Page 22 of King

“He’s scheduled for seven in the morning,” Slade replied. “That’s if his vitals remain stable overnight.” He shifted slightly, his tone turning reassuring. “I know you didn’t get to speak with the orthopedist, but I promise you, he’s the best in the area. Joey is in good hands.”

Amara nodded, though her stomach tightened with anxiety. Her throat felt dry as she forced herself to ask the question she had been dreading. “Will he be able to dance again?”

Slade hesitated, his expression turning serious. He met her gaze, not sugarcoating his words. “I’m going to be honest with you, Amara, I can’t promise that. This is a significant injury, and it’s going to take time, effort, and a lot of rehabilitation.” He paused, glancing at King before continuing. “But the advancements in medical technology are remarkable. There’s hope. Once the surgery is over, it’ll be up to Joey and how hard he works to recover.”

Amara’s shoulders sagged, but she nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. “He’s a fighter,” she said quietly, more to herself than anyone else.

King stepped closer, his voice steady and confident. “Whatever he needs, we’ll make it happen. He won’t be doing this alone.”

Nodding, Amara leaned over and kissed Joey's forehead softly. Then, she looked at Jill, her voice catching in her throat. “Doyou mind staying a little longer? I have to go and…” She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.

“Hey, you do whatever you have to do.” Jill stood and pulled her into a warm hug. “We’re not going anywhere. If anything changes, I’ll call King right away.”

Amara stepped back and gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you, Jill.”

Turning, she saw King and Slade speaking quietly by the door. Slade glanced her way, his face solemn, and she could tell King had already told him where they were going. Slade walked over to her, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry about your brother, Amara,” Slade said gently. “I know you’ve got a lot on your mind, but I need you to take care of yourself. King told me you ate half a sandwich, which is good, but I need you to eat again later tonight and in the morning. Drink some orange juice also. We’ll need to take more blood from you tomorrow.”

Amara nodded. “I will,” she promised. She would do whatever it took to help Joey, even if it meant forcing herself to eat when she had no appetite.

“Good,” Slade said with a slight, approving nod before stepping back. “We’ll be here when you get back.”

King touched her elbow gently, ushering her out of the room and toward the elevator. As they stepped inside, Amara broke the silence. “Everyone is so nice,” she said softly, her voice tinged with wonder. “Are all the Warriors as kind as you and Dr. Buchanan?”

King chuckled as he pressed the button for the ground floor. “None of them are as nice as me,” he said, the corners of his mouth lifting in a playful grin. “Most of them are assholes.”

Amara frowned, her gaze lifting to see his expression. “You’re lying,” she said, catching on to his teasing.

“Okay, maybe a few of them are decent,” King admitted as the elevator doors opened. He placed a hand against the door to hold it for her and led her toward the parking lot, his eyes scanning their surroundings with practiced vigilance.

As they reached his bike, he paused, frowning down at her. “You’re going to freeze,” he said, already shrugging out of his leather jacket. Before she could protest, he draped it over her shoulders and helped her into it.

“King, you’re in short sleeves, and I’ve got a sweater on,” Amara objected, starting to take the jacket off. He stopped her with a gentle hand. “You’re the one that’s going to freeze, not me.”

“I’m a vampire,” he reminded her with a smirk, flashing his fangs in a playful gesture. “The cold doesn’t bother me.”

She couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. “Then why do you wear a jacket in the first place?” she asked, raising a skeptical brow.

“It hides my weapons,” King replied matter-of-factly as he swung a leg over the bike. Sure enough, a handgun peeked out from the waistband of his jeans. He glanced over his shoulder, a grin tugging at his lips. “And it makes me look cool.”

Amara shook her head, a small smile breaking through. She climbed onto the bike behind him, her arms instinctively wrapping around his waist. She had almost said that she was a half-breed but didn’t. The truth was, she didn’t know what shewas. Every bit of research she’d done on half-breeds didn’t fit her, not even close. She still felt the cold, didn’t crave blood to survive, and still needed sleep like any normal person. Despite everything that had happened, she didn’t feel different. Not really. And that terrified her. Because if she wasn’t a half-breed, then what the hell was she?

The engine roared to life, and King expertly maneuvered the bike out of the parking lot. At first, the cold January air stung Amara’s face, but she leaned her head against King’s broad back, seeking warmth and comfort. She hadn’t done that the first time she rode with him, but now, it felt natural.

Closing her eyes, she momentarily allowed herself to forget the grim task ahead. But reality lingered at the edges of her thoughts, a reminder that they weren’t heading to some peaceful destination. Instead, they were on their way to identify her brother, who was gone forever.

As the bike rumbled beneath her, she tightened her hold on King, drawing strength from his steady presence. She couldn’t face this alone, and with King beside her, she wouldn’t have to.

Amara slowly opened her eyes as the bike slowed, blinking at the dim surroundings. When the engine shut off, she sat up straight with a yawn and released her hold on King. “Are we here already?” she asked groggily.

“No,” King replied, his voice tight. “Get off the bike.”

“Huh? Why?” Amara yawned again, swinging her leg to dismount, but caught her foot on the seat in her sleepiness. Before she could tumble, King’s quick reflexes steadied her, his hand firm around her arm.

“Amara, you fell asleep and almost slid off the bike,” he said, his frown etched with concern.

“No, I didn’t,” she shot back, mirroring his frown as she shook her head.

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