“Maddox, I know this sounds nuts, but I heard your grandmother’s voice earlier,” Angus said. “Not exactly in the room. In my head, I guess. She told me to get Ben. She said it twice.”
Wiping at his eyes, Maddox turned back to us. “What are you talking about, Gramps?” he asked quietly.
“Just what I said. I figured what the heck, and with Colt here agreeing, I took Ben to see the baby. Ben was holding Ollie when he rallied.”
Looking confused and miserable, Maddox remained quiet.
“What are you thinking, Angus?” Carter asked, leaning forward on the couch.
Angus looked at me again, and I continued for him.
“You’ve never met Angus before, Carter, but he’s absolutely transformed in the time Ben’s been here. He couldn’t walk and could barely stand. Not only that, but he’s sixty-one years old. Does he look that old to you?”
Jackson shook his head. “I told David yesterday that Angus didn’t look old enough to be Maddox’s grandfather. He just said he’d had Maddox’s dad young, and Maddox’s dad had had Maddox young.”
“True, but that doesn’t really account for the fact that…” I hesitated to say it but pushed through. “That Angus, for all intents and purposes, seems to havede-agedin the time he’s known Ben.”
Frowning, Carter said, “That’s pretty far-fetched, Colt.”
“I know it is. Believe me, I can hear how ridiculous it sounds. And I don’t necessarily think that Angus de-aged. The Angels have good genes. I’m just saying that, since Ben’s arrival, Angus lost the years that illness had put on his face and stature. And I don’t think that Ben just gave Angus the will to try to walk. I’ve been helping Angus with physical therapy almost since the accident occurred. Even if Angus had been more receptive, there’s no way he could have gotten the results he’s gotten now. He’s not even using his cane, and his stamina—well, let’s just say there’s no complaints about that.” I felt myself blushing.
Out of sight of the others, Angus’ moved his hand to my ass and squeezed it. When I looked at him, he appeared highly amused, as well as something else that made me swallow hard.
“You’re wrong,” Ben said loudly, having come in behind us after having used the bathroom. “There’s nothing special about me. I told you how I was found. In the trash! I’m not some kindof magical, healing omega!” Turning, he ran out of the room toward our wing of the house.
“I’ll go talk to him,” Angus said, and followed him.
“I don’t know if what I’m saying has any merit,” I told the others. “But the change in Angus is fact. And, Maddox, David wasn’t exaggerating. Ollie started crying vigorously and he nursed for a few minutes. That’s something. You said yourself he looked better and felt cooler.”
Sighing, Maddox nodded. “I don’t see how it can be, but I’ll take any scrap of hope I can right now.”
Chapter fifteen
Ben
Isobbed into my pillow on the bed I shared with Colt and Angus. I still couldn’t believe that they wanted me.Thatwas miraculous enough. But how could they possibly think that I had anything to do with making Oliver feel better? The idea was ludicrous! Especially the part about Angus’ late wife telling them to get me, like I was some kind of special person. I wasn’t.
The bed dipped, and a strong hand came to rest on the middle of my back, softly patting.
“Angus,” I choked out, the word muffled in the pillow. I recognized his scent, and it settled me a little. “I’m not special. I’m trash.”
The hand left my back and smacked my ass, hard. I was so surprised, I lifted my head and looked at him through tear-blurred eyes.
He looked angry.
“You are not trash. You are my and Colt’s beloved mate, and if I ever hear you call yourself that word again, I’ll turn you over my knee and tan that cute butt of yours. You hear me?”
Bottom lip trembling, I nodded solemnly. But in my mind, I was thinking,Just because I don’t say it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
“Ben,” Angus said warningly.
Taking my chin between his thumb and index finger, Angus gave me a hard look. “I mean it. Get that word out of your head. You are a wonderful person and my mate. I love you. Colt loves you. Everyone in this house loves you. Would I mate with someone any less than perfect?”
Sitting up, I lowered my head, staring at my hands.
“You could be m-mistaken,” I whispered.
“Sounds to me like you mean I’m wrong. Is that what you’re saying? You think I’m wrong, Ben? Because I don’t take that lightly.”