Page 89 of Exile

"My mom… Paige?" I answer weakly.

Dr. Smith's lips purse to fight against a frown. "Your father too. Because if you can save someone from their demons, that little inner child feels safe again."

Something jerks me out of my trance. I realize it's a tear sliding down my cheek. I quickly wipe it away. "This is a bit too personal right now," I laugh jokingly, attempting to deflect. "There are patients out there with real problems—like psychopaths leaving roses everywhere and dumping patients in ice water. The goddamn roses, am I right?"

"Avery." He leans forward, forcing me to look at him. "Everything you feel is valid, regardless of the situation. You should be so proud of how far you've come. Look at what you told Meg—you said you were happy and have a real family now. That you're not theperson who walked through those doors. Give yourself some credit—you've come so far, and while doing that, you've become a strong woman who is trying to free everyone. Plus," he laughs. "You did the unthinkable—you made Damon fall in love."

"Yeah, well… being trapped in caskets will do that," I murmur quietly. "Forced proximity and all."

"What?"

"What?" I repeat, cursing myself as I play stupid.

The two of us stare at each other, Dr. Smith appearing increasingly concerned and confused. Quickly, I change the subject. "So, why do you call Margie, Meg?"

That appears to do the trick as he becomes flustered slightly, tugging at his collar. "Well, her name is Margaret. It's a nickname," he chokes out.

"You like her," I laugh. "Ooh, she makes you nervous."

"No, she doesn't," he argues back. "It's just warm in here."

"Sure," I tease, folding my arms. "Whatever you say,Chris."

His stunned face looks as though he's been slapped by a fish. Snorting, I nod toward the chessboard that's been sitting ignored since the beginning of our session. "Do you want to play?"

"Do you remember the rules?" He asks, glancing at the board.

"Yeah," I confirm softly. "Protect the King, right? That's what you were telling me along, isn't it? Protect Damon?"

Dr. Smith's eyebrows shoot up. "Like I said—I had a feeling you'd be special to him. Or at least hoped someone could knock him down a few pegs."

"I'm going to tell him you said that," I mock, sliding off my chair to the floor as he grabs the chessboard and places it on the ground. "No secrets between spouses."

"Except when it comes to Wills," he mutters knowingly.

I hum in agreement. "And marriage licences apparently. Or is that just our new cousin thing?"

Chapter 33

Avery

After our game of chess, I stand in the hallway awkwardly.

To my surprise, there'sno one.

No guard, no sign of the guys.

And since everyone is still in their rooms, no patients.

It's dead.

Dr. Smith appears in the doorway behind me, frowning. "They aren't here yet?"

I shake my head. "Not unless they found a way to make themselves invisible. As tempting as ghost sex sounds, I'm going to guess theyaren'there."

"I didn't need that imagery, but thank you," he sighs, motioning for me to follow him. "We'll check the other rooms."

We reach Dr. Markel's rooms but that's empty as well, not a single lullaby to be heard.