No Strings Attached

The pain was so intense that he nearly forgot how to breathe.

He furrowed his brows and looked at Katherine. His voice was as gentle as a whisper. "Don't worry. I won't let anyone hurt him."

With his assurance, Katherine slowly released her grip on his arm. Her emotions gradually stabilized.

Brodie wrapped her in his arms. His eyes swirled with an uncommon depth of feeling.

Watching the scene, lan clenched the sheets in his hands. He could almost imagine the number of times Brodie and his mother had been hunted down in the past. And the hunter, he was almost certain, was his own mother, Sierra. That was why Katherine had such a visceral reaction at the sight of her.

lan's heart gave a fierce thud.

His gaze shifted back to Brodie. His voice was a low rumble. "Should we get a therapist?"

Brodie shook his head. "No need. She's calmed down now. It's just that each episode takes a lot out of her. She'll need half a day to recover."

Clara immediately helped Katherine to the bed. "Katherine, why don't you lie down for a bit?"

to the

with you.

as she looked at Clara. "Clara, my son has suffered so much since he was small.

these words, Clara's eyes instantly reddened. She nodded vigorously. "He's my dearest

forehead. Clara's voice was soft as silk. "Get some sleep. I'll be

long before she fell asleep. Clara held her hand tightly, afraid to leave

sense of déjà vu? It pierced the depths of his heart. Had they been

one

his feelings for Katherine feel like the flutters of first

bed and lowered his voice, "Clara, let me stay

up and followed lan to the

by the window, looking out. His tall figure seemed

and softly

His eyes were slightly red. "I didn't scare you, did

her head. "No, are

faint smile. "I'm fine.

me about the times when you were being hunted?" lan suddenly