was still alive. So I did the only thing I could do at the moment. I prayed.

I don't know how long I kneeled there, on that hard, frozen ground covered in a white blanket with my arms folded. It could have been hours, minutes, or days. I poured all of my heart, my soul, my pain and love into those words. Nothing else mattered in those moments. My thoughts were consumed with faith and trust.

Just as I said "Amen" my pocket began to buzz. Reluctantly, my numb fingers pulled out my phone to answer it.

"Hello?" I was surprised of the gravel in my voice, the pain that was so evident there.

"Joshua?" Mother's voice was worried, distant. "Are you alright?"

I almost didn't answer her. "No."

"Of course not," she sighed.

"What do you want?" I snapped, my voice coming out harsher than normal.

She growled. "The General Store called. They want you to come out for training."

My sense shot up. "What? I-I can't work." Not now. Not after this.

"Honey… you asked for this job. It would be rude not to accept this."

"Mom," I growled. "I can't. I have to find Danny. I can't waste my time working for some crappy small town store!"

"You have ta step up and take responsibility, Joshua. I suggest you go. Now."

She was using the Alpha's Voice. Although, it didn't work quite so well over the phone. The numbness subsided and anger built in my chest as the effects of the Voice covered me. I fought it, growling lowly in my throat.

"No," I forced out through clenched teeth.

"You have ta be prepared to take Alpha!" Her voice was rising, and I knew I was pushing her temper. "A job would be good for you."

"I can't be Alpha without a mate!" This was the first fight my mother and I had had for a long time. But I stayed firm to my argument. "And I won't. Not without Danny."

"You applied fer this job fer Danny." Mom said quietly.

I bristled at the use of her name from someone else. She was mine. She's gone. I thought to myself. "Fine," I spat. "I'll go, but I give no promises."

She began to speak, but I cut her off with a click of the end button.

Danny?

A week passed, and there was still no sign of her.

By now, the news had spread throughout the school. Danny was missing and I wore the pain clear on my face. Everyone thought she had run away, and Destiny and I were the only ones who worried. I, of course, knew that she had been indeed taken, kidnapped, but I couldn't go to the police. They would know I had been the last one to see her, and I couldn't have them thinking I was a suspect. I could find her by myself. And I would, if she would speak to me and reassure me she was alive.

I'd find her though, no matter.

The bell connected to the door rang, making me glance up from my thoughts. From my place at the register I saw two men enter the store with solemn expressions. I straightened up as I noticed their police uniforms. I cleared my throat lightly and recited what I did to all the customers. "Hi, how can I help you?"

Their eyes had been scanning the store, but as I spoke, they both turned to me. The hair on the back of my neck stood as they approached and my wolf senses went on high alert. "Are you Josh Miller?" The first one, the one closer to me and also the bigger one said.

I raised one suspicious eyebrow. "Yes…"

The one that spoke held up a photograph. "Do you know this girl?"

My heart clenched at the picture of Danny they showed. It was a school picture obviously taken from the yearbook staff. There had been no pictures of her at home. Her lips were forced upwards into a tight smile, and her eyes were glazed over as if lost in thought. She wore a tattered old gray sweatshirt and her hair fell over her shoulders nonchalantly. It had been before we had met, and something struck me in her expression. She wasn't happy. She looked… miserable. "Yes."

A look of irritation flashed across the officer's face. "How?"

She's my mate. I thought. "She's my girlfriend."

The officer nodded. "I'm Officer Rogan, and this is Officer Trimble. We have reason to believe she was kidnapped."

I bit back a scoff. I feigned surprise, my eyes widening as I said, "Kidnapped? I thought she had run away?"

"We're not sure," Rogan answered. "Do you think she could have run away?"

This was a pointless conversation, but I played along. "Well… I guess it's possible."

"Why?" Trimble spoke up, obviously interested in what I had to say.

I glanced up at them. "She… had a hard home life."

They glanced wearily at each other as if this were new information. I guess it was considering no one else would have told them. Rogan turned back to me. "What do you mean?"

I shook my head. I wouldn't betray her trust. "That's her business to tell, not mine."

"Sir, she could very well be in danger right now. We need every piece of information we can that might help us find her."

