Chapter 19: Man down

Willows perspective:

Mark reached for my hand to pull me up when a click sound from the front door caused him to shoot his gun. As he whirls me around pulling me into his chest he shoots again.

Mick: Mother fucker.

Willow: Mick!

I scream out as I see Mick take a hit. Suddenly we're e in the bed room backed up against the furthest wall next to the bed facing the door. As soon as I heard Liam's voice my heart jumped, my stomach fluttered, but Mark still has at least five rounds. Fear and anger tangle with in my mind and my every muscle tightens. He speaks calm and with confidence addressing Liam specifically.

I knew what he was doing. He was playing on Liam's temper, egging him on. Trying to get him to come through the door. Predictably my brave hero blinded by anger charges the door. With not a second to spare I make a move for the gun. The sound of the gun going off rang out through my ear drums. Mark and I stared wide eyed in shock at each other for what felt like for ever though I know it was all but a second. His eyes turned to fright, as his nostrils flared and his lips trembled. That's when I knew. A coldness came over me as I grabbed my stomach and watched my hands absorb my blood.

Mark yells out in horror as I slip from his grip. More gun shots ring out. Flashes of bullets strike Mark as his body hits the wall and he succumbs to his death. Strong warm arms cradle me and Liams soothe voice comforts me. I catch a glimpse of Tom and Kevin shadowing over Liam.

Willow: I'm sorry

I mustard enough breath to apologize before darkness took me.

My eye lids twitch in rhythm with a faint beep that seems in tuned to my heart. There's a dull burning pain to my abdomen as I try to move, but a familiar warm hand squeezes mine as his voice flows like music in my ears.

Liam: Willow.

My eyes blink open to find Liam leaning over me. His golden eyes dark with redness and lack of sleep fill with tears, full of emotion as his sweet lips grow wide.

Liam: Hi.

Willow: Hi

I barely squeak from the dryness of my throat. His lips are upon mine before I can even swallow. He pulls back looking deep in my eyes as he strokes the side of my face with the side of his hand. Resting his forehead on mine we close our eyes as we absorb this moment in silence.

Willow: Is Mick ok?

Liam: Yeah he's fine.

Willow: Where are we, how did you...

He placed a finger on my lips.

Liam: Shhh baby.

He grabs a bottled water and holds it while I sip. There's a soft knock on the door. Before Liam answers an older asian woman walks in with a big smile.

Dr. Lynn: Hello Willow, I'm Dr. Lynn, how are you feeling?

She asks as she examines me. The pain was a distant throb compared to my confused state.

Willow: That depends. Where am I?

Dr. Lynn: You're in Valhalla

I look over at Liam who squeezes my hand.

Willow: I don't understand. Why would you be here. Are you? Are we dead?

I asked. Liam looks at me sweetly and yet with amusement he smiles.

Liam: We're in Valhalla New York.

Dr. Lynn: Do you remember what happened.

I nod as flashes of Marks remorseful eyes stare into mine when the gun went off before I fell.

Dr. Lynne: The bullet passed through the abdomen missing all vital organs and wedged it's self in the corner of your kidney. The bullet was removed successfully and your kidney will heal just fine. There are two hair line fractures of your proximal phalanx and metacarpal bone of the right pinky. Those will heal in about three weeks with the light splint.

Her voice fades out as Marks takes over. His taunting words to Liam about impregnating me fills my eyes with tears and my mind with grave worry. The beeping on the monitor becomes rapid. Liam squeezes my hand as Dr. Lynn gives a look of concern.

Dr. Lynn: Willow.

Liam: Willow. What's the matter baby.

I squeeze my eyes shut and slow my breathing. But the second I attempt to take a deep breath I become aware of the pain in my side. I breath more shallow still attempting to calm my heart race and pull myself together. The beeping slows once more. I glance at Liam feeling remorse and guilt. I look over to Dr. Lynn who still has her fingers wrapped around my wrist monitoring my pulse. She pauses steeling a glance over at Liam and back at me.

Dr. Lynn: Do you need a moment alone.

Willow: With you if I may.

Dr. Lynn: Of course.

We both look at Liam who's hell bent on staying.

Liam: Anything you need to say or ask her you can do in front of me. You know there's nothing that will ever change how much I love you.

I placed my left hand on his scruffy cheek and offered a light smile.

Willow: I know. But I just need a moment alone with her please.

