My breath caught.
“It’s in his room,” he continued. “Covered in his pheromones. If you hold it, it’ll help you feel better.”
I blinked at him.
“But,” he added gently, “don’t keep it with you if you’re not going to snuggle it. It can make you sicker.”
Make me sicker?I signed.
“It’s like your body thinks it’s getting what it needs, Vinny, but if you don’tacceptthe comfort, it confuses the bond. That confusion makes it decay faster.”
He brushed away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen.
“You don’t have to rush,” he said. “But when you’re ready, let yourself be comforted. That’s all I’m asking.”
I nodded slowly, throat tight, heart aching.
Benji tucked another piece of hair behind my ear.
“Now,” he said gently, “first thing’s first. You need to eat. What do you want?”
I tried to think of something. Anything. But nothing came to mind. Well–nothing food-related.
Can Reed comeover?I signed.
Benji smiled. “Of course. You’re our family, which means now your brother is too.”
He paused, giving me a soft look.
“But if he comes over, you have to promise me you’ll eat.”
My fingers twitched. I didn’t want to lie. But I didn’t want to say no, either.
I’ll try.
“That’s enough for me,” he said, kissing my forehead. “Trying is a start.”
The knot in my chest loosened, just a little.
Reed was the only piece of my old life that didn’t hurt to remember. The only thing untouched by Logan. And I needed him now more than ever.
Just thinking of seeing him again made me feel homesick for a life I could never go back to.
But maybe, this new life could start to fill the void.
Chapter 19
Vinny
The bandage on my shoulder itched like a son of a bitch, but I kept my hand off it. God knew if I so much as tried to scratch it, Serena would hit me.
And honestly, it wasn’t even getting shot that pissed me off.
Hell, being used for target practice was practically in my job description. I’d been shot before. Stabbed. Blindfolded and tied to a chair in the least fun, non-sexual way imaginable. It all came with leading the Rossis.
What I hadn't expected?
Was for the fucking Stellars to drag my omega into it.