Page 28 of Free Me

“I don’t think I’m allowed. I’m not fam?—”

“We added your name to the immediate family list,” Isa said. “There shouldn’t be three of us right now, but Tarius came and got us when he heard Linus getting upset, so don’t worry about it until a nurse kicks someone out. Linus needs all the support he can get.”

“Thank you,” Miko replied to both Isa and Liam. “Do you know how much longer he’ll be in ICU?”

“Not much longer. Dr. Westin is coming back in a bit to do more cognitive tests but he sounds confident they’ll have a room for Linus on a regular floor tonight.”

“Thank goddess,” Linus said. “Also, when do I get this fucking tube out of my dick? Maybe I can’t get up, but I’m awake enough to piss in a bottle.”

The perfectly affronted way Linus said that made Miko chuckle. That was the fiery, determined alpha he knew and loved.

“I’ll ask your nurse,” Liam replied then left the room.

“Peeing while sitting down is gonna be weird,” Linus said to no one in particular. “Guess I’ll be doing pretty much everything while sitting for a long time, huh?”

“Maybe not as long as you think, son,” Isa said.

“And don’t forget Tarek Bloom has lived the last eight years of his life in a wheelchair,” Miko added, “and he was fully capable of going out there and becoming mayor. Your physical abilities have temporarily changed, but not your spirit or determination.”

“I guess. But you don’t have to walk to be mayor. You kind of need legs for soccer.”

“Well, your stump is healing well,” Isa said. “And we can start the process of shaping it and getting you fitted for a prosthetic while you’re in rehab.”

“Really? That soon?”

“Yes. Your surgeon says they’ve come a long way with prosthetics in the last ten years, especially when there are no post-surgical complications. You are young and healthy, and there’s no reason to put it off.”

“What about my concussion? I mean, I think my memory is okay and all, but don’t people get dizzy spells sometimes? Or have balance issues? And my sense of smell is all fucked up.”

Miko frowned. Those weren’t unusual questions from someone in Linus’s position, but they did seem a little defeatist, as if he was looking for reasons not to get back on his feet as soon as possible. Then again, Linus was the type of guy who asked a lot of questions when he didn’t understand something, rather than pretending he knew it all and making a fool of himself later.

The scent thing surprised him, too. Linus had reacted to him like he’d scented him. As if he’d felt the bond but didn’t have the words to express it. Had all that been wishful thinking on Miko’s part?

“How long has your sense of smell been off?” Liam asked.

“Since I woke up, I guess,” Linus replied. “Figured it was from the coma or medicine or whatever. Now I can’t tell because I’m stuffy. Blech.”

“There’s apple juice on your dinner tray. Do you want to sip some? Maybe it’ll?—”

“One step at a time, little one,” Isa said to Liam as he placed a hand on the back of his neck. “Let’s let the doctors figure this one out.” To Linus he said, “Those are all valid concerns, and they are why Dr. Westin is still your neurologist. I’m sure he’ll address the senses thing. And all your physical activity will be monitored while you’re in the hospital, until you’re able to do things on your own. And learning how to do those things is what the rehab therapy is for.”

“Can he have visitors in rehab?” Miko blurted out.

“Yes, he can,” Dr. Westin said, his deep voice startling Miko into nearly dropping Linus’s hand. But Linus held tight as Dr. Westin approached and stopped at the foot of the bed. “In fact, visitors are encouraged and can absolutely help the patient’s positive mindset while doing the therapy. It won’t always be fun and you will get frustrated, Linus. You’ll be angry and sad and all manner of things, but from what I’ve seen this week, you have an amazing support system. A positive attitude is just as important as your physical health.”

“I have the best family,” Linus said. His voice was hoarse again, and Miko rubbed his thumb against the back of his hand. Miko couldn’t handle more tears again this soon. Not from his alpha. His bondmate, even if Linus didn’t know it yet.

Dr. Westin studied their joined hands for several long seconds, but if he noticed anything about their scents, he didn’t comment. Miko silently thanked the alpha doctor for his discretion.

“And as wonderful as it is to have your family close by,” Dr. Westin added, “I do need everyone to step out for a little while so I can examine Linus.”

“Of course,” Isa replied. “Don’t forget to mention your sense of smell.”

Dr. Westin turned an expectant look onto Linus but seemed to be waiting on them to leave before delving deeper into the comment.

Miko loathed leaving Linus, even for something as important as an exam, but he did. A little piece of his heart remained behind as he followed Isa and Liam out of ICU and into the crowded waiting room that smelled faintly of pizza.

Dad was the first person Miko saw, and he tucked Miko into a firm, protective hug the way only his sire could. “You’ve been crying,” he whispered.

---