Page 71 of Kai's Hunger

I exchanged glances with Fostine, our expressions softening. “No, not at all,” I replied.

Kai’s attention shifted to Fostine, his smile lingering. “I’m glad you two are talking.”

Fostine’s response was a nod, a guarded but acknowledging look in her eyes.

Kai’s demeanor shifted as he continued, his tone growing more serious. “I wanted to let you both know that Wyatt and the others are going after Patterson.”

Fostine’s gaze hardened, a flicker of anger surfacing. “What? Why wasn’t I informed?”

Kai let out a heavy sigh. “It was Wyatt’s decision,” he answered, his tone firm. “He believes they might be able to retrieve Trakker.”

Fostine’s hands clenched into fists. “And you’re just leaving me behind, like I can’t handle myself out there?”

Kai took a step closer, his eyes locking onto Fostine’s. “No, it’s not about that. Wyatt thinks you’re needed here, at the house. Our father is still recovering, and Tessa needs someone looking after her, and Lily...”

As my gaze met Kai’s, I understood what he wanted from me. “I need someone here, too,” I added softly.

Fostine’s shoulders slumped, her anger giving way to a begrudging acceptance. “Fine,” she muttered. “But I don’t have to like it.”

Kai’s smile returned. “If it makes you feel any better, I’m staying behind too.”

“Good. If I can’t be in on the fun, then neither should you,” Fostine muttered, her shoulders relaxing a fraction.

“Figured you’d say that,” Kai grumbled as he glared at his sister.

Fostine stood, then pointed a finger toward the door. “I’m going to go see if Dad needs anything.”

I swallowed back a lump of emotion. “Thanks. For everything.”

Fostine shrugged, then left the room.

Kai and I stared at each other, as if neither of us were sure what to say or do. I broke the silence. “You and I have a lot to talk about, but I’m tired of this room. Tired of these cold white walls and this awful table.”

He nodded. “Let me check with Creeg to see if it’s safe to move you,” he offered, pulling out his phone. I waited, only hearing Kai’s side of the conversation. When he tucked the device back into his pocket and smiled, I knew it was good news. “Can you walk?”

“I’ll do anything to get out of here,” I replied, gently moving to a seated position. I clutched the sheet to my chest, aware of my undressed state. “Uh, I might need some help.”

Kai closed the distance and wrapped one arm around my back, steadying me with his big powerful frame, then helped me off the table. I wobbled and the room spun.

“Whoa, easy,” Kai murmured.

“The meds,” I explained. “I think they’re making me lightheaded.”

His eyes darkened, worry etched into his rugged features.

I rushed to reassure him. “I’m fine, really. Just need to get my sea legs.”

“I can carry you if you—”

“No. I can do it,” I assured him, my voice harsher than I’d intended. “Sorry, it’s just ... I hate feeling so helpless.”

“You are anything but helpless,” he swore, his voice filled with pride. “You’ve been through so much since meeting me. Most would’ve buckled under the pressure by now.”

“You’ve brought color to my life, I’ll give you that,” I teased, thinking back over the last few days. “God, has it really only been two days?”

“Time doesn’t matter,” he replied, leading me out of the room and up the stairs. “All that matters is that you are alive.”

We reached the third floor and the room I’d been using. “A shower sounds amazing right now,” I breathed out. “I want to wash away the feel of that place.”

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