Brogan knew he needed to go and face the Council about Marcus but he couldn’t bring himself to leave the woman sleeping on the bed. He wanted nothing more than to take her home and forget the last few hours ever happened.
Rowan and Quinn quietly slipped into the room.
“How is she?” Rowan whispered.
“She’ll be fine physically, not sure about her mental state though, the last few hours, hell the last couple of days have been rough.” Brogan stood and pulled Rowan into a hug. “How about you? Baby doing okay?”
“I’m fine, we’re fine. Twelve stitches in my head and a little sore but I’ll live.” Rowan pulled from Brogan’s embrace and stepped up to the bed. “She looks exhausted.”
“Yeah. I’m just waiting for Doc to give the all clear and then I’m getting her out of here.” Brogan turned to Quinn. “You ready to face Council?”
“Whenever you are.”
“Rowan, can you sit with El until we get back? I won’t be long but if I don’t show my face now they’ll come looking for me and once I get El out of here I want no one and nothing disturbing her.”
“Sure, you and Quinn go and get things sorted out because we all know William will be on our doorstep if you don’t.” Rowan settled in the chair Brogan had vacated.
“We’ll be as quick as we can. Hopefully El won’t wake until I get back.”
“I’ll be here if she does.”
Brogan leaned over and kissed El’s forehead. She didn’t stir. Vowing to get back before she woke, he turned and headed for the door leaving Quinn to follow.
They found William and the rest of the Council members at the sheriff’s office. The crowd on the street had dispersed to a degree but there were still more people than a normal day in downtown Whispering Springs. Brogan ignored all but his target, he didn’t want this to take longer than necessary and if he allowed himself to be waylaid by a pack member it would be like issuing an open invitation.
“William, Councilmen.” He nodded at the others briefly before turning back to the older man.
“Brogan, Quinn. Shall we take this indoors?” William’s voice vibrated with tension.
Quinn was ahead of them, he stood with the door to the sheriff’s department held open, waiting. Brogan ushered the councilmen in ahead of him. Dale Turner, the town’s newly elected sheriff, met them in the foyer. Brogan had been glad when Dale returned to the mountains to take up a position with the local law enforcement a year ago. He was especially thrilled when the community had elected him to the position of sheriff six months later.
“Brogan, I’ve cleared the conference room for you.” The sheriff extended his hand toward Brogan.
He shook the other man’s hand. “Marcus?”
“Holding cell downstairs.”
“Good.” Brogan turned to the others. “Let’s get this meeting done, shall we gentlemen?”
As at the front door, he allowed the older men to precede him. Each one gave him a wide berth as they passed. Brogan wouldn’t hold it against them or bring up the fact they’d refused to listen to him or anyone else before now where Marcus was concerned. All he wanted was for them to declare him exiled and be done with it. He waited for them all to take a seat around the large table before closing the door and leaning against it.
One could hear a pin drop, no one spoke and each member of the Council found something other than him to look at.
“Do it.” Brogan directed his words at William.
With a sigh the old man got to his feet, the legs of his chair scraping on the linoleum flooring.
“I, William Brant, declare Marcus Connelly exiled from Whispering Mountains pack and the area in which we reside. All in favor raise your hand.”
One by one, the members’ hands came up.
“Done.” On a sigh, William sagged back into his chair, weariness etched in every line on his face.
“Sheriff, see that Marcus is escorted to his house. I want him guarded until he packs up and leaves. Anything else, William?”
“No, Sovereign. I expect to be kept up to date on Marcus until he’s gone.” Exhaustion laced the councilman’s words and Brogan was struck but how old William was.
“I’ll keep you both informed of all movements,” Dale said.
“Good.” Brogan pushed off the door. “Now if you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I have a mate that needs my attention.” He opened the door and strode from the room.
Quinn followed a few minutes later. He and the sheriff were deep in discussion as they made their way over to where Brogan waited in the foyer.
“Dale’s going to personally oversee Marcus’ departure,” Quinn said.
“Thank you. I know we still have a couple of issues with one or two of your deputies and their continued support of the Connellys. I know I can trust you to see this through correctly.”
“My pleasure, Brogan. It may have taken a while but we finally have just cause to exile Marcus. I’ll make sure it’s done.”
Brogan reached over to shake hands. “I know I’ve said it before but I’m glad you returned home. You’re just what the pack needs to continue on our path to a brighter future.”
“Somehow I think that’s more you than me but thanks for your praise. I’ll be in touch later.” Dale turned and headed to the back of the station.
Brogan and Quinn left the building in silence. He figured Quinn’s mind was exactly where his was. On his mate. The sidewalk appeared to be empty but Brogan could see the pack members looking through shop windows, waiting in their cars and in small groups all looking in their direction. The whole town seemed to hold its breath as they made their way back to the clinic. He wouldn’t be making any announcements himself but someone would have to tell them soon.
El liked Gordie. In the last thirty minutes she’d learned a lot from her. Waking to discover Brogan gone had frightened her but Rowan’s presence had quickly put her mind at ease. When the doctor had joined them it was obvious the two women knew each other well and it wasn’t long before the three of them were chatting like old friends.
