Page 25 of Shadow

I stared at the screen for a moment as a video call rang.

Moments later, Stitches’s face graced the screen.

“Hey,” he said, a smile spreading across his handsome face. “Angel, baby, you look even prettier than you did when I left this morning. How is that possible?”

My face heated at his sweet words, and I cuddled against Ashes, who wasted no time holding me with one arm while he held the phone with his other hand.

“I bet I know what you want,” Stitches continued, smirking at the screen. He turned the phone, and I got my first look at Sin since the night in the cemetery.

I sat forward, grabbed the phone from Ashes, and stared at Sin as he lay in his hospital bed, a cannula in his nose. The bruising and cuts on his face were healing, but he looked weak and exhausted.

“Siren,” he murmured, his voice cracking and eyes misting over. “Baby…”

My eyes burned with tears as I gazed at him in the hospital bed. His blond hair was a mess and out of its usual bun. He’d cut it when Church and the guys had kicked him out, but he still always wore it back. It was a wild mess around him and hung nearly to his shoulders. His gray eyes were rimmed in shadows, and the faint bruising on his face made him look exhausted and hurt. All I wanted to do was reach out and hold him.

“Take-Take it. Malachi. Take the damn phone,” Sin garbled. The video on the screen rotated and went dark for a moment before Stitches returned with a frown. I could hear Sin sniffling in the background.

My heart clenched, and fear raced through me.

“Uh, I’ll talk to him. He’s on some heavy painkillers…” Stitches looked over at Sin, who was off-screen.

“He needs to rest,” Ashes said, clearing his throat. “Let’s give him some peace. He’ll be home soon.”

I returned the phone to Ashes, and he said a quick goodbye to Stitches before disconnecting the call.

I looked over to Church, who stood frowning at us. He noticed Sin’s weirdness, too. He shook his head and sighed before beckoning me with his finger to sit with him in his chair. I went as commanded and slid onto his lap before burying my face in his neck.

“Ashes is right. Sin’s high as fuck right now. He’s still in a lot of pain. Once it settles, he’ll be home. I promise.” He held me tightly, rocking me gently on his lap. “But we need to get to classes, OK? I don’t want that shit to trickle down and fuck us over. Can you go to class and be my good girl?”

I nodded against him even though I only wanted to run to Sin and tell him how scared I was and how much I needed him right now.

I couldn’t do that. Not only did my words not want to work, but the guys wouldn’t let me within twenty feet of the med facility.

“Don’t be upset,” Church murmured. He raked his fingers through my hair. “It’s going to be OK. I swear it.”

I peeked over to Ashes, who was frowning at his phone as he typed out a message. Finally, he darkened the screen and looked over at us.

“Doc is coming in to check Sin. Stitches said he’s reassessing him now.” Ashes offered me a smile. “He’ll probably be able to come home this week, heaven. We can throw him a little party.”

I bit my bottom lip and stood. Church grunted, clearly displeased at my distance. I went to Ashes. He held his palm up for me, and I quickly scrawled letters against his skin.

I’d like that.

He gave me another of his sweet smiles and got up. “Good.” He placed a kiss on my forehead and took my hand. “We do need to get to classes. Church is right.”

I hadn’t heard Church get up, but he was suddenly behind us as Ashes led me to the door.

Church took my jacket off the hook and helped me into it while Ashes grabbed my bag. Within minutes, we were walking the path to the main campus. My mind drifted to Cady. I sent up a silent prayer that she’d get better soon. I hadn’t forgotten what I’d walked in on with Adam, her, and Sin. It plagued me like a disease. All the ugly thoughts kept rushing through my head like tidal waves, making me feel sick.

God, please don’t have let something happen between them.

“I’ll be back to collect you before lunch,” Church said as we entered the science building. He tugged me against him before crushing his lips against mine. I kissed him back until I was breathless. He released me and gave me a smirk. “Be good, specter.”

He stepped back, and Ashes took his place. His kiss was far sweeter. He cradled my face before pulling away.

“Love you. Be good. Message if you need anything, OK?”

I nodded as he stepped away. I gave my guys a tiny wave before they turned and left me. Sighing, I walked into my class, hating starting my morning in chemistry. It was just as well, though. It would at least keep my mind busy, so I wasn’t stuck thinking about Sin.

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