52. Remy

REMY

The doctors didn't approve of what we were doing and we didn't give a shit.

Hazel woke up spitting mad. Understandably, the room was all wrong and she had no idea how she'd gotten there.

Ben barked everyone out and managed to get her calm until Aleks and I returned with what he'd asked us for.

And Hazel knew. She knew what we'd brought was part of her nest and her pack. I put up the blinds and set up the lights for her while she sorted through the bags from Aleks. Every item of clothing of ours she inspected and kept gave us hope.

She wants things of ours.

Some part of her remembers.

We didn't dare enter her nest while she was building it, and we couldn't really ask for permission. Hazel had moved the mattress against the wall and was creating a small cocoon in one corner. Big enough for one person, maybe two. It was impossible not to watch her, looking and hoping for traces of recognition as the drugs worked their poisonous way through her system.

But she ignored us while she worked, until the wall she had created of clothes and blankets and pillows obstructed our view of her entirely.

A nurse came by with a tray and a mildly disapproving twist of her lips, telling us we had to make sure she ate.

We all reached the same conclusion from one glance at the glop of brown stew and soggy steamed vegetables.

"She's not going to eat this." Ben frowned. "I'll go home and cook something up and bring it back. You guys see if you can get into the nest at least and get her some water."

Aleks was a natural at this. He wrapped a blanket around his shoulders and picked up her water bottle. He crouched down at the entrance and waited. When she looked over, he took a sip and then held it out to her.

To my amazement, she scooched forward and grabbed the bottle with both hands and scurried back inside. We looked at each other when we heard her gulping.

No loud noises, Aleks mouthed, face split in a huge grin.

We high-fived each other with the barest touch of our palms.

And then nothing. I stood up to go to her so many times, wanting to hold her and be with her. Aleks held me back every time.

"We have to do whatever we can to keep her nest a safe place," Aleks reasoned. "Even if it's staying out of it."

I hated that he was probably right.

Hazel's face finally emerged after a couple of hours. We stayed very still as she scanned us both up and down. Her gaze landed on me and she stretched out an imperious hand.

"W-what do I—"

"Take it, obviously," Aleks hissed.

I held my breath as I slowly placed my hand in hers. Hazel held my wrist up to her nose, large brown eyes blinking as she scented me.

I was completely unprepared for the hard, sharp yank that came, dragging me down and—

I'm in her nest.

I remained very still when one arm came around my waist, her nose rubbing on my chest back and forth. Not quite believing what was happening. Her other hand lightly traced the split in my lip and I swore a tiny, sympathetic huff left her.

Finally she settled her head into the crook of my neck and relaxed with a sigh. Only then did I hold her back and let my purr quietly strum in the small space. Hazel buried herself even deeper into me and my heart soared, high into the hopeful sky.

This is where I'm meant to be.

Not just right now, but always.