I look up as the door slides open.
Since it’s Raiden, I hold onto the photograph.
Coming forward, he places a stack of folded clothes on the bed. “One of the nurses loaned you these clothes,” he says. “Are you sure you want to go home tonight?”
“Yeah,” I say with a smile. “Let’s go home.”
Raiden notices the photograph in my hand. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he leans in to take a look. “Where did you get this?”
“I stole it from a photo frame in that room,” I say in a low, grim tone. “She resembles me, doesn’t she?”
He nods. “I saw the paintings as well,” he says, taking the photograph from my hand. “At first, I thought Callahan got the painting done due to his weird obsession with you but then I saw the portrait of this woman with another man. There’s no way it’s you.”
“Callahan said she’s my mother.”
“What?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know whether to trust him or not. Are Caleb and Damon home now?”
He glances at his watch. “I think so.”
“Then, let’s go home. There’s something I need to tell you guys and it can’t wait.”
“All right, then. Do you want my help to get dressed?”
A chuckle escapes me at the serious look on his face. Standing on my toes, I grab onto his massive shoulders and press my lips to his cheek.
“Just face the other way,” I say, walking toward the far corner of the room. “I’ll be done changing in a minute.”
Warmth spreads through me as he readily obeys and turns away from me.
I quickly take off the hospital gown and put on the dress the nurse loaned me. The frock is quite loose, easily sliding over my head.
“I’m done,” I say, looking down at the big, flowing dress.
Raiden turns around. Without commenting on the dress, he walks toward me. “Let’s get you home.” Moving closer, he smoothly hauls me into his arms.
A gasp escapes me. “I can walk,” I squeak.
“Doc said you need plenty of rest. I’m not letting you exert yourself before I’ve taken you home and fed you.”
Heat floods my cheeks. He’s being so caring and sweet, I don’t have the heart to argue with him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I cling to him as he walks out of the room.
Since it’s late at night, the corridors of the clinic are mostly empty. The few nurses who’re hanging around, stare at us as we pass by.
To my surprise, a crowd is waiting for us right outside the clinic’s door.
Fierce-looking men in black camo outfits line the passageway and the staircase leading away from the clinic. They’re all armed with massive guns.
Panic bursts inside me at the sight.
I look up at Raiden but he’s completely relaxed as he carries me down the stairs. It’s a moment before I realize they’re all his men.
A fleet of cars is waiting for us on the street outside the building. A closer look reveals tinted windows on each of the vehicles.
“What’s the meaning of this?” I whisper as he carries me toward a car.
“Protection,” Raiden says as he opens the front door and helps me into the passenger-side seat.