Page 150 of Hidden

“I’m sorry…” The audience was wider than I’d preferred, but there was no better moment. Besides, it would make it easier, not having to explain the same thing a million times. For the moment, the others faded from the room and I looked at Bryce, and despite what Julian had assured me, I was certain he’d blame me.

He stood a short distance away, halfway between the door and the bed. Watching me with a dispassionate indifference that caused my blood to grow colder.

I was certain he hated me. Well, even more than usual.

This went far beyond our rivalry.

“I didn’t know until you showed me her picture,” I said, hiding my shaking hands under the blankets. I felt exposed, as if a single harsh remark could shatter me. “But I met our mother before. She taught me about ghosts and gave me rules. She told me how to hide. She never told me who she was.”

A crease had formed on his forehead, and his face darkened with ire. The first hint of emotion had broken through the surface of his blank expression. He was going to say something mean, I knew it. But I continued before he could interject.

I needed him to knoweverything.

“She was…” I wasn’t even sure how to describe what happened: killedagain, delivered to hell? “…eaten.” Bryce’s frown deepened, and my stomach lurched. “It was my fault. Something tried to kill me, and—”

“I know,” he said. “Miles told us. That’s not your fault.”

“It’s not,” Brayden interjected, also crossing his arms and nodding sharply. The entire time, he’d been hovering near to his brother.

My words trailed off, and I blinked at them. I didn’t need to explain?

“Her soul might still be safe.” Dr. Stephens scratched his cheek, and my heart leapt into my throat. I hadn’t even noticed him. He stood by Dr. Reed and, after his statement, stepped away from my bed. He didn’t look at me as he pulled on his tweed jacket. “The entire situation doesn’t sound right. Collectors usually work toward a greater purpose. They aren’t destroyers.”

“They kill children,” Damen said dryly, still holding me against him.

Dr. Stephens shrugged. “That’s not what I’m talking about. They don’t care about destroyingsouls.” His attention turned to me, and I shivered in response. Did this mean he knew? What was going to happen now?

My reaction hadn’t gone unnoticed by Damen, who tightened his grip over my shoulders.

But Dr. Stephens only watched me curiously for an instant. Then he cocked his head and said with a disinterested tone, “You and I have a lot to discuss.”

“You can have your discussion later.” Dr. Reed stepped between us, blocking him from my view. “She only just woke up. And if you’re quite finished hijacking my patient, I want all of you to get out.”

Damen hissed in a breath, and I peeked at him. His angular jaw was covered with a dark stubble of unshaven days, and his expression was stubbornly set into a refusal. But despite that, his face was lined with the heavy lines of exhaustion.

The other men seemed similarly worn.

Julian still hadn’t gathered his bearings, and his exhaustion was a tangible thing, broadcasted through the room. Miles was seated on the floor at his feet, dark circles under his eyes. Titus had been watching me since I’d woken up, but turned to Dr. Reed with an intense look that made me worry he might try to rip off her face.

They all looked ready to pass out, but Julian the most.

“And Julian, go to bed,” Dr. Reed commanded, also noticing Julian’s state.

Julian shook his head, instantly appearing more alert. “I’m not tired.”

“Yes, he is. He’s just pretending to be fine.” I spoke before thinking of the implications.

The room seemed to hold its breath, and a long moment passed as everyone’s attention returned to me. I shifted nervously, realizing my mistake a second too late. “It’s true though,” I protested, my voice wavering.

What else was I supposed to do? I just didn’t want anyone to get jealous. Damen was already beginning to shake.

“Julian is my son,” Dr. Reed said finally, brows furrowing and brown eyes gleaming. “I know when he’s lying. But you—”

“You’ve accepted the bond!” Miles jumped to his feet, pushing past Dr. Reed as he almost jumped onto the bed. “That’s awesome! I’ll go next.” He held out his wrist for me, eyes glistening with newfound excitement.

“Um…” I glanced at his wrist, then back to his face. What was he expecting me to do? I wasn’t going to bite him. Besides, everyone was watching and it was embarrassing. This was supposed to be a private moment. “Can we talk about it later?”

“Sure…” His grin wavered, and the confidence leaked from his voice. He dropped his arm back to his side. “We can do it later.”