Page 64 of Ashes

“You're pissing me off. Stop lying!” Church’s deep voice reverberated around us.

Sully winced and held his hands out. “Dante, please. Malachi needs help. He’s not even in his own mind right now. We think his attempt may have caused more damage than we originally thought. He needs to recover—”

“I want to see him. Show him to me,” Church snapped. “Now.”

Sully hesitated for a moment before he nodded. “Of course. Come on. I’ll prove to you he’s not right.”

Sully gestured for us to follow, and we did. The wards remained at our back as we took the elevator to the third floor. No one said a word as we ascended. When we reached the floor, we took a left and followed Sully to a room down the dimly lit hall.

My heart thrashed hard in my chest as my concern for Stitches took over everything.

God, please be OK, Malachi.

I’m so fucking sorry, brother.

“See for yourself.” Sully nodded to the small window set in the heavy, locked door we’d stopped in front of.

Church shot him a glare before he stepped forward and peered through the glass.

He stared for so long I wasn’t sure what he was going to do. Finally, he backed away. I was quick to take his place and look through the window.

My breath caught as I gazed at Stitches strapped to his bed. He was uncovered, and his hospital gown was twisted around his legs like he’d been fighting for a while. His forehead glistened with sweat as his chest heaved. White foamy spittle surrounded his lips. Even the tattoos on his face seemed pale in contrast to his natural color.

“What did you do to him?” Church snarled. “Stitches was fine when we brought him here. This isn’t him! He’s never done this shit before!”

“I understand your concern, but please…you know Malachi’s history. You know how he struggles sometimes. This is just a more severe occurrence. We’re working through some new medications that are going to help him,” Sully explained. “He just needs time to adjust. I promise you he’ll be better in no time and will return home soon.”

I glared at Sully. “If he isn’t better soon, you better fucking hope your god answers prayers.”

Sully gave me a tight smile. “We’ll get him right as rain in no time, or we’ll die trying. You have my word.”

Something about the way he said that sent chills rushing over my skin.

Church backed away, a muscle thrumming along his jaw. “Where’s Sirena?”

“Resting comfortably. There’s nothing new to report on her condition.”

Church nodded and turned to us. I stared back at him, letting him silently know that I’d go to war with him if it was what he wanted. Judging by the slight nod Ashes gave him, it was safe to assume we all would.

“I’ll be checking in,” Church said softly, dangerously. “If I’m unhappy, believe me, it’ll pale in comparison to what you’ll feel.”

Sully said nothing as we spun around and strode away. It wasn’t until we’d nearly reached the elevator that he finally spoke.

“Your father approved his treatment, Dante. He knows how sick Malachi is. He knows how important your brother is to you. Getting him back is all he wants.”

Church didn’t say a damn word. He simply stepped into the elevator, and Ashes pushed the button for the first floor.

“Church?” Ashes called out quietly.

“It isn’t about what my father wants. It’s about what he’s capable of,” Church whispered. “Stitches is strong though. He’ll get through this.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Ashes whispered. “Then what?”

“Then we kill all of them.” Church stepped out of the elevator without a backward glance.

I looked at Ashes and sighed.

“Looks like we should start digging holes,” I muttered.

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