Page 24 of Dead

“I hope you’re right,” Noah said before scrubbing a hand over his face.

Adriel’s head turned at the parroting of that word. Hope. They both needed it, now more than ever.

“Are you hungry? Need anything?” Adriel asked. He waved a hand and a pair of drawstring pants appeared on the bed beside Noah. “Besides something to cover up with, that is?”

Noah chuckled before grabbing the pants and pulling them on. “I forget those who are not shifters have an issue with nudity.” He rose to draw the pants on. Adriel tried not to notice the cut muscularity of his narrow hips as he slid them up. “How can your magic not work on me—yet I can wear these pants you’ve made?”

“I can’t do anything directly to you. I couldn’t make the pants appear on your body—but I can make the pants. If that makes sense.”

“So you could’ve made a bandage and affixed it to Eilam’s neck, to stop the bleeding?”

Adriel paused, realizing his oversight. “I suppose I could have. The thought hadn’t come to my mind.” Years of simply making things happen had made him weak in a moment he’d needed clarity.

Noah stared at him, his gaze feeling as if it saw too much. Adriel took a step back and turned away slightly. Those eyes felt like they burned through him.

“Is there anything even here to eat? I didn’t see a kitchen as we came in.”

“I have no need of kitchens.” Adriel waved a hand and a feast appeared on the console along one wall, turning his stare from Noah and the big broad chest still inviting his gaze. “There. I’m sure you can find something you like.”

Noah frowned again. “Must be interesting to snap your fingers and get what you want.”

Adriel shrugged. “When I needed it most, I couldn’t get what I wanted.” I couldn’t save him.

Noah was silent. After a moment, he sauntered over to the buffet and picked a few things, adding them to the plate he’d taken. He sat back on the edge of the bed. After one bite, he sat the plate away.

“Not hungry?”

“I know my body needs energy after everything it’s been through. Hard to want food when all you feel is worry,” the bear said. He rose to his feet again and moved to one of the many windows. After searching outside, he turned back to Adriel. “You’re sure no one can get to us here?”

“Positive. You two are the only ones who’ve ever been here besides me.”

“Do I smell food?” came a breathy question.

Both Noah and Adriel turned to the bed. Eilam’s eyes were open. He was trying to sit up. Noah was first to reach him, and helped pad pillows behind the man so he could sit.

Eilam’s stare fell on him, his eyes glowing slightly. “The assassin?” he growled out, his voice raw sounding.

“Which one?” Noah asked flippantly.

“Dead,” Adriel interjected, overjoyed that Eilam appeared to remember what had happened before he was attacked. It had to be a good sign the loss of blood hadn’t affected his mind. “You got him.”

“There were more?”

“Don’t talk,” Noah said. “Rest your throat. You nearly died on us.”

“Tell me and I will,” Eilam demanded in his froggy voice.

“You lost a lot of blood,” Adriel said. “We got you to the hospital, and the healers were able to close the wound. Noah gave you some of his blood in a transfusion… and you’re healing.”

“Where ar—”

“You promised,” Noah interrupted. “He’ll get there. Be patient.”

“There was another attack just moments ago. In your hospital room. Noah fought him and killed him, as well. For your safety—so you can heal—I brought you to my private dimension. No one can enter this space without my invitation.”

Eilam looked between Noah and Adriel. He opened his mouth, but Noah pressed a finger against his lips. “Another few hours and we’ll see how your voice is.”

Eilam mimicked writing. Adriel waved a hand and a notebook and pen appeared on the bed beside Eilam. He grabbed it and scribbled something across the top before lifting it for them both to see.

---