I sighed. "I'm sorry. She entrusted me with her secrets and I don't plan on betrayin' that trust." It had been hard to get and I wasn't going to lose it so easily. Not again. I wasn't going to risk that. She meant too much to me.

Rogan scowled. "Mr. Millar. Please. This could be a vital lead. The very lead we need to bring her back safe and unharmed."

I bit back a growl. That was my job. I'm her mate. "Why don't you go ask her family?"

He frowned but dropped the subject. "Sir, when was the last time you saw Danny Kimble?"

Her name on a stranger's lips made my anger rise. "Her sister invited my parents and me ta dinner. That's the last time I saw her."

"And… that's the last time you saw her? You didn't talk to her late that night?" Rogan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Destiny. I scowled. "I might have, but I assure you I had nothin' to do with her disappearance."

"Mr. Millar you were the last one to see her." Rogan said, his eyes narrowing.

"I didn't hurt her." I insisted, my temper rising quickly.

"We've heard from witnesses that it was quite a fight. Can you tell me what the two of you were fighting about?"

I ground my teeth together. "She thought I didn't love her."

"Do you?" Trimble asked.

I shot him a glare. "A course."

"And why would she think that you didn't?" Rogan stepped in again, leaning forward on the counter.

I faltered, my stomach dropping at the memory. "H-her sister came onta me. She kissed me in front a Danny and Danny assumed I kissed her back."

"Did you?" Trimble asked.

"No!" I snapped, scowling. "I pushed her away. I love Danny. I would never cheat her like that."

"Are you sure?" Rogan questioned. "A guy like you and a girl like her… it would be… understandable."

A low growl rumbled in my throat but they didn't seem to notice. "I love her."

"Sure… okay…" the officer said, glancing down at the notebook he held. "Can you tell us what happened the night of her disappearance?"

"We had dinner. I spoke ta her. We argued. I tried to convince her about how I felt. She kicked me out and I left. End a story. I never saw her after that."

"Are you sure you didn't lose your temper? Maybe strike her a couple times?"

My hands shook and I closed them into fists to keep from striking him. "I would never! I may have been frustrated, but I would never lay hand on Danny. I love her too much ta harm her. I want ta find her as much as y'all do. Probably even more. So please don't go around accusin' me a kidnappin' my own girlfriend."

They spoke, but at that moment, a groan echoed through my head and everything else drowned away. Josh? Her voice broke with tears.

My heart shattered at that word. Danny? Danny?!

I scrambled out from behind the counter. "I-I'm sorry. I-I've got ta go."

"What?" Rogan asked.

"Chuck!" I yelled to my co-worker, grabbing my sweatshirt. "Cover fer me! I'll explain later!"

"Alright!" he answered from somewhere in the store.

Josh… Danny whined as I jumped into the truck. It hurts .I hurt.

Danny where are you? I asked, pulling out of the parking lot and speeding down the road towards the house.

I-I don't know. It's dark. Everything hurts. I'm cold.

I'm sorry sweetheart. I said, my own voice choking. How good it was to hear her voice. But I need to know where you are.

It-it's dark. She repeated, her thoughts swirling together. There are no windows…

Can you move around? Are you alright?

I-I can walk. But… I'm locked in. I think I'm in the forest. Maybe underground? I-I can't remember. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. She choked again, the tears seeping in through her words.

My jaw clenched. Darlin', it's alright. I'll find ya. Don't worry. I'll find ya.

Wh-what's today? What time is it? She asked, her voice dazed as if she had just woken up.

I was going way above speed limit as I turned onto my road. I pulled off into the trees as soon as I recognized the spot I had last seen the van. I threw open the door, landing on all fours before taking off into the forest once again. It's Friday I think. Sometime around five.

Fr-Friday? She mumbled. I miss you.

Tears pricked at my eyes. I miss you too, Danny.

She sighed. Hm… I'm tired.

Danny, I said slowly, pressing my nose to the ground. Who was it?

Hm?

Who was it, Danny? I pressed.

She was silent for a while and I thought she had fallen asleep. I-I can't tell you.

I stopped dead in my tracks, a growl ripping through me. What? You can't tell me? Why not?

