Crooking a finger under my chin, Hiro turned my face toward him so that I was looking him in the eye. We were almost equally matched in height, and I saw the concern etched on his face also shining through his eyes. “You can’t do anything more than what you’ve already done. You did a good job. You took care of everyone else, now let me help take care of you.”
I stared into his face for a long moment before deciding that he was probably right and giving him a small nod. I couldn’t do anything more for either of them, but it still felt wrong to leave the room somehow. I turned to check on Theo one more time, stalling. I had lost too many people in my life already. My mother and father were gone, and the day I had lost my sister, something irreparable had broken inside of me. My friendship with the guys was the only thing that held me together over the years. Now, somehow Nix had wormed her way into my heart, and for the first time in years, I was scared again. I was terrified of losing her… of losing any of them.
Without waiting for my consent, Hiro stepped behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders, pushing as he steered me out of the room and towards the wooden stairs that led to the upper level of our cabin.
Climbing slowly, I let him lead me toward the bathroom. Closing the lid to the toilet, he pointed. “Sit.” His voice was gentle but held no room for arguments. I didn’t have any either. I was wiped, too tired for even my usual sarcastic, smart-ass commentary. Sinking onto the lid, I watched as he started the shower and tested the water. Disappearing into the hallway, he quickly returned with a fluffy purple towel and washcloth. “Here you go, Unicorn.” He smirked as he set them on the counter.
“Not you too.” I rolled my eyes. “Cer-ap-tor.” I half-heartedly argued back with a small grin.
“I know. I just wanted to see you smile. Nix would want to see it too.” He reached out and ran a thumb over the corner of my mouth that tipped up.
My breath stuttered in and out of my lungs as I tried to hold my emotions back. I wouldn’t lose it now, not after everything I had gone through tonight. Nix would wake up, and so would Theo.
Just as the thought crossed my mind, a string of curses ran through my mind that had a particularly Australian lilt. For the first time since the shit storm broke out earlier, I gave a genuine smile and laugh. Theo was up. I was grateful as hell to Damien for continually working to keep the bond open for all of us so that I—and the others—could know instantly when Theo awakened.
Calm down there, fish boy. Take it easy. Your body’s been through a lot. I warned.
Nix? Theo grunted through the line, and I could tell he was working on sitting up. He may be healed now, but the effects of the silver meant he might be sore from the ordeal.
Not awake yet, but she will be. Damien answered
How long has it been? Is she still… We all knew what he was asking. She might not be in her body, and while she would look dead to anyone else—even to us—I knew her body was preserved for her and her Phoenix’s return.
She’ll be back soon. Killian’s thoughts were determined.
She will be. Hiro reassured everyone.
Thank fuck you didn’t die. Killian rumbled through the connection, and we all hummed our agreement. I could picture Kill in the guest room, just one room over, eyes locked on Nix as he waited to feel her magic. We were all waiting to feel the strength of her power seep back into her body. One of us would always be with her. She wouldn’t be alone.
The venom. I don’t know of any documented cases where shifters survive. I need to… Theo trailed off as his brain started working a million miles a minute. I couldn’t keep up with his genius.
She’s strong, guys. She’s coming back to us. Damien sounded so sure, and I latched onto this confidence.
I caught the confusion Theo was projecting to us as he tried to recap and piece together what happened.
Sighing Damien stepped up. I got this guys. Just before he shut down the telepathic link, I heard Theo call my name.
Ryder… thank you.
You’re welcome. I smirked. And I won’t let you take that back once you look in a mirror. Antagonizing the guys was part of my charm, and I felt marginally better after goading Theo. I didn’t truly think the scar would bother him, but it did mar his perfect physique, a reminder on his skin of this night.
When Damien closed the link down, I was relieved. I wasn’t ready to relive the details this soon. I still had Nix and Theo’s blood coating my hands and clothing. It was even in my hair. I needed to clean up, and then I needed to check on my patients again.
“Take a shower, Ryder. Then I’ll let you get a quick peek at Theo and Nix, but you’re heading to bed to rest.” Hiro crossed his arms over his chest, daring me to argue.
I couldn’t help the comeback on my lips. “As long as you join me,” I smirked.
Closing the distance between us again, Hiro gripped my chin, hard and firm this time. “Be careful what you offer me, Ryder. Tonight is not the night for it, and Nix should be there with us, but know that that’s exactly where my intentions are heading.” His eyes were hot with molten promises, and that’s how he left me, watching his retreating form as he left the bathroom and closed the door.
The steam from the running shower filled the small enclosed space, and I washed up quickly. My muscles protested as I made them carry me to Theo’s room first to check on the Kraken. Once I guaranteed he was alright, I went and collapsed on the floor in the doorway of the guest room where Nix lay. I couldn’t make myself leave her, even though my bed was calling me. I wanted to curl up with her and hold her until she awoke, but I knew that she might see that as an invasion of privacy, and I wasn’t about to do anything that could set me back in her eyes. I wanted her to trust me. I wanted her to fall in love with me. Watching her still form, I closed my eyes and dozed, trying not to let nightmares riddled with loss plague me while I waited for Nix.
Three
Nix
Darkness surrounded me. I didn’t know how long I was under its seductive pull before awareness started slowly grabbing hold of me again. As I awoke, I wanted to scream but managed to keep it to a groan. I didn’t think a resurrection had ever hurt that badly before. My Phoenix trilled softly in agreement. Before I could even open my eyes, I tried to get my bearings. Where the hell was I? The silky caress of fabric against my skin and the soft pillow under my head told me that I was in a bed. Hearing movement at my side, I stiffened, automatically going on the defense. Fuck! The guys! Michael! What the hell had happened? I scrambled, trying to get myself upright from my prone position. The room was shrouded in shadows, and I worked quickly trying to untangle myself from the sheets holding me hostage. My panic whirled as I worried about the guys and Rini. Every bone in my body was ready to fight; to protect. As I tensed—prepared to battle—my Phoenix hummed gently, apparently content and unafraid.
Rustling on the bed next to me caught my attention as I tried to will my eyes to adjust to the darkened space.