Most of your pack, I think, keeping it to myself. But Ethan reads me like a book, squeezing my hand.
“Max, you saved his life. I think it’s safe to say he’ll be more than happy to let you move in,” Ethan says like I’m being ridiculous.
“I think Bram may be the one exception when it comes to a life debt,” I say, and Ethan shakes his head.
“Max, stop being such a drama queen,” my mother says. “He’s always been like this, you know? The one time I took his Gameboy away, he packed up his whole room and said he was running away. I said go right on ahead, see how long you last. He snuck back in during the middle of the night. I caught him in the pantry eating stale crackers later that night. Didn’t even last a damn day.”
“Mom,” I complain.
“What? It’s the truth. Don’t even get me started on the time he had his first crush. Oh my God, he made this?—”
“Mom.” I raise my voice, and she sighs, waving me off.
“Fine, ruin my fun. I’ll give you all some time together. I’m staying with Owen if you all need anything.”
My mom pets my cheek before giving both Sloane and Ethan a hug before leaving. Both of them look tired and worn out, but at least they’re here. At least they’re safe.
“Was there anyone else in the accident?” I ask.
Ethan shakes his head. “No one else was significantly hurt on the bridge.”
“Good,” I reply. “So I guess our next therapy session is delayed.”
Sloane scrubs her face. “Yeah, I’d say that’s on the back burner for now.”
I slept at Bram’s house last night so that all of us could go to the hospital and see Bram today.
I’m a million more times conscious about my driving. It’s clear Sloane and Ethan feel the same way. We’re all dead silent the entire drive.
Before we even turn the hallway, we can hear Bram complaining.
“When can I leave?” his gruff voice says, and as soon as Sloane hears it, she’s racing around the corner into his room. Ethan and I quickly follow her; I don’t want her out of my sight, even for a moment.
As soon as we enter, Sloane is clinging to the Alpha as he pets her hair and consoles her.
The side of his face and nose is bruised. He’s holding back a wince as Sloane leans against his side.
“I’m okay,liefje.”
“You’re not okay,” she says through tears.
Bram turns to his nurse and sighs. “Can you ask the doctor to come by and explain my condition to my pack?” he asks.
The nurse nods and sighs. I imagine Bram hasn’t been the best patient.
“When can you leave? What care do you need?” Sloane asks.
“The doctor will tell you everything. I’m okay. I promise.”
Sloane is touching all over his face, and he winces when she touches a certain spot on his hairline.
“What’s wrong? Does it hurt?”
“It’s mild, Sloane. I’ve had worse on the ice.”
“What do you mean? You have a fucking brain injury?” she says, a little louder than her usual voice, and Bram winces. “Sorry,” she apologizes quickly.
“It’s okay. I’m okay,” he says, kissing her wrist and glancing back at Ethan. He holds out an arm and hugs the Beta who doesn’t really say much. I wonder if Ethan is shaken up from the accident because he usually has some quip rolling off the tongue.
