Page 226 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘You and Riley have what I’ve personally named Reciprocal Somatic Coupling, or RSC. I don’t know what, if anything, Lachlan’s blood did to heal either of you, but Riley has an atypical physiology and a complex endocrine system.’ Noah’s frown makes three deep lines in his brow. ‘Introducing blood with unknown, potentially regenerative properties into Riley’s highly maladaptive system was an enormous risk and I remain unhappy about it.’

Kade blinks, astonished by the amount of information delivered in less than twenty seconds. ‘You know about the Death Knot?’

‘I could shock you with what I saw working downtown before I came here, never mind the stories whispered through medical school about the super-rich and their procedures,’ Noah says with a faint smile. ‘And I’ve known Riley a long time. Caring for him has required me to study things conventional medicine prefers to dismiss.’

Kade wouldn’t ask like what in a million years.

Riley is one of the most private people he knows.

‘So, you don’t think Lachlan’s blood helped?’

‘I prefer to know rather than think, but I would never have risked it.’

‘Because it was to save me, not him?’

‘Yes,’ Noah answers honestly. ‘Riley is the boss, after all.’

‘Could it help Luca?’

‘That would have to be his choice and at this stage, I certainly don’t know enough to recommend it.’

‘Do you know what I am?’

Noah adjusts Luca’s cannula.

‘I’m afraid you’ll have to be a little more specific. A doctor who studies your blood knows all manner of things you might not.’

He probably knows Kade and Riley are brothers.

‘The… not human stuff.’

‘Yes. You and Riley aren’t the only ones.’

‘But you know what I am?’

‘I’ve never seen your blood type before.’

Kade gives up for now.

He stares at Luca.

Lucozade and Motorkade.

The monitor continues its soft, indifferent rhythm.

‘OK, well. I’m gonna do everything inhumanly possible to help him.’

‘So long as Luca wants that.’

Kade gets up to leave. ‘Fair enough.’

✴

The Tower requires maintenance and life doesn’t stop just because Enforcers are out for the count, or missing a hand, or dead. It didn’t stop after Lachlan killed eighteen of their members. It didn’t stop when Kade and Riley were shot. It won’t stop even if Kade dies.

It’ll just be someone else making these rounds.

Defences need checking.