Page 51 of Bones
I wrapped my arms around myself. In the wake of that burst of anger, my hands shook, and my eyes still burned. I wished Trey would leave so I could let myself cry, but the bed by the door was a stark reminder he wasn’t going anywhere.
“Bones, I’m so sorry—” Trey started, his voice quiet and rough.
Gods, I couldn’t do this.
“I’m goin’ to bed,” I interrupted. I didn’t wait to see his reaction, I just turned and stormed over to my mattress. The dinner bell hadn’t even rung yet, but I didn’t care. I pulled off my boots, not looking in Trey’s direction, and burrowed under the blanket. Safely hidden, I held my breath as the tears escaped, rolling down my face and dampening the mattress.
In the silence, I heard Trey let out a heavy breath. "I'm gonna lock the door and turn the light off," he said quietly. "I'm just over here if you need anything." He paused for a moment. "Or if you want to talk."
I didn't answer, trying to let out my breath quietly, muffling my shaky gasps by pressing the blanket over my mouth. I squeezed my eyes shut, pain lancing through my head. I didn't want totalk.I didn’t want tobe here. I didn’t want tobe.
You can’t let them win. If you fall apart, they win,Wolf growled.
Shut up,I snarled back.You don't get to talk ’cause you're not fuckin' here.
I wished all of this was just one long nightmare and any moment now Wolf would shake me awake. He’d be scowling, annoyed that I woke him up again, but he’d still wrap an arm around me and hum the song our mom used to sing until I stopped crying and fell back asleep.
But I’d wished the same thing almost every single night for twelve fucking years. Wolf wasn’t here. This was real, and my brother was gone.
8
The next morning, I woke up stiff and so sore I had to hobble around the clinic. When Sam brought me broth, he stopped short at the sight of my bruised face.
“Fuck,” he swore, setting the broth on the table and starting toward me.
My legs moved to put the table between us before my brain caught up, which made him halt in his tracks. My face heated, and I felt stupid. I knew he wasn't going to hurt me, but my brain was stuck in flight mode.
That’s a good thing,Wolf snarled.That’s how you survive.
“Shortcake,” Sam said, but I refused to look at him.
“I’m fine,” I said, getting out the tools I used most so I could have them ready.
I could feel his eyes on me, but I kept my head down. I hated how on edge I felt.
“C’mon, Shortcake, can I just take a look at that gash in your head? I want to check Trey’s stitchin’ job.” Sam’s voice sounded calm, but it had a sharpness to it.
“It’s fine.” I glanced sideways at where Trey stood leaning against the wall and watching us.
“Has anybody even checked you for injuries besides your head?”
I finally looked at him, my eyes blazing. “Yeah,Idid.I’mthe healer, and I’m sayin’ I’mfine.”
“If only you were known for tellin’ the truth,” Sam deadpanned, glaring back at me.
“Fuck off, Sam,” I snapped.
“Why are you limping if you’re fine?” he pushed.
I swallowed hard, working to keep my emotions under control. “I’m just a little bruised.”
Sam’s face twisted. “Gods, I?—”
“Stop,” I snapped at him desperately. “What’s done is done. Justleaveit.”
“Sam,” Trey finally spoke up, gesturing toward the door with his head.
Sam let out an angry sigh but turned and strode to the door with Trey following. I could hear them talking heatedly outside, but Trey came back inside alone.
