I can't stop pacing. I've been at it for the past three hours now but I refuse to give it a rest. If I sit in place I'll think of all the ways I'm responsible for Coach and then I might just lose my shit.

He saved me. I'd just barely registered Sims firing his gun at me before I felt a burst of pain on my chest. I assumed I'd been shot with I hit the floor but then pain subsided within a couple of seconds and I knew there was no way that was the pain of a bullet wound. That's when I looked up and realized Coach was on the floor with me. I was frozen in fear at the sight of blood pooling across his shirt as he struggled to catch his breath. It took another second to realize the pain I experienced was when Coach slammed me out of the way and took the bullet for me. I looked toward Sims with every intention of strangling him with my bare hands but Dante was on top of him and holding him in place while he held a knife to his throat and slit it open.

"What the hell?" I'd asked. I sat up and held my hands tightly against Coach's wound in an effort to stop the blood and glared at Dante. "You should have let me kill that asshole!"

"No," Dante got to his feet, breathing hard. "You don't want to be a killer, kid. I gave you my word I'd avenge your parents and I meant that. This fucker was under my nose the whole time and I didn't even know it. He was the reason your parents died and you suffered. I slit his throat the way Kane slit yours. I did it for you, kid. I'm done."

I had nothing to say to that. How could I? All I did was shake my head and look down at Coach again who was unconscious. Asher was on the phone and calling for an ambulance. As soon as he finished he ran over and sank to his knees, putting his hands on top of my blood-covered ones almost desperately.

"Damn it, Coach." He mumbled, voice shaking. "Damn it all to hell."

"The bleeding is too intense," Dante walked over to us and stripped his shirt off, wrapping it around Coach's chest and tying it into a knot. He lifted Coach up to lean against his shoulder and began dragging him out of the house. "Come on. We'll drive him to the hospital. It'll be faster."

"This place looks like a slaughter house," Asher barked incredulously.

"I'll handle it," Dante replied with a calmness neither Asher or I possessed in that moment. He looked around at all the South Bloods members who were urging people to get off the street. "Wayne!"

A tall beefy guy ran over to us. "Boss?"

"Take him to the hospital now. These two will go with you. I have to rearrange the crime scene and tip the police off."

"Got it," Wayne took Coach with a grunt and held him up in a standing position, taking him to one of the cars.

"Go," Dante ordered Asher and I when we didn't move. "I've done this part a million times. I'll make it look like Kane and Sergio...Sims...killed each other because of past dispute. Besides, everyone in the neighbourhood saw Sims pull out his gun first so that should be enough to testify."

Asher nodded. That was good enough for him. He ran to Wayne and helped him get Coach in the backseat. He called out to me but I waved at him to get going. I'd catch a ride with one of the other guys in just a minute. Before I left I had a couple of things to clear up.

"What did you mean when you said you were done?"

"I just killed my right hand man," Dante looked away. His face was hard as stone. "I put my trust in him and he was playing me the whole time. Your coach over there was right — I was blinded by my ego. I'm done with South Bloods."

"Where will you go?"

"Don't even fucking know," He muttered. "I considered Sergio a friend. Killing him...it was the first time in my life I felt guilt for taking a life. I can't shake it and I don't want anything to do with this life anymore. Get out of here, kid. You're better than these streets."

I searched his face for a moment. He seemed to be telling the truth. "I didn't trust you. Initially. You didn't seem like someone that could be counted on."

"Because I'm not. Don't mistake what I'm doing here for who I am. I'm not a good person. I had every intention of screwing you over and blackmailing you into staying with South Bloods. I envy your skill with tracking. It's useful and something I don't have, something this gang needs."

"Then why'd you change your mind?"

"Because I knew I couldn't make you do something you didn't want to do. When you walked away from Kane, looked your parents' murderer in the eye and spared his life, I knew you possessed the kind of willpower I couldn't compete with. Blackmailing you wouldn't have worked. You're too smart for that shit. First time I ever felt like I was beneath someone."

"So you're a changed man?" I asked skeptically. "I shouldn't look over my shoulder and wonder if you'll come after me someday?"

"I told you — I'm not a good person. I'm not a changed man. But I'm a humiliated one so no, I won't be coming anywhere near you. I don't want anything to do with what will remind me of my failure. Fuck that. I'm done."

And I believed him. I could see the humiliation on his face and knew he meant what he said. I finally nodded in acceptance.

"Any of your boys know how to hot-wire a car? I'll drive Coach's ride to the hospital."

"Already done," Dante tipped his chin forward and I looked over my shoulder where Coach's car was running.

