51. Zane

Chapter fifty-one

Zane

T he steam from the shower still lingers in the air as we dress, our fingers intertwined. Smiling, I can't resist tracing circles on her palm with my thumb, and her giggles at my touch.

"Promise me you'll start wedding planning," I urge, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

"Of course, love," she replies, her eyes shining with excitement. "I can't wait to marry you."

"Good," I pull her into a tight embrace. "Don't forget to let Alex help. He'll love to be involved, even if it is from his bed for a while."

"Absolutely," she says, nodding eagerly.

As we make our way towards Alex's room, I can't help but feel grateful for her presence in my life. She's brought light to the darkness that consumed me for so long.

As we enter the room, my thoughts are interrupted by the sight of Marcus lying motionless against Alex's bed. My heart drops as I fear the worst, then seeing the rise and fall of both their chests, I know they are sleeping peacefully. Marcus sits quickly with a jump.

"Have you been sleeping?" Jasmine asks, explaining my son's zombie-like appearance.

"Hey," Marcus greets us with a small smile. "Glad you guys worked everything out."

"Thanks," I say, trying to hide the relief in my voice.

"Jasmine," Marcus turns to her, his expression serious. "I know Alex isn't your responsibility, but would you still be willing to help with childcare? He is absolutely besotted with you,I know I said some mean things to you and I realise I was wrong, I'm sorry."

Jasmine's eyes widen in surprise, although she quickly composes herself. "Of course! I love Alex so much. I forgive you.. Our worry for Alex has made us both do and say a few things we regret. I'm happy to help any way I can."

"Thank you," Marcus smiles, a grateful look in his eyes. I give him the Dad stare that reprimands his bad timing but also expresses my relief. It will be good to have us both on the ball at work without trying to bounce hours off each other.

"Come downstairs for some food, Marcus. The nurse will sit with Alex." Jasmine encourages. "You can trust Ben; he makes good coffee."

Is that the best qualification my fiancé needs to entrust my grandson's life to a stranger? Her words are only meant as reassurance for Marcus, nothing more. Ben has been vetted to within an inch of his life to be allowed here.

As we leave the room, I can't help but admire Jasmine's kind heart. She has a way of bringing people together, even in the darkest times.

"Finding her was like finding a rare treasure," I tell Marcus as we walk down the hallway.

"You're a lucky man," he replies, clapping me on the back.

Our moment of peace is short-lived as my phone rings, interrupting our conversation. The caller ID shows it is Caeo, and I know from his tone that it isn't good news.

"Gavriil's been shot," he mutters, his voice urgent. "He's on his way to the hospital."

"And Nico?" I ask, already dreading the answer.

"Missing," Caeo replies grimly.

My heart sinks as I realise the danger that surrounds us, not just for ourselves but for those we love. As we rush to leave, I can't help but think that being a child in this life is more dangerous than being a wife. I just hope we can protect them all.

"I've got to go in for this one. We all look out for each other." I shrug at Jasmine; this is non-negotiable. She has to fit into my life, not the other way around.

"Of course you do," she smiles. "Why are you still here?"

I glance at Marcus, making it clear why I'm waiting here. Marcus is in the same boat as me.

"Jasmine," Marcus says, turning to her. "Can I…?"

He's just asked her if she'd be happy to help out, but no one expected him to need her quite this soon.

"Of course, I'll go sit and keep him company so he isn't alone with the nurses. Go take care of what you guys need to do. We'll be here when you get back."

"Thank you," Marcus said, a grateful look in his eyes.

I couldn't help but interject with a joke. "You don't give me that option, do you?"

Marcus chuckled. "Sorry, old man. Seriously, thank you both. It means a lot to me."