Page 95 of Missed Steps

I hear something behind me; leaves being disturbed. Some rustling.

“Come on,” I say. “Let’s keep going. I won’t be able to climb if it starts raining.”

Ronan turns with a scowl. He’s tall; but even in his jacket, he seems skinny. I wait.

A hand touches my shoulder. I twist and my eyes meet Marks.

I release a long breath, deflating until I sag against his side.

“I’ve got you,” Mark murmurs, wrapping his arms around me. A hand brushes against my back and I turn my head enough to see Chris.

“What’s the hold up?” Ronan barks. He whirls, light illuminating us. I don’t look at him. I can’t. All of a sudden, it’s a battle just to keep my eyes open.

“Piggy back?” I request tiredly.

“Straighten up for a second,” Mark instructs. I do, swaying, and Mark crouches with his back to me. I sink onto him with a groan, and he cups under my thighs as he straightens. “We’re going ahead to the hospital,” Mark says to Chris.

Chris nods. “I’ll be there soon.”

“Chris,” Ronan’s voice is uneven.

I rest my head against Mark’s as he wastes no time before starting to walk. “Is it safe to leave them alone?” I ask, sounding half drunk to my own ears.

“It’s safe for Chris.”

There’s a grunt, then the sound of someone falling to the ground. I want to look, but I don’t have the energy. “Okay,” I say.

“Kyle?” Mark sounds worried.

“Tired.”

“How sore are you?”

I’ve definitely been worse than I am now. I’ve also been better. “Is Eddie okay?”

“He’s getting looked at in the hospital. He’s awake, but probably concussed. I’m taking you to the same place, so we’ll see him.” Mark’s chest expands. Decompresses. “He got his phone into the car when he fought with Ronan. We were able to turn on the GPS remotely and follow you straight here.”

“Eddie’s a good guy.”

“Yeah.”

I blink a few times and the forest lights up. An ambulance and squad cars crowd the dirt path, all parked around the Jeep. Damien stands with the paramedics.

Several hands ease me off of Mark’s back and onto a stretcher.

“He’s only been responding with one-word answers,” Mark answers a question I didn’t hear being asked. “And he’s slurring. He didn’t drink at all today.”

I don’t have the energy to tell Mark I’m alright. Now that I’m lying down, it’s impossible to stay aware; my eyes shut and I drift off.

Chapter Thirty-Six

“You with me?”

I know it’s Mark. I know it’s only been a few seconds since I lay down in the back of the ambulance. I squeeze my fingers around his. “Tired,” I tell him without opening my eyes. His hand is warm, engulfing mine. I feel the poking and prodding, but I try not to engage with it. I don’t want to be roused enough to feelwhat’s going on. “My leg hurts.”

“I know babe,” Mark murmurs. His warm lips press to my forehead and he gently strokes my hair. “We’re getting you painkillers, promise.”

“Strong ones?”