“It’s not working,” the doctor proclaimed. “Push another 100ccs.”
The nurse complied as the monitor for Todd’s heat jumped and spiked in irregular beats. Shaney tensed ready to bolt for Todd. Most likely realizing this, Hudson’s grip tightened. The sheet had fallen away from Todd, and Shaney could see the symbol Caleb had drawn on Todd’s thigh, which wasn’t working anymore. He was about to lose his best friend and couldn’t do anything to stop whatever was killing him. .
“It isn’t working.” The exasperated sound of the doctor pulled Shaney from his terror. “Get me a Goddamn neurologist.”
“We have to get Caleb,” Shaney said through his panic tightened voice.
Hudson nodded when the door opened and Dan entered. His shell-shocked face tightened seeing Todd seizing on the bed. Tears coursed down his cheeks, no doubt convinced that he was about to lose Todd as well. Shaney was about to charge Dan and scream at him to get out when Todd’s body went completely slack and still. The heart monitor beeped steady and the medical personnel in the room seemed to give a collective sigh.
Shaney’s eyes widened and he stopped breathing as his gaze darted between Todd and Dan. “Fuck.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Shaney sighed heavily as the hot water sluiced over his back. Under protest, he’d returned with Hudson to his house for a shower, food, and rest. Caleb was keeping watch over Todd who was stable once again but only because Dan was staying nearby. That closeness, though, had to be right outside of Todd’s door since the doctor’s had kicked everyone out after the seizure. Plus, Todd still wanted nothing to do with him. Shit, Todd’s energy was being held stable by proximity to a man who had betrayed them all. What would happen if they wheeled Todd off for testing and away from Dan? And why the hell was Dan having any effect over Todd’s state anyway? There were too many questions that needed answering, and too many what ifs. Silas was gone. They’d defeated the bad guys. They were supposed to live happily ever after now.
The cops had come to the hospital and questioned all of them about the fire. They hadn’t found Cassie and Michaels in the rubble and their SUV was missing. Cowards had fled. The cops were seeking them out for questioning. Hudson had concocted an elaborate story about an argument with Cassie and Michaels that had led to someone knocking an oil lantern over, accidentally starting the fire. The cops seemed to buy the lie. Hudson could definitely think on his feet.
Shaney’s mom had come to the hospital and fussed over him and Hudson, and for once he’d let her, grateful for the chance to see her again. Todd’s parents had also arrived, and that’s when Hudson had convinced Shaney to come home. Shaney refused to leave without seeing Todd, and Hudson had created a diversion with the nurses to make it happen. Todd had tried to hide his dejection and hopelessness with wry humor.
“Well, curiosity finally killed the cat. It’s a good thing a cat has nine lives.”
Shaney had chuckled and agreed.
Todd assured Shaney a final time, “I’m okay. Get some rest.”
Shaney had gone home to his and Hudson’s house. Yes, now his home, because Hudson had told him emphatically that he wasn’t leaving—ever. Shaney had protested that he couldn’t let Todd live alone with what was happening to him. Hudson said even if Todd had to move in too, then so be it, because he wasn’t letting Shaney go. The need to be with Hudson outweighed any doubts Shaney had.
Shaney ran his hand over his stomach, relieved that the seemingly permanent knot there had finally dissipated. With the threat of Silas gone and Caleb’s assurance that he was working to right whatever was messing with Todd, Shaney let the weight of the world wash off with the water. He could put aside the overwhelming responsibility of saving those he loved and cared for. He no longer had to protect the world from the nut job that was Silas. Shaney was alive, as was Hudson, and no one was going to try to take to that away from them any time soon.
Time to start living.
Shaney smiled and turned off the water. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he left the bathroom and found Hudson standing before the large windows in their bedroom. Shaney surveyed Hudson’s shirtless back, the muscles bunched tight. The shorts he wore molded to his hard ass. Strong thighs and calves, covered in dark hair, all made for a delicious sight. Blood rushed to Shaney’s groin. They might not have come out completely unscathed, but victory sex was definitely in order.
Shaney stepped up behind Hudson and wrapped his arms around his lover’s waist, resting his cheek against Hudson’s shoulder blade. Hudson sighed deeply and his muscles softened. He turned in Shaney’s arms, smiling wide. The adoration in his gaze got to Shaney every time.