(Music recommendation: Glasgow Love Theme by Craig Armstrong.)
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Gilbert didn't need to examine her closely to know there was no treating damage like this, not without a wolf's healing to draw on to close those gaping holes in her stomach, but he still dropped to his knees beside her, taking the hand she reached out toward him.
"I'm sorry..." Gilbert said quietly. "I'm so sorry."
Zoe smiled at him through more tears, knowing what he was apologizing for. "It's okay... no apologies needed. We...were never meant to be, and... I'm sorry, for pushing myself on you..." With those words came a fresh wave of blood from her mouth, choking off whatever else she might have said.
