Page 107 of The Monster I Am
Tai grimaces. “But it’s Rylan—”
“He doesn’t care. If he sees an opportunity, he will take it. You know Bexley won’t see reason. If she finds out Ry was hurt, she’ll ditch class.”
“Ask Archer to help. Hell, I’ll get Soph to do it. She’ll pin Bex down.”
I chuckle. “Yes, but do you honestly believe your sister will be on your side?”
Tai rolls his eyes. “Fair point. She’s been texting just as much as Bex has. Honestly, the death threats were a bit overkill.”
“Thank goodness I’m an only child.”
“It’s nearly the end of day,” Tai comments, checking the time on his phone. “Be prepared for them to ramp up their efforts.”
I nod once. “You turned our locations off?”
“Yep. We won’t have much time though. Soph will hunt me down. Probably send Calvin out on sniffer duty or lure me out of hiding by making a sneaker sacrifice.”
We finish our coffees, which is the extent of my patience, before heading back toward Ry’s hospital room. Hostility wafts from the medical staff as we pass, them probably already sensing that I’m about to become their worst nightmare until they surrender and give me answers.
I’m not asking for much. Basic information on our friend’s condition. Do I care that I’m technically not immediate family? No. But let’s be honest here—Max isn’t planning on making an appearance. After all, it’sjusta concussion. Maybe once Ry is given the all-clear to be discharged, the beloved Mayor might show his face for a few minutes for one minor sympathy performance.
Ridgeview Valley residents don’t care. There’s a swing coming unless Max can pull off a miracle.
I spot the doctor attempting to scurry down the hallway once he catches sight of us, and I quicken my pace. Tai does the same, and we’re on the poor guy in seconds.
“Update,” I demand, stepping around him to block his exit.
The doctor sighs, taking a quick glance down at a file in his hand. “No major change from Mr. Astor’s earlier CT.”
“So, there’s still swelling?” Tai asks abruptly.
“Yes,” the doctor confirms, looking around for a distraction. “But no new swelling, which is what we wanted to see. Now, if you’ll excuse me—”
He practically barrels me out of the way, but I’m already pivoting in the opposite direction. Behind me, Tai’s phone starts ringing right on cue and he curses out loud.
I chuckle to myself, ducking into Rylan’s room. He’s sitting up when I stroll in, oddly cheery while eating red Jello.
“Good news,” I say, taking a seat beside him. “Youdohave a brain. I know—it’s one hell of a surprise.”
Ry smirks, cocking an eyebrow while still focused on the snack. “Jealous? I heard you’re still searching for yours.”
“I think I left it in Bexley’s ass.”
No sooner have the words slipped out have I realized my mistake.
Fuck.
“Where is she?” He asks immediately, finally ignoring the jiggling cup and looking over at me for an answer.
“The academy,” I answer nonchalantly, hoping he drops it.
Rylan goes still, for way too many seconds. For a moment, I’m actually worried something is medically wrong and whether I should rip the emergency cord out of the wall to bring the doctor back. But then he relaxes slightly, giving a curt nod.
“Exams are next week,” he murmurs, sounding disappointed. “Tell them I need to get out of here ASAP.”
I roll my eyes at the impatience. “You’ll be discharged when you’re fit enough.”
The light patter of footsteps sound behind me and I don’t bother turning, already knowing who it is. But when Tai doesn’tenter, I swing my head to find him poised in the doorway, face a strange mixture of blank emotionandhorror.