I-I know you'll get mad.

Of course I'm mad! I snarled. Someone took you away from me. I ain't gonna let 'em get away with that!

At her whimper, my anger evaporated. Pl-please Josh. Just forget about it.

Forget about it?! I snapped. Who is he, Danny?

I'm tired. She repeated. I'm-I'm hungry and I'm tired.

Red spots entered my vision and soon her scent filled my nostrils. Anger flared inside me as soon as I noticed the blood dotting the leaves. It was her blood—it was hers. Worry flashed through me. Danny? Are you alright?

I-I guess… she replied.

There's blood. I said, following the trail of droplets.

There was a pause. Oh…. I… I tried to escape… the branches must of… must of cut me…

I'm comin', darlin'. I'm gonna get ya home safe again.

She gasped suddenly and fear squeezed in my chest, but it wasn't all mine. I picked up my pace, following her scent. Danny? I asked. Danny?!

She didn't respond, but the fear grew. Suddenly, the ground underneath my front two paws gave out. I yelped as I tumbled forward, downwards. I rolled to a stop as the tunnel spread out, revealing a damp, dirty underground shelter.

"You," a familiar voice growled. I glanced up, resisting the urge to shake my coat clean of the dirt. I found myself staring up deep into the double barrel of a shotgun. I stood, growling and showing my teeth at the boy threatening me. The hair on the back of my neck stood and I moved to the right.

There was a gasp to my right, but I kept my eyes trained on his. "Jake, no!" Danny begged.

"Shut up!" he snapped, glancing over to her before turning his attention back to me. "This wolf keeps getting in my way and I'm tired of it."

"Please," she said, her voice breaking.

You underestimate me, darlin'. I chuckled, moving in a circle. Jake followed me, scowling, but never pulled the trigger.

"Shut up," Jake barked again, "before I shoot you."

I pounced while his attention was elsewhere, ducking underneath the gun and catching his wrist between my jaws. He yelled and the gun went off. I kept my jaw tight, even as Danny screamed, and soon I smelt his blood. "Don't hurt him!" Danny yelled, but I wasn't sure which one of us she was talking to. I kept myself from biting harder, but Jake's screams died and his eyelids suddenly began to flutter shut as he collapsed.

Footsteps sounded just outside. I shifted, kicking the gun out of Jake's reach just in case he woke. "Josh," Danny breathed so low I could barely hear her. She sat on a dirtied cot, clutching a thin blanket to her bare chest and waist. Her shoulders shook as she gazed at me with dark eyes. She was enclosed in what looked to be a cell, but the door was ajar.

"Danny," I choked and pulled my sweatshirt over my head. I rushed to her, stepping inside the cell. She began to stand, but her legs gave out and she sank down onto the cot again.

She closed her eyes, frowning. She shivered as I touched her elbow. "Danny," I said softly. "Here, put this on."

She glanced up at me, her eyes broken and gloomy. "I-I can't. I-I'm too… weak."

"I'll help ya stand, baby. I'm here. Yer safe now." I assured her, giving her a soft smile.

She nodded, casting her eyes downward. She kept one hand clutching the blanket and gripped my shoulder with the other. With my hand at her waist to steady her, she stood, her whole form shaking. "My- my sweatpants are around here… somewhere…" she said, furrowing her eyebrows as she glanced around.

Spotting them underneath the cot next to a torn t-shirt, I used my foot to pull it towards us. She took the sweatshirt from me, keeping herself upright. A light blush covered her cheek as she looked at me. "Can I… can I ask you to… to turn around please?" she mumbled.

Anger clutched my heart—not at her, but at the boy lying unconscious on the floor. "Right." I said, turning my back towards her. I heard the blanket drop and I stiffened, holding onto my self-control. My wolf side was coming to the surface, but I pushed it back down. I heard her put on the sweatshirt and she grabbed my shoulder to steady herself. To distract myself, I said, "I've been lookin' everywhere fer ya."

"You…" Danny paused. "Really?"

"A course," I answered immediately.

She breathed out. "For how long? A month?"

"It seems like ferever…" I replied, closing my eyes shut at the memory of the pain that was no longer there. She was alive and would be okay soon. She'd be home soon. "But you've only been gone fer about a week."

