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?"

the bed and

in, whispering, "We're all here with you. No one's

at Clara. "Clara, my son has suffered so much since he was small. Don't leave him behind, okay? Be good to him, will

reddened. She nodded vigorously. "He's my dearest brother. I'll never abandon

was soft as silk. "Get some

and it wasn't long before she fell asleep. Clara held her hand tightly, afraid to leave

by the bed. His eyes were fixed on Katherine. Why did he feel this sense of déjà vu? It pierced

one he

Katherine feel like the flutters

lowered his voice, "Clara, let me stay with her. You

followed

standing by the window, looking out. His tall figure seemed lonesome and tender in a way that tugged

him and softly called out,

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

head.

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

when you were being hunted?" lan suddenly asked