Chapter 34

Thirty-Four

Isla

I was sitting by the lake with my eyes closed, although the sun was so bright it shone through my eyelids. I wanted to open my eyes, but I couldn’t.

I felt Damon’s hand on my cheek. “Wake up. Isla, you have to wake up. I need you. You can’t leave me. I need you.”

I fought harder to open my eyes. When I did, pain hit me like a ton of bricks. I tried to speak, but something was in my throat.

“She’s awake. She’s awake!”

Suddenly, I could see people standing around me as the breathing tube was pulled out of my throat. I coughed. But I saw his face. Damon.

He smiled. “It’s okay. I’m here. You had some surgery, but you’re okay. It’s going to be okay.”

The doctor looked pleased. “I didn’t think you’d wake up so soon. How are you feeling?”

I blinked rapidly and tried to clear my head. “I’m okay.” Pain pierced the back of my head. “It hurts. But I’m okay.”

The doctor nodded. “You’ve had some brain trauma, but we did a little surgery to ease that pressure and you’re going to be okay.”

Damon pressed his forehead against mine. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Then I remembered. “Kyle?”

Damon shook his head. “He’s dead. Died in the car crash.”

I nodded. Tears came to my eyes. “I shot him.” My gaze wandered across everyone’s faces until I found his father. “I shot him.”

His father stepped forward and put his hand on my foot. “You did good. You defended yourself. I’m proud of you.”

“I defended myself. I’m here.” I leaned into Damon’s touch and cried. “I love you.”

He leaned into me. “I love you too.”