I’m in one of the Kent hospitals.Again.
If they have frequent flyer miles or some shit, I need to sign up.
I close my eyes. The events from the catacombs replay in my mind, the images and sensations as fresh as if they just happened. My utter despair at the thought of Xavier dying. The anger that catapulted me forward to kill his father.
I took Edward’s life. No matter how justified it was, the reality is harsh and unyielding. Death is permanent.
But so is my love for Xavier.
I’d do anything for him, including giving him the one thing I thought I could never part with—my heart. Okay, well, technically,hegavememy heart. But Xavier’s the first and only man that I’m in love with.
He has faced darkness for us, and now, I’ve done the same. Whatever stains he has on his soul, I have them too. And if protecting him means stepping into the shadows, the areas of morally grey, then that’s where I’m meant to be.
A knock on the door snatches me from my internal musings. Raven and June walk into my room, their gazes widening when they land on me. I must look like shit.
“Oh, God.” June rushes to my side. “Are you okay? You look terrible.”
Confirmation. “Thanks.”
“She’s not wrong,” Raven says with a wink.
I smile back. “Rude.”
June’s eyes fill with concern as she takes my hand. “Declan told me a little bit about what happened.” She glances at Raven, giving me a pointed look indicating our need for secrecy. “I can’t believe Xavier’s father tried to get Xavier to break up with you.”
“What I can’t believe is that he had a stroke and died like that.” Raven snaps her fingers. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you voodooed his ass.”
I shake my head. “That was some old-fashioned divine intervention.”
“Good riddance.”
“You have no idea,” I say.
“How are you feeling?” June gives my hand a squeeze before releasing me to sit in a nearby chair. “What did the doctor say?”
I lift my index finger. “I’m not allowed to leave this room.” I lift another. “I’m not allowed to leave this floor.” I lift a third finger. “I’m not allowed to leave this hospital. I don’t know him personally, but the surgeon is still upset with me for leaving with Declan to find Xavier.”
“Where is X?” Raven asks. “I thought he’d be here with you.”
June and I share a look that speaks volumes. The Order is unpredictable, and Xavier and Benjamin’s safety isn’t a guarantee.
“He had to go take care of something,” I say. “He’ll be back later.”
“Well, it sucks he’s not here, but I’m glad we get some time alone with you.” Raven winks and plops down onto the empty chair beside June. “You can tell us everything.”
“There’s not much to tell,” I say. “I woke up and was told the surgery was a success. After that, I was brought here and have been sleeping on and off.”
Raven nods. “Dude, I still can’t believe you needed a heart transplant. Ever since you hooked up with X, your life has been a series of unfortunate events.”
I roll my eyes. “It was a pre-existing medical condition that was undiagnosed.”
“I mean, it’s not your fault,” she says quickly. “It’s just like a comedy, only instead of laughs, there’s medical issues.”
“Well, let’s not talk about it,” June interjects. “Will you be healed by the time school starts up again in January?”
“I hope so.”
“What the hell am I supposed to do without you two around?” Raven asks. “You’ll be here or in X’s room, and June will be with Declan. Worst winter break ever.”