"Good thing you came when you did…" her voice hitched. "He was… he was saying he was done with me."

My hands closed into fists and a growl ripped through my chest. "So that was why he had a gun." The thought just made my temper flare again.

"You can turn around again." She said.

I turned back to her, opening my arms. She stepped forward, her arms wrapping around my waist. I clutched her to me as gently as I could. "Thank you." she breathed into my neck, making me shiver.

"You don't have ta thank me, darlin'," I replied softly. "I couldn't bear ta think of a life without ya."

"I'm so… tired…" she sighed.

I bent to sweep her up so I held her bridal style. She gasped softly, but laid her head on my shoulder as she wrapped her arms around my neck. "Sleep," I told her. "Yer safe now. I've got ya."

"I know," she sighed, her eyes closing. "I love you."

My breath caught in my throat and tears sprang to my eyes. I kissed her forehead, closing my eyes and savoring the moment. "I love you, too, darlin'."

"I know." She repeated.

The footsteps were getting louder until finally, they spoke. "Hey! I think I found something!"

My protective hold on my mate tightened.

"What?" a familiar voice answered and I relaxed. They're just cops. I thought. They had been looking for Danny as well.

"Down here!" I called.

Rogan came sliding down the tunnel, holding a gun in his hands. "Mr. Miller?" he asked, glancing from me to Jake and then to Danny.

Trimble followed right after him. He furrowed his eyebrows, his eyes narrowing. I stepped out of the cell. "It's hard ta explain." I said, sidestepping Jake. "I was lookin' fer her and accidently fell in here."

"And him?" Rogan asked, gesturing to Jake.

I shrugged. "Found him there. Figured a dog or somethin' attacked him on his way here and he collapsed. I ain't sure."

Suddenly another figure stumbled down the tunnel and I felt Danny stiffen just at his presence. I bit back a growl and stepped away from him. Grant stood, brushed his uniform off and glared openly at me. He glanced at Jake but never once laid eyes on his daughter. "What happened here?"

Rogan glanced wearily at him then nodded to Jake. "He's the one that kidnapped your daughter."

Grant scowled, but I'm sure it wasn't because of Jake. He pulled Jake up harshly, shaking him awake. Jake cried in pain as soon as his eyes opened, grasping his still bleeding arm. Pride swelled in me as I took in the wound. Grant tugged him, and without another word, led him up the tunnel again.

Rogan frowned down at Danny. "We'd better get her to the hospital."

Danny's eyes flew open and she whimpered. "No." she said softly.

"Sleep," I told her again.

She began shaking her head. Josh, no. I—I can't go to the hospital. They'll ask questions. They'll find out. They'll take me away, Josh.

"I won't let that happen," I whispered to her, following the officers back up to the surface. Jake and Grant were nowhere to be seen. "But ya can't just go without medical attention. It'll just be fer a little while, and I'll be with ya the whole time. I promise."

"But, Josh…"

"Just get some sleep, sweetheart. Let me take care of everythin'."

She still frowned. "O-okay."

"I love you, darlin'." I told her again, kissing the crown of her hair.

Her arms tightened around my neck and she closed her eyes. "I know, Joshywa. I love you, too."

I paced back and forth across the waiting room, chewing my lip nervously. Danny was in there, that hospital room, alone with the two nurses. They had kicked me out. Me. Her mate. I wasn't allowed in the room until she was ready for visitors. Obviously they had no idea about her.

The whole pack had shown up for her. Although, her own family had yet to come. I'm sure the hospital had called Grant, but he hasn't shown. Jake was supposed to be in custody now. He wasn't. There was a warrant out for his arrest, of course, but he had gotten away from Grant. Somehow, that didn't surprise me. Jake was still out there, and I wouldn't rest until I knew Danny was safe. He wouldn't lay a hand on her again.

"Josh," Mom sighed. "Calm down. She'll be alright."

"I've been worried sick fer days, Mom." I growled, turning towards her. "I can't just leave her ta someone else. I need ta see her."

Just then, a scream pierced through the halls. The hair on the back of my neck stood and I took off without a second thought. I threw open her door, finding an empty bed. "Danny?" I called.