She’d been shocked to find out Gordie had grown up here as a human, only being turned in her late teens. El didn’t know the circumstances of Gordie’s past but she did know she’d left the mountains for a few years before returning home to take over from her stepfather as the pack doctor. El planned to ask Rowan more questions later but she did manage to get several of her questions about the changes she was experiencing answered.
Gordie had also prescribed vitamins for the baby and strict instructions for complete bed rest until next week when she wanted to see both El and Rowan again. If anything showed up in the blood tests she’d give them a call, but that was unlikely. Rowan would need her stitches removed before then because of her coyote metabolism. The gash on Rowan’s scalp would heal quickly and the doctor wanted to pull the sutures out before the skin attached to it and made it more difficult.
The phone rang in another room and Gordie excused herself to go answer it. El leaned back into the pillows and yawned. Fatigue stole through her and she closed her eyes. Rowan sat quietly in the chair next to the bed and El turned her head to look at her friend. Long lashes fanned out over pale cheeks and soft snores issued from between slightly parted lips. The day had taken its toll on both of them and she hoped Brogan and Quinn would return soon so they could all go home.
It was amazing how quickly she’d accepted Whispering Springs as home. The beautiful log house and the surrounding mountains had a history and warmth El felt to her very soul. She couldn’t wait to go back and begin her life with Brogan. Smiling, she closed her eyes and snuggled into the pillows. Thoughts of a future with her mate filled with love and happiness eased her into sleep.
Brogan stopped in the doorway to El’s room, the sight of the two sleeping women held him in place. El lay curled on her side facing Rowan, her back to him. Her tangled hair and the bruises and raw skin around her wrists and ankles a reminder of what she’d endured earlier. She’d proven her strength twice over in the last few hours. His anxiety over her size had all been for nothing, El would handle herself well when it came time to meet the pack.
His sister sat with her neck at an awkward angle in the armchair beside the bed, the white bandage around her head a stark reminder of the injury she’d sustained at the hands of Marcus. Anger stirred in his gut but he tamped it down. Knowing the man would never touch either of them again pleased him.
Breathing deeply, he stepped into the room. Three steps put him beside the bed where he pulled the blanket over El, covering the gape in the back of her hospital gown. He hoped not to wake her but she turned slumberous eyes in his direction. The smile that stretched her lips when she focused on him had his stomach flopping and his heart squeezing.
“Can we go home now?” Her sleep-slurred voice flowed over him. Her acceptance of his home as hers warmed him deep inside.
“Soon as Doc gives you the all clear.” Brogan smoothed a hand down El’s cheek and cupping her jaw, tilted her head so he could lower his mouth to hers. He brushed her lips lightly with his.
“Where’s Quinn?”
He’d forgotten his sister sat next to the bed. Brogan looked over El to Rowan. “He’s just finding Doc.”
“She went to answer the phone.” Rowan stood and stretched her back.
“Quinn will find her.” Brogan straightened. “How are you both feeling?”
“Tired,” El murmured.
“I feel like going home.” Rowan sat back down. “Did you get everything sorted out?”
“Yes. The Council exiled Marcus and the sheriff is escorting him from the mountains as I speak.”
“Good.”
“Are we ready?” Quinn strode into the room followed by Doc.
“Ladies, it’s been lovely chatting with you but I do believe it’s time for you both to leave.” Doc smiled at Brogan. “Did they exile him?”
“Yes.”
She nodded before turning to El and Rowan. “I’ve given Quinn the bag with both your pregnancy vitamins and the cream for your abrasions, El. Rowan, I want to see you in a couple of days to remove your stitches and I’ll see both of you in here in one week for a checkup.”
Brogan helped El sit before scooping her up in his arms. Her arms slid around his neck and she snuggled in close to his chest. Warm breath fanned out over his neck and he placed a kiss on top of her head. He turned to find Rowan giving Quinn a stern look and pointing her finger at him.
“Don’t even think about it, Quinn MacClellan.”
Quinn raised his arms, paper bag hanging from one hand, and stepped back. “Didn’t even cross my mind.”
Rowan stared at him a few more seconds before walking from the room. Quinn chuckled and followed her through the door.
Brogan shook his head. He had no idea how Quinn was so in sync with his sister. She’d always been a complete mystery to him and nothing had changed in the months she’d been home. El squirmed in his arms, snapping his thoughts back to her and the need to take her home.
“See you in a week, Doc.”
“If you’re worried at all just give me a ring.” Gordie followed him to the front door. “Here, let me get that for you.”
Brogan stepped through the opened door to find his truck at the curb. Steve held the back door open and he slid El onto the seat before turning back to Steve and Doc.
“Thanks for everything today. I appreciate your help.”
“I didn’t do anything out of the normal, Brogan,” Gordie said.
“No need for thanks. I’ve got your back whenever you need.” Steve stepped back to stand next to Gordie.
“I’m still grateful for all you’ve both done.” He climbed in beside El and closed the door.
Brogan pulled El into his lap. He stretched the seatbelt as far as it would go and snapped it in around both of them.
From the driver’s seat Quinn asked, “Ready to go?”
“Yes.” He squeezed El a little tighter. “Time to go home.”