Page 57 of Spike

I settled for sitting on the edge of his bed instead.

"Hey," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rush of emotions flooding through me. "How are you feeling?"

"Better now that you're here," Spike replied, his voice still laced with pain but also relief.

I reached out to gently touch his uninjured hand, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine.

"I was so worried," I admitted, unable to hide the concern in my voice.

Spike squeezed my hand reassuringly.

"I'm okay, Gray. It's gonna take more than a little fire to keep me down," he said with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood.

I managed a small chuckle, grateful for his attempt at humor.

"Stubborn as always," I teased back, feeling genuinely relieved now that I knew he was safe.

Nitro, who had been observing our interaction silently, finally spoke up.

"You guys done with the mushy stuff? I'm starving," he joked. “Hand over that plate, Gray.”

I handed him a plate containing a ham and cheese sandwich. “I’m glad you’re alright too, Nitro,” I said.

I noticed that his mate, Tommy, was asleep on the armchair next to his bed and decided to lower my voice.

“What happened?” I whispered to Spike, and he told me everything that went down in Blue Vale Valley.

At first, I was too shocked to say anything after Spike finished speaking. Then it struck me.

I had really been this close to losing Spike. Tears spilled down my cheeks, and I couldn't seem to stop them.

"Hey, we're okay," Spike reminded me, reaching out with his good hand to wipe them away.

I wiped the rest of my tears away, feeling a bit embarrassed for letting my emotions get the best of me.

"Sorry for getting so emotional," I muttered, feeling a bit foolish.

Spike shook his head, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"I like that you care, Gray," he said.

"Of course, silly," I replied, managing a weak smile. But my heart was still racing with worry.

Just then, I noticed Venom approaching us. Bash and Colin had just exited the clinic.

Anger surged within me. I couldn't help it—I jumped up from Spike's bed and turned to face Venom.

"Why would you send Spike and Nitro into such a dangerous situation?" I demanded.

Spike got out of bed, limped towards me and put a comforting hand on my shoulder as I fumed with frustration.

"Hey, Gray, calm down," he said gently. "Nitro and I volunteered for this."

His words brought a sense of reassurance, but my worry didn't dissipate entirely.

"But it was so dangerous," I protested.

"I know, I know," Spike replied, his voice soft. "But in the end, it was worth it. We not only found out what was going on in Olaf's pack, but we also uncovered Jack's secret weapon."

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