Page 7 of Carver’s Crusade

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave Raven unprotected,” Babe says. “If this asshole attacked her, he may want to come back and finish the job.”

“I can stand guard tonight,” I offer. “I’m sure Athena will feel better if she knows her friend has protection.”

“That’s a good idea,” Shield says.

We stand when Ranch and Athena return to the waiting room.

“How is she?” Min asks.

“She’s awake, although a little out of it. She said she doesn’t remember what happened.”

“I need to question her, but it can wait until the morning,” Shield says. “In the meantime, we think one of us should stand guard for the night, just to be safe. Carver’s offered.”

Ranch clasps me on the shoulder, while Athena hugs me. “Thanks, man. I know Athena would feel better knowing Raven has someone watching over her.”

“I’ll introduce you,” Athena offers, leading the way back down the hall. She knocks on a door before pushing it open. “Hi, it’s me again. I just wanted to introduce Carver to Raven. He’s offered to stand guard over her to keep her safe.”

“This is against hospital regulations, but I know better than to argue,” Tally says, opening the door wider. “Come in and introduce yourself, but then you have to stay outside until Sade and Karl leave.”

I step inside and stop. The woman in the bed has a bruise on her cheek and ugly purple bruising around her throat, but she’s the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen.

CHAPTER 4: RAVEN

White light burns through my eyelids. I groan and try to turn my head, but even that feels like dragging my body through wet cement. The steady beep of a monitor cuts through the fog, grounding me in a place I don’t want to be. Shit, I’m in the hospital. How? Why?

“Raven?”

My eyes crack open. I recognize the woman standing over me. She’s Caitlin’s sister, Tally. She’s also a doctor.

“How are you feeling?” Tally asks.

“What happened?” I mumble. “Where am I?’

“You’re in Alvaredo Hospital. I’m Dr. Chambers; we’ve met before, but I don’t know if you remember me. Min found you unconscious behind the dojo and called for an ambulance. You were still unconscious when you arrived. You look like you took a beating. Someone punched and choked you. The good news is that you don’t have any broken bones, but your throat is going to hurt for a few days. It will likely feel like you gargled with glass. I’ve given you something for the pain. You need rest, but you have a few people who would like to see you. Are you up for it?”

I nod.

Tally leaves the room. I don’t know how long I’ll have before she’s back, so I need to come up with a story quickly. By the time the door opens, I’m ready. However, my heart sinks when I see Athena. She’s trained to recognize lies. Damn.

“What happened?” my mother asks immediately, already reaching for my hand. “Do you remember anything? They said you were found unconscious—”

I blink slowly, letting confusion settle over my features. This isn’t hard, considering my head is pounding like a war drum. Her question causes a flash of memory. The taser slipping and Tony’s hands around my throat. I shudder as I shove the memories down.

“I… don’t know,” I rasp. My voice sounds wrecked, which helps. “I was taking a walk. I think.” I swallow, wincing. “Next thing I remember is waking up here.” I let my gaze drift, like I’m trying to piece it together. “Tally said someone hurt me.”

“Min found you unconscious behind the dojo,” Athena says, brushing my hair from my face. “Do you know who attacked you?”

“I don’t remember,” I whisper again, letting my eyes slip closed like it’s all too much. I hate lying to my mom and my friend, but it’s my only option. They can’t know what I’m doing. No one should know.

“Maybe you’ll remember more after you sleep,” Athena says. “I’ll leave. Your dad wants to see you, but he let me come in first.” Athena leans forward and kisses my forehead. “I’ll come by tomorrow.”

My father comes in, and I go through the questions again. What I really want is for everyone to leave so I can get some sleep. However, before I can express my needs, there is a knock on the door. Tally steps over to answer it. I hear Athena’s voice.

“Hi, it’s me again. I just wanted to introduce Carver to Raven. He’s offered to stand guard over her to keep her safe.”

“This is against hospital regulations, but I know better than to argue,” Tally says, opening the door wider. “Come in and introduce yourself, but then you have to stay outside until Sade and Karl leave.”

“I don’t need a guard,” I protest.