It was around four when Kimi and Katherine arrived at Inova. As they stepped into the ward, Katherine met Seven’s gaze. In that moment, her father’s words echoed in her mind: Seven isn’t your biological brother.

  A wave of guilt and unease surged through her, and she stammered, “B–Brother.”

  Since the previous evening, Seven hadn’t heard a peep from Katherine. His chest coiled with unease, wondering if she would still see him as family. But her greeting, hesitant yet sincere, sliced through the tension like sunlight breaking through clouds. Relief washed over him.

  “Sis, you’re here.”

  Without a second thought, she released Kimi’s hand and rushed straight into Seven’s arms. The 6’5” elite soldier stood like an immovable pillar as she collided with him. His embrace wrapped around her, solid and reassuring, as he murmured against her hair, “K, I’ll always be your brother.”

  She shuddered in his hold, tears welling until they streamed down her cheeks. “I… I’m sorry for what Dad made you go through for me. I—”

  “Shh… don’t cry,” Seven soothed, patting her back in slow, grounding strokes. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. Dad taught me lessons that shaped who I am. I’m grateful for him, Mom, and you. Otherwise, I’d never have understood what it means to be family.”

  The tender moment stirred warmth in every heart present. But for Kimi, a flicker of jealousy slipped through. “Katherine, I get that Seven's your brother, but I’m about to turn into a green-eyed monster watching you hug him like that.”

  At Kimi’s remark, Seven released her, protective instincts sharpening as his eyes fixed on Kimi. “I heard from Kasra that you’re dating my sister now. As her only kin, I want you to understand something: she’s intelligent, capable, and more resilient than most. But if you ever hurt her, even if you’re Sana’s brother, I won’t hesitate to act. Just so you know, I’ve killed twice as many as I’ve healed.”

  The weight of his warning hung heavy in the air, rendering Kimi momentarily speechless.

  Katherine, sensing the shift, jumped in with her quick wit. “Bruh, relax. I’m the one cracking the whip in this relationship. I’m a cop; I’ll kick his ass to the curb if he ever steps out of line.”

  Kimi met Seven’s intense stare with sincerity. “Seven, I went with Katherine this afternoon to pay my respects to your parents. I promised them I’d cherish, protect, and love her for as long as she’ll have me. If I ever mess up, trust me, you won’t be the first in line to hold me accountable. My parents are already in her corner.”

  Seven absorbed the oath, the tautness easing from his shoulders. Kimi had honored his parents, and Sadra and Ami had pledged their support for Katherine.

  “Earlier, I told your brother that Kate would be lucky to join your family someday. I’m a decent judge of character, so I hope you won’t prove me wrong.”

  Kimi leaned forward, extending his hand. “I know it’s just the beginning, but time will tell,” he murmured with quiet conviction.

  Seven returned the handshake with a grip that could bend steel.

  Kimi froze, a flicker of intimidation crossing his face before he mustered a smile and lightened the mood. “Seven, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but it’s incredible: Sana encountered life-threatening situations twice, and you were right there to save her both times,” Kimi said, awe threaded into his words. “She must have saved the galaxy in a past life to deserve that kind of luck in this one.”

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  Seven’s reply was calm yet profound. “Kimi, if we entertain the idea of past lives, have you ever considered that maybe Sana was the one who saved me back then? And perhaps this life is my chance to repay her.”

  His point silenced everyone for a moment.

  Sana cleared her throat softly and ventured, “Seven, d-do you really believe that?”

  A mesmeric smile curved Seven’s lips. “Sana… whether it’s karmic debts or blind chance, fate seems to have woven us together. But know this: your health, your safety, your happiness—they matter to me more than anything.”

  Her heart thudded wildly, and to mask her fluster, Sana straightened and lifted her little finger in mock bravado. “Pinky promise?”

  Laughter rippled through the room at her childish challenge. Seven shook his head in disbelief. “Are you three years old?”

  Feigning indignation, Sana scrunched her nose, lips curling into an exaggerated pout. “Hmph! Were you just playing me for a fool?”

  Seven leaned in, drawn to the woman who had unknowingly claimed his heart. He extended his pinky, entwining it with hers in a gentle bind.

  “I’ll never lie to you, Sana.”

  Just as the promise rang out, Sana’s features crinkled in discomfort. She pressed a palm to her stomach, the change instant and sharp. Seven caught it immediately.

  “You okay?”

  Sana wavered, not wanting to admit it was just a stomachache, but her silence betrayed her.

  Sensing her distress, Seven slipped seamlessly into caregiver mode. “You haven’t had a bowel movement. Is it time?”

  Her head dipped, mortification written all over her face. Without missing a beat, Seven turned to the others. “I think Sana needs some privacy. Why don’t you guys grab some coffee and come back in an hour?”

  Kasra nodded, reading the situation. “No problem. Data Dynamics is just down the road; we’ll visit Mom there.”

  Turning back to Sana, he added, “Take it easy, Princess. We’ll check back later, okay?”

  She dipped her head slightly, watching her brothers, Lara, and Katherine file out.

  Seven drew the curtains around the bed, his manner gentle yet clinical. “When I remove the catheter, there might be some discomfort. For some patients, it’s mild; for others, it can be quite painful. It usually lasts five to ten minutes. Unfortunately, Esme left an hour ago, so—”

  Sana’s flush deepened as she stammered, “I… I know. I’m just… embarrassed.”

  His tone softened. “Don’t be. Do you want me to remove it, or should I get a nurse?”

  She shook her head. “No need… You can do it.”

  Seven worked with practiced precision, and to her surprise, the ordeal was painless.

  Wow! I didn’t feel a thing! He sure knows what he’s doing!

  At her stunned look, Seven frowned slightly. “Are you alright? Does it hurt?”

  Sana batted her lashes, admiration slipping into her voice. “No, not at all. I thought it would, but it didn’t. You’ve got mad skills.”

  He smirked. “First time I’ve ever been praised for catheter removal.”

  As they headed to the bathroom, he explained, “The chair’s waterproof, so don’t worry about accidents; I’ll clean up after. You’re good to go; I’ve already adjusted your gown. I’ll close the door for privacy. Just holler when you’re done.”

  Twenty minutes later, a flush sounded, followed by her tentative yet relieved call. “Seven, I’m done. You can come in now.”

  He knocked before stepping inside. “Did you clean yourself, or do you need my help?”

  Sana’s cheeks heated. “I… I wiped, but I’m not sure I got everything,” she mumbled sheepishly.

  Seven crouched to her eye level and said, “That’s okay. I’ll remove the cannula, and then you can shower.”

  At the thought of being able to shower, her embarrassment melted into excitement. Within minutes, she was singing under the spray, her bubbly spirit returning. Seven found himself smiling, captivated by her effervescent charm.

  Afterward, he toweled her off and helped her into a fresh gown before wheeling her to the vanity. He moved with almost reverent care as he blow-dried her hair, as if sculpting something priceless.

  Once she was settled back in bed, he drew the curtains and changed her dressings. When he finished, he glanced at her to find her fast asleep, lashes resting like silken fans against her cheeks.

  Seven lingered for a moment, tenderness softening his rugged mien. He’d been about to ask what she wanted for dinner, but that question would have to wait. As long as it isn’t disgusting oatmeal, he thought with a quiet grin