Page 409 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

Early night is moving in.

‘You two go do a sweep,’ Riley says, so clearly a dismissal that Kade can’t help feeling hurt by it. ‘I need to talk to the boys.’

‘Fine.’

Not like there isn’t plenty to do and check on.

Kade and Lachlan leave the Watch together.

‘How are your ribs?’

‘They’re OK.’

‘You sure?’

Kade glances at him as they walk. ‘No folding today.’

It reminds him of Luca.

God, he hopes he’s safe inside Medical.

‘Excellent.’

‘How do you feel?’

‘I’m good.’

Outside Kade’s room on the fifth floor, they stop.

‘Let me see it.’

Lachlan sighs but pulls down the neck of his shirt anyway.

‘Still a one.’

He’s right. It is.

But the ink…

‘It’s spreading, like it’s… bleeding.’

‘I feel fine, baby. Don’t worry.’

Kade swallows and nods. ‘Lee will kill the Knot body and end this. It… it doesn’t need to be you, and it was basically your idea anyway, so I know it’ll count.’

‘It’ll count.’

‘Roman came back,’ Kade whispers. ‘If you die, there has to be a way.’

‘Don’t talk like that. I’m here now. We have to keep you and Riley safe. He’s doing the smart thing by staying up there anyway.’

‘I’m worried about him.’

‘Worry about yourself.’

‘He’s my brother.’

‘So trust him to take care of himself.’