Page 20

Coming to a screeching stop at the back of the underground hospital, I climb out of the SUV and run to the back of the vehicle where Demitri meets me. We open the door, and then I jump inside so I can pick up the door by Isabella’s head.
We’re careful as we move her out of the SUV. She survived the flight, and the last thing I want to do is lose her because we’re reckless.
Dr. West and Dr. Oberio, a trauma surgeon, wheel a stretcher toward us, and we carefully place Isabella on it with the door still beneath her.
My eyes lock on the doctors, then I say, “Do your best to save her.”
Dr. West nods, and then they’re both wheeling Isabella down the hallway toward the surgery room.
Tristan glances at his aunt before the doors shut behind the doctors and Isabella as he walks toward me. He embraces me, and it’s only then I feel how tired I am.
“You okay?” he asks as he pulls back.
Letting out a heavy sigh, I say, “Yeah. Just worried.”
“Who’s the woman?” he asks.
I don’t know what to call Isabella and end up murmuring, “A friend.”
I walk to the small waiting room with Tristan and Demitri following behind me, and when I take a seat, I pull my phone out and dial Carson’s number. He stayed in Columbia with Damien.
“Did you make it?” Carson answers the call.
“Yes. They’re working on Isabella.”
“What do you want us to do on this side?” my brother asks.
“Clean out the house we were staying at.” Then I remember Isabella’s safe house and the girls we freed last night.
God, has it only been twenty-four hours?
“Also, go to the safe house where we dropped off the girls and check on them. If they’re still there, we’ll need to figure something out.”
“I’ll handle everything. Don’t worry.”
“Thanks, brother,” I say with a heavy sigh.
We end the call, and then I slump back against the chair and take a deep breath.
Fucking Sonia got away.
I only manage to sit still for a minute or so before climbing to my feet. Walking out into the hallway again, I stare at the shut doors, worry for Isabella and how serious her injuries are whirling in my chest.
A hand falls on my shoulder, and I know it’s Demitri without having to look.
“She’s a fighter,” he says, probably trying to set me at ease.
“I hope Isabella makes it,” I mutter. “It would be a fucking waste to lose her.”
“What are we going to do about Sonia?” he asks.
Glancing at my friend, I say, “Have our contact in the Ruin start searching for anything on Sonia’s whereabouts.” I take a deep breath, my eyes going back to the shut doors. “You might as well head home. Spend some time with Ariana and check the underground chatter for talk of Sonia.”
“And you?” Demitri asks.
“I’ll stay here with him,” Tristan answers on my behalf.
Demitri locks eyes with me, waiting for the order. “I’m good here with Tristan. Don’t worry.”
Nodding, he gives my shoulder a squeeze before he heads to the back entrance where the SUV is.
“Want some coffee?” Tristan asks. When I scowl at him, he lets out a chuckle. “Sorry, brother, I don’t have vodka on me.”
I shake my head. “I’m good.”
There’s no way I’ll have the usual celebratory drink after walking away from a battle alive before Isabella’s out of the woods.