The wolves stayed in the car as Tripp and Theo brought me into the hospital. I didn't miss the female nurse and her ogling of the two men. It made me want to be incredibly childish and lick the side of Tripp's neck.

You know, I licked it so it's mine. Not sure Tripp would want that. What was I even saying? I shouldn't want that either. He saved me ONE TIME and now I was being led around by my semi-damp panties.

Nurse Thirsty showed us to a room. Thane and Trey showed up a bit later, both hugging me tight.

The next couple hours consisted of chatting with police, x-rays and blood tests. The guys refused to leave my side, so when they mentioned a rape kit I quickly denied needing it. The damage was done, though. The four males in the room stiffened and looked murderous.

The guys told me I had been missing for about eight hours. Thane had gone to my house to check on me and my mother told them I was gone when she returned at around noon.

Theo happened to see Ava, my heart cracked a little more at the mention of her name, parking her car at the gas station. He asked if she'd seen me at all today, to which Ava replied in the negative. However, he noticed my purse in Bixby's front seat and knew something was up.

"So, where did you find me?"

Trey was the one to speak. "You were in an old abandoned cabin in the woods north of town."

I furrowed my brow. "How did you know I was there?"

The four Clones exchanged meaningful looks. Ones that spoke of secrets. And chafed my peach something fierce.

"No. You guys don't get to do this to me. Your little-" I wiggled all of my fingers at them, "mind trick you all do. I am very grateful that you saved my life, believe me. But that doesn't mean I'm okay with being left in the dark."

The Clones turned to Tripp. Because why not?

Tripp seemed to consider something very seriously before speaking. "We followed your scent."

It took me a moment before realization set it. "The wolves. You used them to track me."

The only answer was a slight nod from Tripp.

I could tell that wasn't the entire truth, but before I could get the truth out of them the doctor came in. She was a tiny, middle-aged woman who seemed very nice so far.

She told me that I had one broken rib, another two bruised, they had popped my shoulder back into place and put it in a sling, along with a possible concussion and bruising. I would need to take it easy for the next couple weeks and call my doctor for a follow up.

"You're all set then, Miss Albrecht. Please make sure you rest. Boys, "She pointed to each of the Clones, "make sure she rests."

And then she was out the door. I was left with four sets of eyes staring at me.

I gingerly moved to stand. "You can just drop me off at home."

A large, warm hand took hold of my arm, helping me get my bearings. "You heard the doc. We're not taking you back to your house." Tripp's authoritative tone made me want to slap him, if that slap wouldn't hurt me more than him.

"I don't care what she said. I'll be fine at home." I yanked my arm out of his hold, trying to school my features. To be honest, my house was the last place I wanted to be. I'd have Mother to deal with. But mostly, I never felt safe there. And after everything I just wanted to feel safe.

Trey planted himself in front of me and took my head in his hands. "You terrified us, sweetheart. We need to see that you're safe. Can you do that for us?"

Looking into his gentle blue eyes, I could see the truth of his words. He didn't want to let me go yet. And, for some reason, I didn't want to disappoint him.

I'd have to come back to all the feels later.

"What are your plans, then?"

Trey let out a loud exhale, as if he'd been holding his breath.

"You could stay at our house. We have a guest room." Thane quickly offered. Probably hoping I'm still in an agreeing mood.

Theo moved to my other side opposite Tripp, wrapping an arm carefully around my waist. "We'll take great care of you! Thane cooks, so you won't starve. Trey and I can be at your service whenever you need us. And Tripp… well, we could probably lock him in the closet for you."

I couldn't help but chuckle as Tripp actually growled at Theo.

"So, what do you say?"

I didn't really know what to say. The majority of my being yelled at me, saying that it was a horrible idea. That I knew next to nothing about these men. I hadn't even been to their house. What if they turned out to be ax murderers? Highly unlikely. But, what if they were, and they used their wolves to hide the remains?

Get a grip, Harper.

I couldn't ignore the small voice in my head that wanted to say yes. The one that wanted to be made to feel important. The one that wanted someone to choose me, just once…

The Clones, minus GI Joe, had been quite caring. They saved my life, for God's sake. So I temporarily beat down the voice that kept telling me I would never be anyone's first choice, and nodded my head before I changed my mind.

Theo probably shocked everyone in the room when he gently placed his hands on my cheeks and laid a sweet kiss on my lips. The only one who verbally reacted was Tripp, who sort of growled. I had no idea what that meant.

Despite many attempts by all four Clones, I refused to be carried or use a wheelchair. The guys finally acquiesced, but that meant I had one of them on every side. That must've been what the President felt like.

I didn't like it. But I kept my mouth shut because I didn't want to be carried.

We all made it to the truck without incident, only a few people giving us confused glances on the way out the door.

I was smart and had planned ahead, immediately breaking away from the group and power-walking to the back seat. I was not taking the front seat. And they were gentlemanly enough to insist I sit in the front. My booty was in the back with the door closed just as Thane opened the front seat for me.

I totally won.

"Harper, what are you doing?" Trey slid into the seat next to me.

"I'm contemplating world domination while simultaneously baking everyone cupcakes." I gave him my best innocent smile.

Trey chuckled as Theo shoved himself next to Trey. Thane grudgingly took the passenger seat.

Determined to hide the fact that I was incredibly sore from that power walk, I shut my eyes. Hopefully they would just chalk it up to fatigue.

I heard a small rattle, followed by a soft click. Something cold was pressed into my hand. Opening my eyes, I saw it was a bottle of water.

Trey took my empty hand and placed a pill onto my palm. "Take it."

Drats. Foiled again. How did they DO that?

Mumbling a quiet thank you, I obediently took the pain pill and chugged down half the bottle of water.

"Wow." Theo looked at me with a shocked expression. "I was waiting for more of a fight. Who are you and what did you do with the smartass?"

I just closed my eyes. "Language."

The chuckles lulled me to sleep.