Page 208 of Brutal Savage

TYNAN

It takes me a moment to realize where I am. The smell—like disinfectant. The lights blaring in my eyes from above.

The hospital.

I groan, trying to sit up, but throbbing pain in my abdomen causes me to lie back down.

“Elara,” I call for her, yet as my eyes adjust to the room and I look around, I find myself alone.

The memories hit me then. Her fucking grandma. That bitch stabbed me.

I grab the call button, pressing it five times, needing to see Elara desperately.

A nurse walks in. “Mr. Quinn, we’re so happy to see you up.”

“My wife. My son. I need to see them. Now.”

Her eyes expand at my harsh tone.

I’ve got no time for pleasantries. I want my family here.

“Alright, not to worry. I will go get them for you.”

She rushes out, and I stare at the ceiling, wondering if Elara will be the one in the hospital next. It could’ve easily been her. It could happen at any time.

How the hell do I reconcile these feelings? The fear for her safety, the love for her that I can no longer deny.

Is it wrong to tell her now? Do I wait until I’m home? What if I don’t make it home? What if I die here?

The door flies open, and Brody is there, his eyes stricken with tears. Elara is behind him, her gaze bloodshot.

I love you.

The instant thought hits me so hard, my breaths still.

Brody rushes to me, and I sit up, fighting the pain just as he crawls up on the bed, pressing his head to my shoulder and crying against me.

Elara appears beside him, her tears falling freely.

“Tynan…” The rest of her words die in her throat.

“I know.” My voice is croaky, and I hate it. “I’m alright now.” I take her hand and kiss the top of it. “Never gonna leave you.”

“Pl—”

That voice…

It wasn’t hers. And it wasn’t mine.

Was I imagining it?

But one look into Elara’s widened eyes, and I know it was real.

“Brody?” I tilt his chin up. “Did you say something?”

Elara stays in place like she’s afraid to move.

“Talk to me,” I beg him.

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