Page 22 of A Step Too Close
“Right. So, stay here. We will update along the way,” Jett says.
“Alright,” I say, giving up.
“When she wakes, tell her the truth. I don’t know how long we will be gone, but we will check in when we can. Mom and Dad will bring stuff by tonight and they will all take turns checking in and bringing food. You three are to stay in this house, no matter what.”
“Mhmm,” I reply.
“Go on then. Go rest with her,” Jett says.
“Thank you, guys. So much,” I say when I stand.
“That’s what family is for,” Wilder says. “Macie, I love you but go the fuck to bed and lay down or I’ll tell Dr. Chavez you are not listening and resting, and she will admit you to the hospital.”
“Rude. Fine, but only because I want a nap,” Macie laughs.
Chapter Eight
Arden
I slowly open myeyes and smile when I see that Levi is on his side looking at me. He is propped up on his elbow as he gently strokes my hair. “Hey,” I say.
“Hey.” he speaks softly. “How are you feeling?”
“Perfect. I’m with you,” I say. “What time is it?”
“Ten,” he says carefully. I look around and see Wilder, Macie, and Jett are here.
“It’s morning,” I say.
“It is.” Levi says.
“What did you do?” I ask, frowning deeply at my brother as I sit up.
“I made sure you’d sleep. You needed rest,” Wilder says. “And yes, I drugged you. I’m not sorry, and I’ll do it again. Levi is lucky I didn’t do it to him too.”
“What aren’t you all telling me?” I ask. “Macie looks guilty of something.”
“Our parents got together and got our stuff here,” Levi says, taking my hands and turning me to face him. “We are going to stay here for a while so you can be surrounded by family.”
“Okay,” I say. “What else?”
“He’s dead, Arden,” Levi says gently. “Caleb is dead.”
“You?” I ask.
“No, I stayed here with you. Macie and I never left your side. She even cuddled with you for a while when you were having a night terror,” Levi tells me. “Wilder and Jett took care of it.”
“How?” I ask, glancing between Wilder and Jett.
“Wanna see?” Jett asks with a bright smile.
“Jett,” Levi sighs.
“Fuck no. She deserves to see what her brothers did for her,” Jett says, sitting on the bed with us. “Come here.”
“Did he cry?” I ask as I move closer to Jett. Levi just laughs as he pulls me into his lap so Jett can sit beside us. Macie and Wilder move in closer so we can all watch.
“Oh, it was beautiful. He even pissed himself,” Wilder says.