"Thanks," I mumbled because he'd gotten me this far. Kane was finally dead and I could put everything behind me for good. "Stay out of trouble."

"Not likely," He scoffed and I headed for the car. He called out for me just as I was about to get in. "Good to hear your voice, kid. Looks like you're done being silent."

And that's when I noticed I'd been talking the whole time. Not just to Coach or Asher but everyone. I was speaking in front of everyone without even realizing it. It was a hard fact to digest and I couldn't do more than lift a hand in acknowledgment and get in the car. I called Asher and asked for directions and drove to the hospital as fast as I could. I wasn't free just yet.

"Come on," I mumble now, tugging at my hair. "They're taking too long."

"They cracked his chest open, man." Asher sighs deeply from his seat. "It's going to take some time. Sit down already."

"This is all my fault," I go on as if I didn't even hear him. "I got him involved and put him in danger. I should've kept him out of this."

"You didn't get him involved, Emerson. He knew from the beginning. He would have gotten involved whether you came forward or not because that's just who he is. It was his choice just like it was his choice to take that bullet for you. Do you even know Coach? Not a cell in his body regrets what he did for you and you know that."

I finally slump into the chair next to him. I feel so fucking defeated. I can't even comprehend what we just went through these last few hours. "I don't want him to die."

"He won't," Asher punches my shoulder. "Don't even think like that, asshole."

I glance over at him. He's glaring at the floor but I know he's only trying to hide how scared he is right now. I squeeze his shoulder in silent apology.

"You're right. He won't."

"I'm always right," He mutters and I catch the way his lips quirk up.

"Fucker," I chuckle under my breath. I take my phone out to see if I have any missed calls but there aren't any. "Still no word from Mel."

"They're flying right now. They should be here soon."

"I know," I pocket the phone again and shove away my worry. I'm going to drive myself insane at this point.

"Everyone's going to be here soon," Asher reminds me quietly. "They might wonder what all this was about. I'm sure they'll be able to tell if we give an excuse."

"Haven't given it much thought," I admit and scrub a hand over my face. When the hell did my life get so goddamn complicated? I used to live quiet and simple days for years. I'm not used to this shit.

"Are you...will you...?"

"I don't know," I know what he's trying to ask. If I'm going to tell the rest of the gang everything. If I'm going to talk. "Let's just see how it plays out. I don't want to think about it."

"You talked all day today. Did you notice that? In front of everyone."

"Yeah. Dante pointed it out. I didn't even realize what I was doing."

"Do you think it's because Kane is finally dead?"

"Could be. But I got over my fear of him way before this. I was the only one left standing in my way."

"You did good, man." Asher claps a hand on my knee. "Real fucking good."

"Thank you," I tell him. "For everything. Risking your life. Having my back."

"Why wouldn't I?" He stands and stretches his arms over his head with a groan. He heads for the nurse who's been updating us and tosses me a final smirk. "You're family."

I'm grateful he turns away after that because fuck if I don't feel a little emotional right now. It's been a long time since I had a family and I forgot what it feels like. I fought these guys off for years, never really let them know me, and kept myself at a respectable distance. I've always wanted to be alone but now, it's just not fucking worth it. I'm over it. So over it.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I take it out quickly, answering the call without checking who it is. "Hello?"

"Uh...oh shit. You're, uh..."

"Mitch," I greet, well aware he's tripping balls because he's hearing my voice for the first time. "You guys here?"

"Um, yeah. Fuck. Come to the entrance."

"On my way," I end the call abruptly. I stand up and head down the hall in a light jog, passing Ash. "Let's go! They're here."

"Thanks," He tells the nurse quickly and catches up to me. We both run down the corridors and head for the front of the hospital. "Nurse says they closed the bullet wound. They're going to stitch him back up but he seems weak so he might not wake up for a while. They don't know how long it could take."

"Damn," I mutter under my breath. It's not exactly the best news but at least it's something. At least he's alive.

We get to the entrance doors just in time to see a huge group of people walk inside the hospital. I skid to a halt and crane my neck looking for Melanie. A second later she pushes her way through Nate and Cameron and from this distance I can see the way she laughs in relief when her eyes meet mine. I don't think I've ever smiled so fucking hard in my life. I walk the rest of the way to the gang and ignore how they're all gawking at me. Pretty sure this is the first time they're seeing an emotion other than anger on my face.

"Hey, baby girl," I greet Melanie when I'm in earshot and I can't tell if I'm out of breath from running or because I'm so fucking happy to see her. I open my arms up to her. "Fuckin' missed you."

