Page 111 of Legacy of Chaos

“I’m cautiously optimistic that it can. His organs are regenerating, and function is returning. He might have some temporary memory loss, but for now, he’s stable.”

“See?” Stryke said, taking his mom’s hand. “It’s not that bad. I’m fine.”

That earned him scathing glares from his dad and uncle, but at least they kept their mouths shut. They didn’t want to upset Runa more than she was.

His mom’s bloodshot, dark-crescented eyes tore at him. He’d never liked seeing her upset. As a child, he’d always been the one to run outside to pick a flower to cheer her up when she was sad. He’d been free with his hugs when she was mad. And he’d smiled when she was happy.

He hadn’t given her a reason to be happy in a long time, had he? She was wearing his necklace, though. Hopefully, that made her happy.

“I’m sorry I scared you,” he said, relieved when she smiled, the tension fading from her expression.

“It wasn’t just me you scared,” she remarked. “You have a lot of concerned friends out in the waiting room.”

Friends? Not likely. “I don’t have any friends,” he muttered. “Why are you lying?”

She laughed, the last traces of tension disappearing. “I’m not. Blade and Rade are here too.” He nearly groaned. The last thing he needed right now was Blade and his attitude. “Blade said you two worked together on an oil platform.”

They’d cooperated. Stryke wouldn’t say they’d worked together. But he couldn’t dash the thread of hope in his mother’s voice, so he nodded politely.

“He and his team took out a lot of demons.” He glanced behind her at the door. “Is Cyan here?” He hoped he didn’t sound too eager. Or worried that she wasn’t out there in the waiting area.

“She came in with you,” his dad said. “You want me to send her in?”

Badly. For some reason, Stryke needed to know that she was okay. Which was ridiculous since he was the one in the hospital bed. Maybe she could help explain how he’d gotten here.

“Please. Thank you, Dad.”

Stryke struggled to sit up in bed until his mom raised the head with a push of a button. Feeling a little foolish, he looked down at his pink and yellow bunny-spotted hospital gown and cursed silently. He’d bet anything Talon had been responsible for that. He and his physician cousin had pranked each other a lot as kids, and up until now, Stryke had been up by one.

Eidolon adjusted his stethoscope around his neck and moved toward the door. “We can talk about your condition and treatment later.”

His uncle and father slipped out of the room. The moment the door closed, his mom reached over and raked her fingers through his hair.

“Mom!” He tried to stop her, but she slapped his hand away.

“Your brother also said he thinks there’s something going on between you and Cyan. Sit still. I’m trying to make you presentable.” She frowned. “You always had that one curl that refused to behave…”

Presentable?

“Mom.” He caught her hand and gently pushed it away. “Enough. Cyan’s seen me in worse shape.” He looked down at the bunny gown. “Mostly. Also,” he added, “Blade needs to learn to keep his mouth shut.”

“He didn’t mean anything by it.” Her voice had a distinctmom toneto it. “He likes Cyan. I do too. Is it serious?”

Yes. “I really don’t—”

The door swung open, sparing him further awkwardness. He didn’t want to talk about this with his mom. Didn’t want to talk about it with anyone except Cyan. It felt serious to him, but how did she feel? What if she wasn’t where he was emotionally? Did he even want to know?

Son of a bitch. He hated the uncertainty. Hated the lack of control over his feelings. Relationships were nerve-wracking.

Cyan stepped inside, and his heart beat a little harder against his tender rib cage. She was all elegance, from her black heels and shimmery leggings to the flowing white blouse with a midnight rose print.

And she was still wearing her lab coat. Man, she was ridiculously beddable, and he was suddenly glad for the thick blanket across his lap.

Runa engulfed Cyan in a hug before she made it halfway to the bed. “Thank you for bringing him in,” she said to Cyan as she drew back. “You saved his life.”

“I can’t take any of the credit,” Cyan said. “I didn’t do anything except help the medics navigate the office Harrowgate. They did all the work.”

“Well, thank you anyway.” Runa looked back over her shoulder at him as she reached for the doorknob. “I’m going to have some food sent up. I’ll see you in a little while.”

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