The door to the bathroom burst open and she came running out, an arm of my sweatshirt hanging beside her. Anger flared inside me at the sight of tears rolling down her cheeks. Her free arms flew around my waist as she ran into me, sniffling. My arms wrapped around her shoulders. "M-make them s-stop, Josh." She whimpered, burying her face in my chest.

The two nurses came out after her, frowning. My jaw clenched. "What's goin' on here?"

"We're trying to help her change into the hospital gown." One of the nurses responded.

"Don't you understand what she's been through?" I growled, my hold on her tightening. "She can dress herself."

The nurse scowled. "That's our job to help the patient."

"She can dress herself." I repeated. "You can help her afterwards."

The nurse was glaring at me as I lead Danny under my arm to the bathroom connected to the room. She was still clinging to me when I closed the door behind us. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, murmuring, "It's alright, darlin'."

She mumbled something against my chest, her shoulders shaking violently. I pressed my lips to the crown of her hair, my fingers curling into the fabric of the sweater. "I love you," she said, sniffling. "I love you. I love you. Pl-please—don't le-leave."

I would never tire of hearing those words from her sweet lips. "I ain't goin' nowhere, Danny. I'm right by yer side. Always."

She looked up at me, her chocolate eyes glistening with tears. "Forever?"

"If you'll have me," I replied softly, immediately.

She nodded, her chin quivering. "I'll take ya."

I found myself laughing at the teasing undertone of her voice. "Good."

"C-can I…" she suddenly glanced down sheepishly, a blush creeping up her cheeks. I placed a finger under her chin, turning her head so she looked at me. I raised an eyebrow, urging her to finish her question. She blushed deeper, the tears pooling in her eyes. "Can I… can I take a… shower? I-I feel… dirty."

I glanced around the bathroom and spotted a shower in the corner. "I don't see why not, darlin'." I stepped away. "I'll just be right outside if ya need me."

"W-wait…" she whispered just as I begun to turn. I froze, my heart pounding against my chest. I didn't want to leave her, but I knew she would only be in the next room over. She squeezed her eyes closed, hissing out through clenched teeth, "One more thing…"

"Anythin', darlin'." I stepped forward, my hands hanging limp, useless at my sides.

"K-Kiss me," she stuttered, and then added as afterthought, "P-please."

I was taken aback by the request, but definitely not disappointed. I hadn't let myself dwell on the thought of kissing her again. I thought she needed time. To once again regain her trust in not only me, but herself as well. Did she say please? She used please when asking me to kiss her? Like I needed any more encouragement. I was only worried for her, if she was truly ready after what she had… been through.

Her eyes snapped open as I took her lovely face in my hands. Red painted her cheeks. "Are you sure?" I whispered, searching her eyes for any doubt. I didn't want to rush her.

"I love you," she replied. "I trust you."

I smiled, leaning down, but stopping just before our mouths touched. "And on the contrary, you don't have to say please."

That brought a smile to her lips and a quiet laugh.

It was a soft kiss, gentle. I somehow knew that was all she could handle. I knew we had back tracked many, many steps, but I would retrace those back to where we had been, and more. I wouldn't let this break her. I would be there for her. She would have a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, or lips to kiss.

There were so many tests. So many tests I wasn't allowed in for. Still, everyone sat patiently in the waiting room for a chance to see her. Even Hanna kneeled on the floor, coloring on the chair in front of her. Levi played numbly on his handheld game and Kyler watched, fascinated. Every once in a while, they would switch. No one complained. Not once.

I stood, the nerves rolling in my stomach forcing me to move, and paced around.

"Josh, calm down. She's fine. Ya just saw her." Mom sighed, glancing up from her novel borrowed from Aunt Julie.

"I know," I growled irritably, raking a hand through my hair. "But I can't stand to be away from her."

Cormac finally looked away from his phone. "Just chill, Josh. She ain't gonna get hurt in here."

"Chill?" I hissed, my fists clenching. "Cormac, you have no idea what this feels like. You don't have a mate."

He visibly stiffened, his lips twisting into a scowl. I had poked a sore spot, but at the moment, I didn't care. Mom interrupted him before he could speak back. "Josh…" she said, glancing from me to my cousin. "Do ya think the reason yer so worried about her is because… well, because she's human?"

