Thirty Eight

Avery is dragged to an empty room by Mike and Meredith, who tuck her in and stay for a few minutes until she falls asleep.

"I really don't like this," Meredith murmurs, and Mike nods silently, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"I'll ring York and tell him he'll have to take her home tomorrow, I can't watch her go to Lancaster's pack and be on her own like this," Mike whispers to Meredith, kissing her hair silently.

They watch over Avery for a few more minutes, the atmosphere in the room heavy.

When they eventually leave, they close the door quietly.

Meredith runs a hand through her dark hair in worry and sighs reluctantly.

"If you tell York, I'll go and get her bags from Roman's room?" She suggests, and Mike nods firmly.

"If he goes near you, scream," he scowls, hugging his mate before they depart.

Meredith walks slowly to where Avery stayed, her journey feeling like a death march.

She knows fully well that Avery's misery isn't entirely down to Roman, but she also knows that a part o