Page 34 of Beautiful Prey

Dr. Hannah grinned, showing her perfect teeth. “Wonderful,” she said, clapping. “Trust me, Eve, it’s for the best. Everyone wants Emery to get better. He will never have a normal life but he can still be a productive member of society.”

I opened my mouth to snap at her on how exactly that was possible when he was to be locked up for the rest of his life when a knock came at the door.

Dr. Langley cleared his throat. “Come in.”

The door opened, and John looked around before locking eyes with me. “He’s ready for you.”

Dr. Langley stood. “Then we will let you go. Good luck, Eve.”

I said goodbye to them, not glancing back at Dr. Hannah who I knew watched me as I left the room. I followed John to the designated meeting room, feeling a mix of emotions I didn’t want to or have time to think over as we came to the door. I peered inside and saw Emery sitting, watching the orange light fade from the window across the room.

John said something before strolling away to sit at his post near the door. I didn’t go in right away. I just watched Emery, feeling different now after everything I learned. His shoulders were slumped a little as if he carried a heavy weight on them. A few locks of hair got in the way of the mask. I could see the bandage I had placed on the side of his head hadn’t been changed since we last met.

I stood there, unable to move, until Emery turned his head and his golden eyes met mine.

“Hello, Evee,” he said after a moment.

Something in his voice, the calmness, or perhaps friendliness that he now bestowed me, lifted some of the funky emotions and the greeting felt like two long-time friends seeing each other again. I smiled despite myself. “Hello, Emery.” I went to walkover to my seat and noticed someone had placed the table back by the wall with a few new games on top. I suspected John. “How are you?” I asked as I took a seat.

Emery hummed. “Better now.”

“That’s good,” I said. “And your head?”

He shrugged. “Fucked from what I can tell.”

I laughed a little despite myself. “I meant the injury.” I pointed to the bandage.

“Ah, that. It feels better. Healed.”

“Good.”

“No scarring this time,” he mentioned.

A knot formed in my throat at the casual comment. “No. Not this time. I’m glad.”

His gaze drew up to mine as if uncertain I meant it. “I guess I was lucky to have such a good nurse,” he said.

I chewed at my lip. “How about we get the bandage off and see if it needs a new one.”

He didn’t say a word, perhaps unsure, or maybe surprised at my suggestion. I walked over to him and he tensed. My heart only leaped once out of instinct, like one might react getting too close to a wolf or tiger, but I pushed through. I didn’t call on John or the others, I didn’t need to cause another scene. I didn’t want to be afraid anymore. And some inkling of guilt ate at me. If he attacked me, I only had myself to blame.

I stood beside him, reaching up to his head to brush the dark burgundy locks away, pretending it meant nothing, knowing that was far from true.

He grew still, as if my touch might shock him. I knew then he wasn’t used to it. That he’d probably hardly ever had someone touch him out of kindness. Still, I didn’t know how uncomfortable it might make him. Something told me the last time had been an exception. That he would rather it be me than anyone else.

My hand hovered over him. “Is this okay, Emery?” His hands were fisted on his lap. “If you don’t want me to…”

“I do,” he whispered, like a cold yet soothing caress.

When I brushed the hair out of the way, he flinched but only slightly.

My pulse fluttered a little, but I didn’t back down. I slowly peeled the bandage off. The skin had scabbed in a fine line, making an almost S-shape wound.

“What’s the conclusion, Doc?”

“It looks better,” I told him. “I don’t think you’ll need another one.”

“Always nice to hear good news.”

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