"Big guy," She cries and runs up to me. I catch her around the waist just as her arms and legs lock around me and I hold her so tight I'm pretty sure she can't breathe. But she doesn't seem to care as she cries softly into my shoulder and hugs me back just as hard. "You're okay. You came back to me."

"I told you," I bury my face in her neck and my eyes fall shut. God, I needed this. Needed her. "No matter what."

She laughs through another one of her sobs and then she's kissing me, clutching my face as she crushes her lips to mine. I kiss her back, my hand sliding into her hair and pressing my mouth to hers as tightly as I can. And like some drug I'm instantly at ease, feeling the tension leave my body and knowing everything is going to be fine. How can it not when I get to hold Melanie like this, kiss her like this, love her like this?

"I love you," I whisper against her mouth. "I love you so fuckin' loud."

I feel her smile on my lips right before she pulls away, searching my eyes. "What's that?"

I shrug. "I don't know. Lived my whole life in silence but the way I love you? Couldn't keep it quiet if my life depended on it."

"Baby," She whispers, eyes growing tender. "I love you so much."

"Would somebody please tell me what the fuck is happening right now?" Cameron's hysterical shout breaks the moment so suddenly I swing my glare on him. He's gaping along with everyone else but he's the only one flailing his hands wildly in our direction. "Since when do you talk? What fucking universe am I in? And you're British!"

"Australian," Mel, Asher, and I correct at the same time.

"Same shit!" He insists. "Did I die? Holy fuck, I'm dead, aren't I? But if I'm in heaven why isn't Avery naked?"

"Aw, your heaven is me naked?" Avery coos. Cameron looks away briefly to grin down at her.

"Hell yeah, sweet cheeks. I'd build a house in your pussy and live in it if I could."

"I'm just not going to let him talk anymore," Nate cuts in. Everyone looks grateful as we cringe and look away from Cameron and Avery sucking face. They're going to get kicked out for public indecency if they keep that up. "It's uh...wow. I think I speak for everyone when I say this is crazy."

"I suppose," I agree and set Melanie down on her feet again. I keep my arms around her and hold her to my body anyways, not quite ready to let her go. "I've been talking for a while. I'm sorry I didn't share it with you all sooner."

"We're grateful to hear you at all," The corner of Jaxon's mouth tugs up. "I'll be damned. Didn't see this one coming."

"Um, how's Dad?" Emily asks with a worried expression and I curse softly, feeling like a dick for going on about myself when her father's life is at stake.

"Sorry, Emily. The doctors are closing him up but he's very weak right now. It's unpredictable when he'll wake up after surgery."

"But he's alive?" She pleads with a whisper.

I nod and a relieved sob escapes her as she buries her face in Jaxon's chest who holds her tightly. Greta starts crying too and Delilah hugs her mother with a relieved smile of her own.

"Do you know when we can check on him?" Mitch asks. It's the first time I've seen him look scared. He's tough as balls otherwise.

"We should go ask," Asher suggests, a protective arm wrapped around Aria who looks as tired and overwhelmed as Melanie. "Come on. Waiting room isn't too far from here."

Asher leads the way as all of us fall into our own chatter. The guys ask me questions and even though I'm not up for any of them, I answer. I mean, I owe it to them. They've stuck by my side no matter how much I pushed them away and if there was ever a time to stop, it's now.

When I feel my shirt being lifted up from the back, I jolt and look over my shoulder, shoving Cam away as he tries to peer underneath. "What are you doing?"

"How do we know you're really talking?" He fires back. "What if there's wires or something in you and someone's talking for you?"

I blink at him. Is he fucking serious? "Because that's more believable than me talking?"

"As a matter of fact it is." He scratches his jaw in thought before snapping his fingers. "I got it. Say 'she sells seashells by the seashore' five times fast. That's bound to glitch the wires."

"There aren't any wires," I grumble in exasperation. "And I'm not fuckin' saying that."

"See?" Cameron looks around at everyone expectantly. "Robot. Just like I thought."

"Please shut up," Jaxon mumbles, rubbing his forehead in exhaustion.

It goes quiet for another moment but that's obviously too good to be true. Cameron clears his throat. "So, do you have a pet kangaroo?"

"Cameron!" Everyone bursts at the same time.

"He's Scottish!"

"Australian," We call back collectively. I groan and rub a hand over my face. No matter how much I prepared for this moment I'm still not ready.

"I have an actual question," Nate interrupts and shoves Cam away. Cameron puts his hands up in surrender but I swear he's still trying to peek under my shirt. "Asher didn't look surprised when you talked."

"He knew. So did Coach."

Everyone becomes grim at the mention and Emily wraps her arms around her torso almost protectively. I feel my brows close in on each other. Is she pregnant?

