Page 72 of Alpha & Omega

I headed to his bedroom to grab a fresh T-shirt, shorts, and socks—anything that would be easy to put on and take off. Then I tossed in his deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste.

I headed toward the nurse’s station after Tony got wheeled back to get some scans of his injuries.

“Hi,” I said.

She looked up with a smile. “What can I do for you?”

“I know we’re waiting on results for my brother, but his boyfriend injured him. This is a case of domestic abuse. I would like to request that no one enter his room unless it’s me or the staff.”

“Oh, yes. We can do that. I’ll send a social worker over, too.”

“Thank you.”

“Once the doctor confirms how the injuries were sustained, we can also call the authorities if you wish.”

“I wish.”

“Can you describe this man?”

“Unfortunately, I can’t since I haven’t met him, but my brother can. I’ll have him describe the incident and what his boyfriend looks like to the authorities.”

“I’ll call the social worker now,” she said, picking up the phone receiver.

“Thank you.”

I stepped back into Tony’s room and scrolled through social media as I waited for him while they took scans of his abdomen, ribs, and head.

I received a text from Harley earlier, checking on Tony and me. I told him everything was fine and that I would call or text him later to give him a status update.

Shortly after, Tony was wheeled back into his room and helped into bed, where they plugged him into monitors and reconnected his IV.

“The doctor will have results shortly,” said the nurse.

“Thank you.”

I pulled up my chair next to his bed and held his hand. “How are you?”

He just shrugged. “In pain, but they gave me some meds, which should kick in soon.”

“Tony?”

He looked at me with swollen eyes that made me want to fucking punch something again. He was such a pure and delicate soul who never deserved this shit. Tony wasn’t the toughest person I knew, but he was kind and thoughtful.

“Tony, they’re calling social services. I would like you to talk to them and have your boyfriend arrested.”

His lip trembled as he fidgeted with his blanket with his free hand. “I’m afraid.”

“I’ll protect you. That’s a fucking promise. Okay? We can’t let him get away with this or risk him hurting you again. It could be worse next time.”

A tear spilled, and I wiped it away with a tissue. “Have I told you how proud I am of you?” I asked, changing tactics.

He looked up and nodded his head, looking so young and so old at the same time. “You’ve told me before.”

“Well, I’m telling you again. You didn’t touch that bottle. That was so strong. And now you’re fighting back against your abuser… so strongandbrave.”

He let out a sob and then groaned from the pain. “I… just wanted to be loved, King. I don’t ask for a whole fucking lot, but I thought I deserved that much.”

“Of course you deserve it. He preyed upon you. Tell me about him. What’s his name again? Justin, right? What does he do? You’ve kept him kind of a secret from me. His hitting you… Is that why I haven’t met him yet?”

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