"What are you suggesting?" I snarled. "That I Turn her?"

Her eyes widened. "No—no. Not yet, no. Have ya ever thought, though, that because she's human… she can't protect herself?"

My hands and shoulders shook. "Of course she can! She's survived, hasn't she?"

Mom's eyebrows furrowed, and I felt multiple pairs of eyes on me. With a sigh, I realized I had yet to tell them of her home life. "Maybe she'd be stronger if she was… one of us… but she ain't ready yet. And I'll protect her fer as long as she allows. But until that day when she sends me away, I ain't leavin' her."

Something tugged on the fabric of my pants. I glanced down to see Hanna gazing up at me with a huge smile on her face. "Joshywa," she said, holding up a piece of paper. "I dwaw piktur."

"Did you?" I crouched down to her level, taking the picture in my hands. Thirteen stick figures were crammed onto the paper, each holding hands. Two figures stood in the middle of the family with two names written above them, obviously written by someone much older; Mommy and Daddy. Each name was written above the stick figure, and included every member of the family. Hanna, which said 'me' above it, held the hand of a girl stick figure with long, colored on brown hair. She held the hand of a boy with black swirls for hair. Above her was written Danny.

"Like?" Hanna asked, her eyes gleaming.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and coaxed a smile. "It's beautiful, Picnic. I love it."

I tried to hand it back to her, but she shook her head, saying, "You."

"It's fer me?" I asked.

"Yea!" she nodded.

"Thank ya, Picnic." I said, engulfing her in a hug.

Footsteps approached and I picked my little sister up so I could stand and face the doctor. He glanced down at his clipbook, his eyes squinting behind his glasses. "Joshua Miller?" He asked without glancing up at me.

Hope swelled, and then fear. "Yes?"

"Miss Kimble is ready for visitors, but only—" he began, but was cut off as the pack scrambled to their feet, rushing past him. He raised his voice: "Only family!"

"We are family!" Mom, along with others, replied loudly as we all rushed to her room.

The room was hardly big enough for all of us, but somehow we fit. I squeezed through everyone to get to the edge of her bed. She looked up, wide-eyed at me in surprise. Everyone came? She breathed.

I smiled, winking. "Yer family, darlin'. I wasn't the only one worryin' 'bout ya."

Her mouth slowly slid into a smile as she glanced around. Mom gripped the bed railing, leaning in slightly. "How are ya feelin', honey?"

"I'm okay," Danny replied softly. "Thanks."

Hanna snatched the drawing from my hand and wrapped her legs around my waist, bending towards Danny. She clutched the drawing in her hands and held it out for her. "I dwaw piktur!"she repeated, waving it around.

Danny mirrored my smile and slowly took the picture from the toddler. She studied the drawing for a second before tears formed in her eyes. She handed the picture back to Hanna, who took it and slapped it on my chest for me to take, earning a small laugh from Danny. "Thank you, Hanna. That's very sweet."

"Bettwer soon?" Hanna asked hopefully, her eyes wide.

Danny gave a small nod. "Hopefully."

"Okay!" The doctor caught up to us, pushing through the crowd. "Everyone out! Only two visitors at a time!"

I handed Hanna to my dad, and she wrapped her arms around his neck and lay her head on his shoulder as everyone was herded out. Before long, only Mom and I were left, and the room looked a whole lot bigger than before. I placed the paper on the bedside table and took Danny's hand in mine. "Ya need anythin', darlin'?"

"I need to get out of here," she frowned. "I hate hospitals."

"I know, baby," I chuckled. "Destiny's been worried about ya."

Her eyes flickered up, wide with surprise. "Destiny? She's… what?"

"She called me—which I still have no idea how she got my number—right after she found out I had found you." I replied.

"Really?" she breathed. "Then why isn't she here?"

I shrugged. "Don't know."

"When can I go home?" she sighed, closing her eyes.

I brushed the hair away from her face. "As soon as they release you, darlin'."

"Better be soon," she mumbled.

"I hope so, darlin'," I said, squeezing her hand. "I hope so."

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