"Was my dad really in New York for business?" She asks.

Hell. There's no way I can lie to her. It's my fault Coach is in this position to begin with. So when we get to the waiting room and everyone takes their seats, I tell them everything. From start to finish. I have to look down the entire time and Melanie's hand holds mine tightly but I do it. I tell them everything they didn't know about me and for the first time since I've met them, I'm no longer a stranger to them.

"Christ, Emerson," Jax mumbles. "Really fucking sorry to hear that, man."

"And this Kane asshole?" Avery asks with a frown. "Is he dead?"

I nod in confirmation and try not to smile at how obviously pleased she looks.

"I'm sorry about your parents," Cameron adds with a seriousness I rarely see from him. His smile doesn't really look like a smile. "Doesn't get easier but bearable, I think."

I tip my chin in acknowledgment. His knowing eyes shift to Melanie and he watches her for a few beats. "You and I have a lot in common, don't we?"

Melanie jerks in her seat at the mention and looks over to me in alarm. I offer a shrug because I really don't know what to say. Can Cameron really tell that she's been sexually abused? I always wondered if he could recognize her pain since he went through the same thing. When I look at him again, his face is solemn.

"Same for you, beautiful." He tells her softly. "Doesn't get easier but bearable. You're tough as balls about it too."

"Thanks," She whispers and swallows hard. "I, um, I know I'm really private about myself with you guys. I apologize. I'm just...used to being alone. Losing your parents and little sister will do that to you."

There's a collective intake of air from everyone in the room. Jesus, the grief surrounding us is suffocating. It's safe to say life has kicked all of our asses a time or two.

"I lost my little brother," Jaxon tells her, newfound respect in his eyes as he stares at her. "When I tell you I'm sorry, know that I mean that. That I understand."

"I know," She nods at him in thanks.

"You all should be proud of yourselves," Greta tells us in a hoarse voice. There's tears gathering in her eyes. "These past few years I've watched all of you turn your lives around no matter how difficult it was. Each and every one of you fought hard to be here today. Greg and I...we're so proud of you. Every day."

"Mom," Delilah whispers and leans her head on her shoulder. "We love you. But do you have to make it sound so morbid?"

Everyone laughs just as a nurse enters the waiting area. She stops and looks around with a hard glare.

"Excuse me, there's too many people here. Some of you will have to le—" She pauses just as her eyes grow wide with realization. "Oh my. You're all, uh, from Fighter's Den. The boxers."

"We're here for our Coach. Greg Resnick," Asher explains.

"My father," Emily adds and gets to her feet. "Please, can I see him?"

"Yes, of course. But only two persons at a time. He's not awake yet."

"Thank you," Jaxon tells her and the nurse leads them away.

I blow out a relieved breath, rubbing a hand over my face. He's okay. He's really okay. I look over at Mel. "Do you think he'll wake up soon?"

"I hope so," She kisses my cheek. "Want to me grab you anything? Snacks? Water?"

"I'm okay," I pull her into my side, arms wrapping around her. "Just need you."

"Pussy," She teases and pokes me in the side. I shake my head at her.

As we wait for Jaxon and Emily, something weird starts happening. Nurses, and I mean a whole fucking bunch of them, pass by the waiting room in little groups. They whisper and stare and giggle. I look around and notice equally gawking expressions coming from the men sitting down.

"Is it just me, or have we been getting noticed a lot more lately?" Nate asks blandly.

"It makes sense," Delilah offers, looking around and burrowing deeper into Nate. "You guys are practically dominating the boxing industry. Every match has at least one of you fighting. We rarely see a fight without a Fighter's Den boxer on television these days."

"You guys are practically celebrities," Avery waves a hand. "Don't look so surprised. We can never go anywhere without you guys being recognized anymore."

"Kind of annoying," Asher grumbles. "That's why I'm living where there's no one around. Our new house has acres of land surrounding it, right Princess?"

Aria nods. "You guys should look into investing in free land and getting your own houses built if you want privacy." Then she snorts as she leans back in her seats. "It's not like you can't afford it. You're all loaded."

"That sounds pretty nice," I admit thoughtfully. I look down at Melanie. "What do you think?"

Her eyes widen. "You want to buy a house with me?"

"Why not? We've been living together for months and I wouldn't mind moving out to some place quieter. That's more my scene anyways."

"Kind of a big step, big guy."

"Yeah," I agree. "Because it's with you. I'll take all those steps."

"You guys are so cute," Avery grins. "I always knew Wolfe would be a total softie."

I can feel my cheeks warm from her accurate observation and clear my throat.

