The Son of Red Fang by Diana Sockriter novel Chapter 476

“Come.” I state as I gently pull him up and into me.

He whimpers and fights briefly before taking hold of me tightly. We simply stand in silence, waiting for the trauma of leaving to subside. I wait for him to push away first, following his lead for when he’s ready to start out towards the front door.

“Would you like some Ativan? It won’t take effect until you’re well on your way north so it won’t alter your ability to decide to stay or go but it will make the trip easier to handle.”

“Please.”

Is all he manages to whisper against my neck before he pushes himself up to stand on his own.

“Stay.”

I whisper just as quietly as I step away from him into the attached bathroom, opening the cabinet and pulling out the low dose Ativan that I keep there. I return in front of him cupping his chin in my hands, lifting his head so he’s looking straight instead of the floor. He whimpers subtly as he pulls away but I don’t allow him to leave me.

“Easy there, son.” I whisper as I use my thumbs to clear his cheeks. “I will never purposely hurt you. I know a lot of things in medicine cause pain but it’s all in an effort to help you not hurt you further. I will talk with the driver and make sure that if you change your mind before getting out of my territory he will stop and let you out. I’ll grab the truck and come get you, bring you back here.”

He nods in understanding as I place the bottle of Ativan in his hand.

“One will take the edge off, two will help you sleep a few hours.”

He nods as he opens the bottle, removing two and popping them in his mouth. He closes his eyes, obviously trying to relax as they dissolve.

“Are you sure this is the route you want to take?” I ask again hoping he might change his mind.

“I don’t expect you to understand but this is what I need to do.”

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