Together

Chapter Two

"I have cancer," I repeated in a whisper, and then lost my weak attempt at composure and dissolved into tears. The guys were completely silent for barely a moment before the room burst into motion and sound.

The first thing I heard was Silas muttering in Greek, faster than I'd ever heard him speak in his language before. I suspected that even someone who knew the language would be lost in the speed. Gabriel was nearly shouting, a rant full of profanity. But I caught the shakes in his voice and knew he was scared. North had started at a low growl, and I looked over to see him literally trembling with rage. Unable to help myself, I released a whimper. Despite the bomb I'd just dropped, all of their eyes landed on me. Several of them moved toward me, but North made it first, pulling me tight against him. He still trembled, but he clearly paid that fact no attention as he stroked my hair while I cried.

After a few moments, I managed to pull in enough control to rest my chin on his shoulder instead of burying my face against his chest. From this position, I could see all the guys. Kota stared at Sean with wide eyes as the doctor spouted off medical knowledge, trying to piece together my news. Luke was rubbing his stomach, whining about how the cookie he'd scarfed down was not agreeing with the situation. Owen...

On Owen, my gaze stopped. He was sitting with perfect posture, frozen solid. His eyes were on me, but it was his entire expression that tore me apart. Owen, my unflappable Mr. Blackbourne, appeared terrified. Everyone could do nothing to hide their fear right then, but Owen... his prominent emotion sent a sharp pain stabbing through my chest.

I couldn't stand just stand there. Not when my men were falling apart around me.

Lifting my hands, I pushed lightly at North's chest. But of course, North being North, he didn't budge. I sucked in a breath and took a quick second to wipe my face on his shirt, needing to pull myself together. Even though I'd surely left snot and tears on his shirt, North again didn't react.

"North," I said softly. "Let me go."

His only response was to tighten his grasp.

Mouth near his ear, I said, "Please?"

A second passed and then he groaned. North didn't release me, but he leaned back enough to meet my eyes with his arms still around me. His expression challenged me for a good reason to let me go.

Gifting a small smile that I wasn't really feeling, I rested my hands on his chest between us. "I'm not done talking with everyone. I need us to regroup." Pausing, an idea popped into my head. "Can you help me get their attention?"

After studying me closely, he turned to face the rest of our family, only one arm left around my waist. "Hey!" he shouted. Had I not anticipated the sound, I'd have flinched. "Shut the fuck up. Sang Baby's got something to say."

True to form, they all quieted, looking over at me. It was reminiscent of no more than ten minutes before when I'd been gathering the nerve to speak. I wished I could give them better news now, like I'd made a horrid joke or Dr. Roberts' had thought he'd found a tumor but it wasn't anything to worry about. Unfortunately, I didn't have anything like that to say at that point.

"I have cancer," I told them again, because now that I had their attention I couldn't figure out exactly what to tell them. Several of the guys flinched. I forged ahead anyway. Someone had to be strong here, and it was obviously my turn. "Dr. Roberts found a tumor." My mind spun, reaching for something to say, but I had nothing more. I'd left the office too fast, hadn't paid enough attention.

Sean spoke up helpfully. "Where is the tumor, Sang?" His tone was curious and non judgemental, though definitely more serious than usual. Fitting for the topic.