Page 112 of Legacy of Chaos

“Thank you, Mom,” he said, hoping he sounded as sincere as he felt. “For everything.”

“Of course. You’re my son,” she said simply. She gave them both a farewell nod and stepped out into the hall.

The door whispered shut as Cyan came over, concentrated concern putting lines around her eyes. “I was so worried,” she said, taking a seat next to the bed.

“I’m fine,” he assured her. “They wouldn’t put a bunny gown on someone who was in serious condition.”

That made her smile, but it didn’t take the concern from her gaze. “What happened?”

“You tell me,” he said, flopping his head back onto the pillow to stare at the ceiling. Whatdidthey use those chains for? “I don’t remember much. I know I was in my office. I was supposed to be meeting you.” He looked over at her. “Are you the one who found me?”

She shook her head. “I got there with the paramedics. Apparently, you were talking to Taran. He’s the one who alerted Kalis.”

He searched his brain for that memory, but the file seemed to be missing. “I don’t remember meeting with him, but Eidolon said I might have some memory lapses.” Hopefully, that file would be restored soon. Changing the subject so he wouldn’t obsess over it, he gestured to the door. “Mom said there are people out there. I’m guessing from work?”

But really, whyhadhe been talking with Taran?

“Parker and Dakarai came as soon as they heard. I’ve been updating Kalis.”

Parker. Great. Just great. The guy was probably disappointed that Stryke was still alive. On the upside, his mind was off Taran. Jealousy and a hot bolt of possessiveness took over instead.

“Have you been seeing him?” he asked, hoping he sounded calmer than he felt.

“Who?” She reached up to adjust one of her three silver hoop piercings in her right ear. “Parker?”

Stay cool. Blade used to tell him that, back when Stryke was learning to flirt with females.Chicks can sniff out desperation.

Stryke shrugged, like it was no big deal if she was dating Parker. Except it was. He woulddestroythe guy. Right after he got out of this bunny gown.

“You had dinner with him, but you never said how it went.”

She crossed her legs and sat back in her chair a little defensively. “That’s because we agreed not to ask about other people.”

“No,” he said, “we agreed to non-exclusivity.”

She folded her arms across her breasts and arched a pale eyebrow at him, daring him to argue. “Not asking questions about other lovers is implied.”

Made sense, he supposed. He didn’t argue, deferring to her knowledge of relationships.

“I haven’t asked you about Masumi,” she pointed out, and he thought, for just a heartbeat, there’d been the slightest hint of jealousy in her voice.

“You could have. I haven’t been with her since before we went toSea Storm.”

She blinked. “Really?” He liked that she sounded pleased. “So, it’s just been me and your injections?” When he inclined his head, she scowled. “Why didn’t you tell me? If I’d known that, I could have been there more. Those shots can’t be that healthy for you.”

No shit.

Suddenly, she leaned forward, her eyes narrowed. “What are you not telling me?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You got that shut-down expression when I mentioned the suppressant not being good for you.”

How was it possible that he both hated and loved how easily she read him?

“Spill.” She crossed her arms again and waited.

Crap. He might as well tell her. She was bound to find out anyway.

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