He nods and kisses my forehead leaving reluctantly, closing the door a little hard showing his displeasure of being sent out. I know the thought of me hiding something from him will eat away at him. But it's not that I'm hiding anything. He was there. He heard every word Mark spoke to him but I am not ready for him to know of all the details yet if ever. I needed this one on one with the doctor, to hear things out loud. The doctor pulls up a chair and sits beside me patting my hand.

I shiver from a sudden chill that shoots through me as I prepare myself to ask the inevitable.

Willow: How soon can you detect a pregnancy after.

My eyes sting as my lips trembles. Her small fingers grip around my hand.

Dr. Lynn: There is a blood test that can detect pregnancy as early as 6 days from intercourse. Your men told me you were held captive for almost two days. I assume he rape you.

I nod and look away ashamed.

Dr. Lynn: You're not on the pill?

I shake my head no.

Willow: My husband Liam can't get me pregnant so I never bothered with taking the pill.

I close my eyes trying to keep shallow steady breaths as my throat tightens and I fight the tears.

Willow: Liam's situation was a blessing in disguise for me, because honestly I didn't feel I had what it took to be a mother again. I've often felt it would be too painful, being constantly reminded of my Page. Now the possibility of being pregnant by someone like Mark. How could I be a good mother to someone who would remind me every day of what happened. How would I tell that child their father was a sociopath and rapist. What would the knowledge of that do to a kids mental state.

Dr. Lynn: That child would still be apart of you as well.

She slaps me with facts and a kind smile.

Dr. Lynn: Who's Page.

Willow: She was my daughter. She died in a car accident a couple years ago.

Dr.Lynn: I'm very sorry.

She pauses before she continues.

Dr. Lynn: I was a fertility specialist and an OBGYN, so Ordinarily I wouldn't offer this but given your circumstance, I am willing to make an acceptation. There is a pill that if taken with in 72 hours prevents ovulation and the attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine lining.

Willow: Does it make me a horrible person to ask you of this?

Dr. Lynn: No.

With out saying it I nod giving Dr. Lynn silent consent for the pill.

Dr. Lynn: I'll be back with it shortly. For now you should rest. Though there is a group of some rather large men anxious to see you.

Willow: Thank you Dr. Lynn.

I faintly laugh and wave a hand as I see Tom and Kevin both peaking their heads in as Dr. Lynn opens the door. Liam instantly pushed past them and takes his place at my side. Tom comes around the other side and leans over kissing the top of my head. Kevin with watery eyes does the same. Trying to gather a smile as he pulls back. I give his hand a squeeze.

Willow: I'm ok.

He nods and widens his smile but there's still a look of guilt and unease.

Kevin: What were you thinking.

Willow: I couldn't let him hurt your family. Or any of you. I just thought if.

I close my eyes gritting my teeth as pain shoots through my abdomen.

Liam: Babe you ok.

Kevin: You need me to get the Dr.

I shake my head no as Moa walks in and stops at the foot of the bed. He cracks a half grin and winks.

Moa: Mrs. O'Bryan.

Willow: Moa.

I glance around at the four men who all look like they just lost a championship game. All of them in this room together looks like half a foot ball team making me feel very small.

Willow: Where's Mick and Mike.

Moa: Their waiting in the living room.

Kevin: Mick blames him self for what's happened. But I've told him it's not his fault. It's mine.

Willow: Don't do that. This is all on me. But you all came through for me. You found me. I'm hear. We're all here. That's what matters.

There's a soft knock on the door before Dr. Lynn enters.

Dr. Lynn: Gentlemen.

Tom leans over giving me another kiss on the top of my head and squeezes my arm. His eyes full of emotion. His tongue held speechless. Kevin does the same.

Kevin: I'll be right out side.

Moa smiles and follows everyone out. Dr. Lynn looks over at Liam as if waiting for him to follow the rest of the men out. He gives her a "'I'm not leaving look" and then she looks over at me. I give her a nod and she sets a small cup down on the night stand beside the bed along with a small juice.

Dr. Lynn: 1-10 how much pain are you in.

She asks as she looks over the monitors.

Willow: 6 maybe 7.

She pulls out a vile and syringe and the monitor instantly goes up as my heart begins to race. Flashes of Mark coming at me has me nearly flying out of the bed.

Liam: Willow.

Liam's arms come around me anchoring me down. I blink through blurred eyes seeing Dr. Lynn before me. The sharp pain piercing my stomach causes me to double over.

Liam: What is that.

Liam shouts.

Dr. Lynn: It's just morphine. It will help with the pain and relax her so she can rest.

With in seconds I feel a coldness run through my veins. My body begins to relax as Liam lies me down.

Dr. Lynn: You should get some rest to.

Her voice fades