"Excuse me," A nurse calls as she comes up to us. Her face is flushed and she smiles wide, holding out a notepad. "Uh, could I get your autograph?"

"Whose?" Cameron asks.

"All of yours," She giggles some more. "I can't believe all the Fighter's Den boxers are here together. This is amazing. My boyfriend is a huge fan and he would go crazy if he could see this."

"Sure thing," Cameron takes the notepad and pen from her before scribbling his signature and passing it on to Nate. It circles around to Asher who then passes it to me and I had back to the nurse once I've signed it. Apparently this opens an invitation because suddenly we're flanked by everyone in the waiting room, more papers shoved in our faces along with phones as people try to grab selfies. Fuck, I really hate this part.

"Could you sign here, handsome?" A woman coos at me, gesturing to the top of her cleavage. Instantly I'm beyond uncomfortable. I shake my head and offer an apologetic shrug of my shoulders but she pouts, leaning forward and putting a finger on my chest. "You sure? I bet your name on me would look so hot."

"Back off, twat." Melanie scowls. "Shove your boobs in my man's face one more time and I shove my fist in your face. No means fucking no."

Melanie puts her boot on the woman's thigh and pushes her back forcefully. The woman yelps and lands on the chair beside Avery, who moves her legs out of the way and raises a brow at her. "Oops. Should I have caught you?"

The woman scoffs and makes a show of stomping away, pushing through the crowd. Melanie glares after her retreating back.

"Suckiest part of this lifestyle is the whores never stop," Avery tells her apologetically. "You're going to have to get used to being scrappy."

"Fine by me," Melanie mutters.

I take her hand and pull her into my lap, winding my arms around her and speaking softly into her ear. "I'm sorry that happened. You know I would never touch another woman, right? You're all I want."

"I know," She kisses me gently before pulling away. "Besides, you know I can fight. I'll enjoy kicking occasional ass."

"And I'll enjoy watching," I smile, pushing her hair back from her face.

"Woah," Nate suddenly gets to his feet. We follow his line of sight to where reporters are heading our way with microphones and cameras. "Shit. Somebody tipped them off."

"Excuse me!" The report who gets to us first calls. "Is it true that former boxer Greg Resnick was shot? Was he some place he shouldn't have been?"

"What was he doing that put him in such a dangerous position?" Another reporter asks. She gestures for the camera man to stay on us.

"No comment," Asher immediately barks. "This is private family matter. Go home."

"What is Greg Resnick involved in? Is he risking his life along with the lives of his students. Is he fit to be a coach anymore?"

"Can we get some elaboration?"

"Move out of the way!" Jaxon demands, appearing out of nowhere. All the cameras swing on him and his scowling face. "He's fighting for his life in there. Either back the fuck off or get sued for invasion of privacy and harassment. You have ten seconds to get the hell out of my face."

There's a sudden hush as everyone takes a few steps back but it's clear they're not leaving anytime soon. Jaxon glowers and waves a hand at us. "Come on. I told the nurse we'll all have to wait in Coach's room because of the ruckus."

"I'll call Sebastian and the team to keep these guys away," Nate adds as he retrieves his phone.

We follow Jaxon down the hall and duck away from the flashing lights and shouts. As much as I love boxing I could really do without this part of the life. I hate cameras and it's taking my all to not break into a panic right now. I feel Mel's hand squeeze mine and hold onto it because I'll fall apart if I don't.

We all breathe a collective sigh of relief when we're inside Coach's room, locking the door and shutting the blinds for privacy.

"They won't go away, huh?" Emily observes.

But no one answers her question. All of us stare at Coach is a moment of disbelief. It's hard to see him this way, hooked to multiple tubes and wires. He looks weak. I've never seen him like this before and a boulder builds in my throat. I walk up to the bed, setting my arm on his forearm and squeezing it. There's no response, just deep breaths he released into his breathing mask.

"I'm sorry Coach," I apologize hoarsely. "God, I'm so fucking sorry."

"Don't be," Emily reaches over to rub my arm. She manages a smile despite her tear-stricken face. "He did it because he loves you. If he could, he'd save your life all over again."

I know he would. And it makes it that much worse that he's not awake, and that I can't thank him.

__________________________

A/N

Wowowowow, boatloads of information in this chapter! I think it's safe to say we're most worried about Coach!

But what did you think of Wolfe finally speaking to everyone else? Did you enjoy seeing the whole gang together? As we wind down to the end of the series (oh my god that hurts to say) I figured more scenes like this are needed to remember these characters by!

Please VOTE, comment and share if you liked this chapter!

Happy Reading :)