---- melted completely. "Protecting you is something I should do. I don't blame you at all. You're the bravest pup I know." After comforting Darren, I told Anna to take him out of the room, leaving me alone with Ryder. Ryder stubbornly insisted on removing my clothes to check my wound. He had been too busy dealing with August and the others to see how badly I was hurt himself. Unless he saw it with his own eyes, he couldn't rest easy. I didn't think it was necessary, but Ryder started pouting like Darren, trying to act cute. "Fine, have it your way. If you really want to look, go ahead." His face was full of heartache as he examined my injury. He kissed my forehead and promised softly, " Honey, I swear. This won't ever happen again. I'll protect you with everything I have." I knew deep down, he was someone who lacked a sense of security. So I held his hand tightly and nodded firmly. ---- "T believe you. From now on, I'll take good care of myself, too. The four of us will be together forever. Ryder, I love you." I gently placed my hand over my belly and made that quiet promise. Ryder's eyes lit up with a smile, like a child who had just been given candy. Technically, my injuries didn't require a stay in the treatment room, but Ryder and Darren insisted, saying they wouldn't let me go home until I was completely healed. They even went so far as to hire a renowned healer. I couldn't help but wonder if the healer would feel it was overkill after seeing how minor my wounds really were. It was all a bit ridiculous, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Eventually, once my injuries had fully healed, I was packing up to leave. Just as I was gathering my belongings, the door to the treatment room suddenly swung open. ---- My back was turned, and assuming it was Darren, I said softly, "Sweetheart, can you grab my hair clip?" "Sophia, it's me." My hand froze. I turned around, and there was August.