3-after the shock

I woke up in a panic, my heart racing with fear. Where was Jane? where am I? I took a deep breath to calm myself. the smell of lavender and cherry blossoms brought me back to a state of calm. I looked around and recognized the dark purple walls and gold trim everywhere. I was in my old room, in my golden Cali King princess bed, as I used to call it. the door was cracked just enough for me to hear my brother cooing and awing somewhere close by. they must have Jane. I tried to sit up, but it hurt so much to move. an unfamiliar face popped in from the bathroom door carrying a basket of medical supplies.

"Oh good, you're awake! don't move dear, you're far too weak. Let me help you, " the middle-aged woman said, hurrying over to me. I guess she was a nurse of some sort. she helped me sit up and stuffed pillows behind me. "I'll go get Mr. Kev and Dr. Brown." the woman said, walking away without giving me a chance to speak. I hate when people do that.

Kev and an older gentleman in a white coat came in. both looked shocked that I was awake. kev looked relieved as well.

"Hey Kar, how are you feeling?" kev asked half concerned half sarcastically.

"I feel amazing!" I said, matching his sarcasm.

"Well, young lady, you are a trooper for sure and strong like your brothers." the older gentleman said oblivious to the sarcasm. "I'm Dr. Brown. and I'm shocked at how well you have recovered. do you know how long you've been out?"

" A few hours, I hope. where is Jane? i need to feed her, " I said, annoyed.

Kev and the Dr chuckled, I glared at them, not getting the joke.

"Karina, you've been passed out for 2 days." Kev said, laughing like i should have known. " Jane is safe she's with Kade in the nursery."

I was in shock. I didn't know what to say. I was out for 2 days.

"Bring me my baby, please." I asked, trying to process everything.

Kade brought in Jane, followed by the rest of my brothers. I knew something was up by the look on all their faces. before I could say anything, I saw him.

And there he stood, Alexander Branson. he was tall 6'10, dark brown hair, black eyes, and the body of a chiseled God covered in tattoos. I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Well hello handsome" I said smoothly

"hello doll" he said with a sly grin

I jumped out of bed and straight into his arms without thinking. he wrapped his giant arms around me, and I felt instant tears running down my face.

Alexander laughed as he pulled my face up to look at him. I felt my face flush and realized what I had done. I tried to get down, but he wasn't letting go.

"Oh no, little doll, you're not going anywhere this time." Alexander was determined to hold me a little longer. "You left me once you can't leave again,"

"I'm not going anywhere this time, but I do need to get down and check on my daughter," I said shyly.

"Oh, right. the little baby doll. she's adorable just like her mother, " Alexander said as he sat me down.

Kade passed Jane to me, looking guilty as ever. he called Alexander, and he knew exactly what he had just set up.

"Alright, alright enough with the awkward bull crap. we all know yall are long-lost lovers, and sparks are flying, but can we focus on the business at hand before yall start the honeymoon crap?" Kal boomed half annoyed, half teasing.

"What business is there?" I asked, confused about everything.

"Dylan is hunting you down and trying to start a blood war with every family within the country." kev said with anger and concern in his voice.

"Then just hunt him down and kill him!" I screamed. "we all know he's not going to give up until I'm dead, and Jane is in his grimy hands."

everyone looked at me like I was crazy. I knew it was a suicide mission. Dylan was relentless and dark. he didn't care who he hurt, even if it was his own wife and child. When he didn't get his way, everyone in his path was going to pay.

I couldn't let my daughter go back to that monster, and I couldn't hide forever. I wasn't going to hide. I knew what I had to do and just the perfect team to help me do it.

"Fine, we're going to hunt him back. I'm done running from that demon. and I'm going to need all of you guys to help me, " I demanded.

they all knodded their head in agreement. it was time to fight back in this war. my army is bigger and badder than just one monster. I wasn't going to back down even if it meant my life to save my daughter. she was the daughter of a monster and the granddaughter of a demon, but she was the angel of a warrior.

I stayed too long, but if it wasn't for Jane, I'd be dead. I was. close to giving up until I heard that graceful heartbeat. I knew no matter what, I would always have a reason to live because of her, and now she's my reason to fight.

my brothers got to making their calls to get the army together while I rested and soaked in time alone with my beautiful princess. when all of a sudden, a knock at the door put me in a trance.

"Mind if I come in?" Alexander asked sheepishly, standing in the doorway in nothing but gray sweats and white t-shirt.

"yea come on in." I got up and put Jane in her crib. "I could use the company." I said with tears in my eyes.

Alexander went straight for the bed. I crawled up beside him and curled my tiny 5'6 frame into his arms. I felt safe for the first time in years. I cried like a baby in his arms. without speaking a single word, we lay there wrapped in each other's arms. Alexander held me tight like he was afraid I was just a dream stroking my hair. I buried my face in his neck and held on tight to his shirt, afraid to let go. we fell asleep peacefully like old times.