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 bed and lay down

her in, whispering, "We're all here with you.

brimmed in Katherine's eyes as she looked at Clara. "Clara, my son has suffered so much since he

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

Clara's voice was soft as silk. "Get some sleep.

she fell asleep. Clara held her hand

on Katherine. Why did he feel this sense of déjà vu? It pierced the depths of

the one he

Katherine feel

by the bed and lowered his voice, "Clara, let me stay with

got up and followed lan

tall figure seemed lonesome and tender in a way that tugged at

and

red.

her head. "No,

curved into a faint smile. "I'm fine. I've

tell me about the times when you were being hunted?"