Page 115 of A Wolf's Wound
“Yeah, I was about to start looking for you two,” I say and follow him down the hall to the small room where Ryder’s being treated.
He looks a lot better than the last time I saw him.His face is bandaged and bruised, of course, and now he’s in hospital scrubs.I think about his bloodstained clothes and wince.But his color is good, and he looks like himself.
“Hey,” Ryder says.“I’ve been stitched and bandaged and scanned and cleared.Now I just want to go home.”
“Before you do,” Gavin says, “there’s something I need to talk to you both about.”
“This can’t wait until tomorrow?”I ask.“We’re both exhausted, Gavin.”
“I’m afraid not,” he says.“We searched Brian’s apartment and found more of the scent he created.”
“But it’s all been contained now.Right?”Ryder asks.
“We destroyed most of it but saved a little bit to analyze.It could be helpful to know how he created it, to be prepared if something like this happens again,” Gavin explains.“Ryder, Brian used your blood in the scent.”
“What?”Ryder asks, looking horrified.
“That explains why the shifters were drawn to you,” Gavin says.
I’m not sure if Ryder even heard that, though.His eyes are glassy and his breathing becomes more labored.“Gavin, we need to talk about this later,” I say firmly.“Ryder’s not in any shape to handle this right now.”
Gavin looks like he’s going to disagree, but then he sighs.“Okay.Get some rest, guys.We’ll talk again soon.”He walks to the door and then turns around and tosses me something.
“Those are the keys to my car,” he tells me.“Get Ryder home safely.”
“Thanks, I will,” I say.Ryder hasn’t moved.I take his hands in mine as Gavin closes the door.
“Ryder, talk to me.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Ryder finally says, his voice raspy.“I didn’t think I could feel more responsible for what happened, but I do.”
“You’re not,” I say.“You are not responsible for Brian’s actions.”
Ryder just shakes his head but doesn’t say anything else.Finally I get up and track down his doctor.Once Ryder’s discharged, I hold his hand as we walk to Gavin’s car.He’s still quiet as I pull onto the street.
“I talked to my mom earlier,” I finally say.I’d called her in between patients.“She said the debris and rubble from the fire has been cleaned up.More wolves from the Blackwood pack came in to help.”
Still no reaction.
“My parents will probably stay for a few days,” I continue.“I thought they could stay at my apartment, since it’s safe to use again.I also talked to April.She says she hopes you feel better soon, and that we should all go out when you’re up for it.”
Ryder just stares out the window.I can tell he’s lost in his thoughts.I reach over and hold his hand.Its warmth reassures me, and I squeeze his fingers tightly.I wait for a second, hoping he’ll squeeze back, but he doesn’t.
“It’s funny,” I continue.“I love my apartment and you know I didn’t want to leave it.”I glance over, hoping to see him at least smile a little, but he’s expressionless.“But now the cottage feels more like home.Not that I’m suggesting we move in together anytime soon.”
When that still doesn’t elicit a reaction, I sigh and decide to just get to the cottage and get Ryder inside.But when I pull up outside the cottage and turn off the car, Ryder doesn’t move.Instead, he turns and looks at me.
“Hannah,” he says softly.“Is this all my fault?”
Chapter 65
Ryder
“No,”Hannahsayswithouthesitating.“None of this is your fault.”
“But if I hadn’t bitten Brian, none of this would have happened,” I protest.
“I’m not going to pretend that biting Brian wasn’t majorly fucked up,” Hannah concedes.And although I’m glad she’s being honest with me, my stomach drops at her words.
