Page 195 of Stolen Voices

The tension in my body ebbs but doesn’t disappear completely.

“Please, give us some space.” A team of nurses enters the room and surrounds my bed. The nurse on my left checks my IV while the one on my right introduces herself and lets me know what’s going on. “Alright, Mr. Miller. I need you to take a deep breath, and when you exhale, I will pull the tube out. On the count of three.”

I exhale and retch as the plastic tubing slides out of my throat and mouth. The sensitive tissue feels raw and dry, like sandpaper, but I don’t give a fuck as I speak against the nurse’s orders.

“Wh-where’s Cal—” I gasp.

My dad frowns at me. “Relax, Eli. Please calm down.”

“No, tell me,” I rasp, my voice rough from the intrusion. “Where?”

“She went to confront Silla,” Hudson cuts in, telling me the worst thing possible.

Fuck no. She wouldn’t.

It’s not safe for her to be near Silla. That devil-woman is trying to kill Callie, and she’ll never stop. I have to get to Callie, keep her safe.

Pushing up onto my hands, I immediately fall back at the screaming pain in my left side. “Fuck!”

“Serves you right, dumbass. You have broken ribs and needed surgery for a punctured lung,” Dad tells me. “Now, will you please calm the fuck down?”

Memories of the crash flash in my head—the spin, the smell of smoke, the second crash, and staring at Callie’s beautiful face as I passed out. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and mouth,Yes.

“Mark, have you ever thought of coming out of retirement? I could use an Eli tamer.”

“Fuck off,” I croak.

Dad brings a cup of ice chips to my lips, forcing me to take a couple into my mouth.

“So cranky,” Hudson teases.

Dad chuckles and pats my hand. “I’m going to go get your mom. She’s in the waiting room with Rhys. We’ve all been so worried.”

“Everyone’s here?”

“Of course. You gave us all a scare with that stunt you pulled. Just glad you’re okay, my boy.” He pats my hand, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears as he holds back his emotion.

“Pop.” My voice cracks, from not only the pain of having a tube but for the love and support of my family. I don’t know what I would have done without them at my back. They showed up for me, and while it shouldn’t surprise me, it fills me with so much love. Telling him how I feel isn’t possible at this moment, but I hope he knows how much I love him. How grateful I am he’s my dad.

“I love you too, kiddo.”

“Thanks.”

“Wouldn’t be anywhere else. I’ll be right back.”

I wait for my dad to leave before I turn on my friend. “Why the fuck did you let Callie go?” I practically snarl at Hudson, not giving a fuck that my throat burns from talking.

“First off, chill the fuck out. You’re supposed to be resting your voice.” He hands me a pink cup of water to take a sip.

The cool water feels good on my tongue, washing away the metallic taste in my mouth.

“Second, Callie is a grown-ass woman who can make her own choices. She is strong as fuck. You and I both know we can’t and shouldn’t tell a woman like her what to do.”

I might be listening and completely agree with what Hudson is saying, but that woman is my everything. If she were to get hurt, I don’t know what I would do. “You’re right. But—”

“Nope. You just said I’m right.” Hudson grins as I scowl at him. “Callie asked me to stay here to tell you she’s fine and she’ll be back soon.”

That does nothing to squash my worry. Silla is capable of anything. The pit in my stomach grows as I think about Silla going through with her plans. She’ll stop at nothing to get rid of Callie.