Page 47 of Echoes of Danger
“This is why I told everyone to avoid any internal organs and go for face and limbs only,” King smiles. “Always have a backup plan, brothers. I need to call Venom in and see if Doc can patch him up. Until then, let's go find our people.”
Chapter Sixteen
Steel
Ijump up and down when I hear noises outside our door. It’s not the usual time that they bring food and water, but I can’t wait for another opportunity. I haven’t slept in three days, and Del is barely breathing. Not to mention, neither of us have had anything to eat. I only allow us the water because they’re in sealed bottles.
“I have a doctor out here, Steel,” I hear Paston say. “I’m going to need you to stand near the bathroom door so that he can come in.”
“Fuck you,” I scream.
“She’s going to die,” he says. “She needs help.”
“She needed help two days ago,” I argue back. “Hell, she would have been just fine had you not kidnapped us.”
“Okay, we’ll come back when you pass out from lack of sleep,” he says calmly. “Or when she dies. Whichever comes first.”
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
“Okay,” I sigh, moving to the back of the room. “Fine. I’m by the door.”
I press my back against the cold concrete wall, my eyes locked on Delphi’s motionless form. Her breathing is shallow, a faint rasp that makes my stomach tighten.
I hear the door unlock and swing open, the harsh clank echoing through the otherwise silent room. I straighten, moving to stand in front of Delphi protectively, my muscles tense. I’m not letting anyone touch her without a fight.
Two figures step inside. Paston, of course, his imposing figure blocking the doorway. Behind him, I see a man in a white coat, probably the doctor. He looks nervous, hesitant, like he doesn’t want to be here anymore than I do.
“Move,” Paston says flatly, his voice cold, devoid of any emotion as he gestures to the bathroom door. “Get in position. Let him do his job.”
I grit my teeth, trying to hold back the anger that burns through my veins. “You think I’m just going to stand aside and let this bastard touch her?”
Paston shrugs as though he’s indifferent, but something in his eyes tells me he’d rather not let Del die. What’s his plan?
“If you’re smart, you will. I’m not asking for your permission.” He steps closer, his hand moving to the doorframe like he’s ready to grab me if I don’t comply. “You don’t want her to die, do you?”
The threat is unspoken, but it’s there. My fists clench at my sides, but I know better than to take a swing at him now. He’ll just make things worse for Delphi.
Reluctantly, I move to the side, my heart pounding in my chest. “Hurry the hell up,” I growl, stepping back but keeping my body angled toward the door. I won’t let them get close to her without seeing every move they make.
The doctor steps forward hesitantly, his eyes flicking nervously between Paston and me. He’s probably just doing what he’s told, but I don’t trust anyone who works for that piece of shit.
The doctor sets down his medical bag, glancing at Delphi, then at me. “We need to stabilize her. I can try something, but it’s risky. She’s been without proper care for too long. She needs IV fluids, antibiotics…”
“No shit,” I cut him off, my voice low and deadly. “Do it, but don’t think for one second I trust you.”
Paston leans against the doorframe, his eyes on Delphi, his face unreadable. “She’s still alive because I’m letting her breathe. You’d do well to remember that, Steel. Keep her alive, doctor.”
The doctor starts to unpack his supplies, carefully setting up a needle, his hands shaking slightly. I can’t look away from Delphi. Every part of me wants to grab her, take her, and run the hell out of here before Paston decides to do something worse.
But I can’t. Not yet. If I try something too soon, she’ll pay the price.
“I’m doing everything I can,” the doctor mutters as he prepares the IV. He gives a quick look in my direction like he’s waiting for permission, but I don’t trust him enough to give it.
Paston notices the hesitation and gives an impatient grunt. “Hurry up. If she dies because you fucked this up, I’ll make sure you never work again. Not in this town or anywhere else.”
The doctor goes pale, his hands working faster now. I’m still on edge, ready to react at the first sign of anything going wrong.
Delphi’s body is too still. Her skin is colder than it should be, and her lips are starting to turn an unnatural shade of blue. Panic rises in my chest.