All Chapters of UNCHARTED PATH : Chapter 261 - Chapter 267

Three days later, night had settled over the hospital once again. The corridor outside had gone quiet, with only the occasional footsteps of nurses making their rounds. Inside the room, Alex sat beside Lucas's bed, their fingers intertwined as they had been any time Alex was with him. His body ached with exhaustion.His eyelids drooped. Every few seconds, his head would fall forward before he forced himself awake again. "I promised I'd stay with you," he murmured. "I'm not breaking that promise." Eventually, fatigue became too much. Still holding Lucas's hand, Alex rested his head against the mattress. His breathing slowed.Sleep was just beginning to claim him, then he felt a slight twitch. Alex frowned. His eyes remained closed. Then another movement. This time, he felt it clearly. Lucas's finger had moved against his palm. Alex's eyes flew open. He sat upright instantly, staring at their joined hands. His heart pounded wildly. "No..." His voice trembled.

A bitter laugh escaped her."Yes." Her eyes were wild. "You drove me crazy." She pointed toward her car."Walk over there and get in. We're going for a ride." Alex didn't move. "I'm not going anywhere with you." Her finger tightened around the trigger. "I'll shoot if you don't move!" Before either of them could act, several voices rang through the parking lot. "Police! Drop the weapon!" Officers emerged from different directions, surrounding her. "Miss Larissa, you're under arrest for stealing a police officer's firearm and threatening another person's life." Larissa's face, drained of color."No..." The officers moved closer. "Drop the gun now!" Panic overtook her. "If I can't have you, no one will." Her jaw clenched as her finger squeezed the trigger.Bang! The shot rang out. Alex instinctively turned as the round struck him in the back. The impact forced him forward. He staggered several steps before falling to one knee. The office

Lucas gazed at him and smiled. Alex ignored him and sat dramatically on the couch. His face was full of exaggerated disappointment. Lucas couldn't help laughing. "What now?" Alex looked at him. "If I were the one carrying our babies..." He shook his head. "I wouldn't work. I'd stay home. I'd sleep and I'd eat. I'd let everyone spoil me." Lucas burst into laughter. "You?" "Yes, me. I'd be the world's most obedient pregnant husband." Lucas walked over, smiling warmly."Oh really?" He wrapped both arms around Alex's neck. "Come on, honey. I won't do anything that could hurt our babies." Alex rested his forehead against Lucas's. "I know but I can't help worrying. "I'll only work four hours." "Hmm?" Alex searched his eyes."And if you can't handle it..." Lucas smiled softly. "I'll quit." "No arguments?" "No arguments." Alex studied him for another moment before finally smiling."Good." He tilted Lucas's chin upward and kissed him gently.

He rested his forehead against Lucas's. "I've watched you fight through so much. I don't want you hurting anymore." Lucas gently squeezed his hand."I'm going to be okay. Our babies are going to be okay." Alex nodded, though tears had already begun filling his eyes. "I know. His voice broke. "I love you too much." Lucas smiled softly. "I love you too." Outside the operating theatre, both families waited. Sally paced endlessly. Caleb kept praying quietly. Emily clasped Annie's hand tightly. Jason tried distracting everyone with jokes that nobody heard. Even Mr. Westman, usually composed, couldn't stay seated for more than a minute. "This waiting is torture." He sighed heavily. Doctor Peters stepped into the waiting area. "Everything is ready. The surgery will begin shortly." Alex looked at him. "Can I stay with him?" Doctor Peters smiled. "Yes. As long as you remain calm." Alex nodded immediately. "I won't disturb anything." The nurse opened the the