Chapter 18

Beep

"Are you sure Laina?" The sound of the steady heart monitor follows Eeva’s question as I look at Tate’s still form on the bed.

Beep

The sound continues as everyone looks at me with worry in their gaze.

"I'm sure. It’s better than letting my mate suffer." I whisper out. Eeva nods knowing that the decision for her younger brother to be taken off life support lies in my hand.

Beep

Rex slowly walks over to the life support machine and lets out a long sad sigh. I could see the pain in his eyes as he stares at Tate with a sad smile.

"Good bye friend." He says sadly before flicking the machine off. Slowly everything comes to a stop; the only thing working is the heart monitor for now. Eeva takes Julia from my arms and motions for me to go to Tate. With tears in my eyes I stand at his bedside and take his hand in mine.

Beep

My heart brakes at his still form and with one last try I open the link just between me and him, bending down and kissing his lips gently.

[I love you.] I confess tears flowing down my face and onto his as I stand straight. I wipe away the wetness on his cheeks as I try my best to give a wobbly smile. Just over a month with Tate and I knew that my life will never be the same without him.

The sound of the heart monitor slows down with each beep taking longer to sound my hear cracks just a bit. It takes everything in me not to break down now.

Beep

The final beep sounds and the room goes silent. With tears streaming down my face once more and sobs ready to wrack my body I turn away from the bed ready to walk away.

BEEP

My steps falter briefly. The machine is going off and I turn with wide eye at the heart monitor that made a comeback stronger than I thought it ever would. That annoying sound is something I relish with joy as it can only mean one thing.

[La....] it was weak but I knew it was Tate.

[I'm here baby, please wake up.] I link him, rushing to his side and clasping his hand.

[Laina....] his voice is stronger and my tears turn from ones of pain to ones of joy.

"Whatever you did Luna worked. He is waking up." Mike's mate Ashlyn - a nurse that was assigned to help take care of Tate- says from the door. No one else dares to come near as I clutched his hand tighter.

[Laina where...] I hear his question loud and clear even if he can’t finish it.

[I'm here. All you need to do is wake up.] I reply as I looked to the sky outside the big window, staring at the moon that shines down on us.

[Just open your eyes] I plead turning my head to find myself staring into forest green eyes.

"I...did." His voice is hoarse and I couldn't help but laugh as he states the obvious, letting go of his hand to fall into his chest and cry, clutching his shirt. I feel a warm hand pet my head as fingers run through my hair gently and I look to see that it is Tate doing this with what little strength he has, his face looking guilty.

"Sorry...you...waited." Tate whispers and I laugh again.

"I'll always wait for you baby, I love you." I reply with before moving to kiss all over his face, ending at his lips. His lips move with mine in a heated passion filled kiss, feeling his hand clutch my hair.

"Um, can you guys save that till after he gets better and are in your own home?" Eeva says awkwardly coming to stand with Julia in her arms. I pull away from Tate with a blushing face for getting that others were standing with us when joy overcame me when Tate awakened.

"Can....I?" He looks at our daughter and I smile, taking her from Eeva and putting her beside him with his arm around our little girl. His face is one of joy as he snuggles our baby close to him, relief filling me.

‘Thank you Goddess.’ I pray, closing my eyes. Everyone stays for a few more minutes before Rex with tears in his eyes orders them to leave before having a bassinet and other baby equipment rolled into the room for Julia. I refused to leave Tate’s side now that he is awake. With everyone gone and Julia asleep I let Tate snuggle into me, his head on the crook of my neck with arms wrapped tightly around me. My hands play with his hair gently, feeling his body relax as his eyes droop with exhaustion.

"I love you." He whispers and I kiss his cheek.

"I love you too." I reply back smiling when he falls asleep with a happy grin on his face. I stay awake a little longer watching the man I love. He did everything he could to protect Julia and I when Pinepaw attacked and I had almost lost him. I am just happy I had a second chance. Yawning I snuggle closer to Tate, hugging his body to me as tightly as I can without hurting him.

"Get better my love." I whisper before falling asleep.