Page 274 of Redeemed

Doc straightens. “Yeah, you definitely have a mild concussion. Your other injuries are fairly minor as well. Some bruising, but nothing is broken.”

“But I was fine right after,” Haven mumbles, blinking slowly. “I didn’t think… didn’t…”

“Concussion symptoms can take a while to surface, and you also had adrenaline pumping through your system.” Doc steps back. “You should heal up just fine. A good night’s rest will help more than you think. A concussion as mild as yours, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re mostly back to normal by the end of the week. Don’t baby yourself too much, but take it easier than normal.”

She nods. “Thank you.”

As soon as Doc steps away, Lucas pulls Haven into his lap. He murmurs something to her, and she burrows her face into his neck while clutching at his jacket.

“Can I speak with you privately?” Doc asks Colton in a hushed voice.

“Of course.”

Lucas stays with Haven, but I follow Colton outside into the hallway. Both him and Doc glance my way, but neither of them tell me to leave. Even if they tried, I wouldn’t budge. We’re in this together, and just like I did earlier, Colton needs the reminder that he’s not alone.

While he zips up his medical bag, Doc shakes his head wearily. His gaze is heavy as it settles on Colton. “I’m putting the pieces together in the only way I know how, and the picture isn’t looking particularly pretty.”

“I know.” Colton rubs at his face. Now that he’s not in front of Haven, he’s letting his exhaustion show through. He looks like he’s about to collapse.

“This is too far, even for Mark.”

“I know,” Colton says again.

“Is this going to turn into something bigger?”

Colton doesn’t answer, which, for the Doc, seems to be an answer enough.

“You’re young, son. Too young to lead the Rooks, if you ask me, although it’s not really my decision. But… you need to be careful, or you’ll have a full-blown war on your hands.”

That brings some of the fire back into Colt’s eyes. “I’m not letting that happen.”

“Can I trust that you have a plan to ensure that?”

“Yes.” Colton’s answer is simple yet firm.

Nodding, Doc steps back. “Then I wish you both a good night. Stay safe.”

“You as well.”

We watch as he heads down the hallway to the stairs. Once he’s out of sight, Colton blows out a long, tired breath.

I’d ask what that was about, but Luc and I got the notification that Colton is in charge of the Rooks until further notice.

“How’s everyone taking it?” I ask.

“So far, so good, but we’ll see how it goes when Mark gets his phone back in the morning. Cops are keeping him overnight.”

I let out a low whistle. “Damn, Colt. He’s gonna be pissed.”

“I don’t fucking care,” he snaps, and then immediately winces. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I just… He tried to kill your family, and then he did the same to Haven, and then I… I…”

“You what?”

“I hurt her, Xander.”

Sagging against the wall, Colton lets his posture slump, and I’m surprised he doesn’t slide down until his ass hits the floor. He looks bad.Reallybad. Messed-up hair, bags under his eyes, a bruise on his cheek—nothing like the Colton Heverly I’m used to seeing.

I knew he was holding it together for Haven, but I didn’t realize it was to this level.

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