Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 66962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Blade had to be okay. Maybe he was just pissed off that I’d broken through his shell. I could handle that problem. I was good at pissing people off and charming my way back into their good graces.
I drove wildly across a field. If Grant knew I didn’t actually have a license, he’d be even more pissed, but it wasn’t like I was going to encounter other drivers, and I knew what I was doing. Unless I had to obey the rules of the road, then I was fucked, but there were no real roads for miles around.
I skidded to a stop a bit too close to Blade’s cabin, but I didn’t actually run into it, so that was a win for me. I jumped from the cab of the truck and ran to the door.
I pounded with my fist as I called for him. “Blade. Damn it. Just tell me you’re okay. I’m worried. We’re all worried.”
I thought I heard something, but he didn’t come to the door.
“I’m going to come in if you don’t answer the fucking door right now, so don’t shoot me or anything.” If he didn’t shoot me the first night, I didn’t think he would now, right?
I was reaching for my lockpick when I heard slow footsteps. A moment later, the lock clicked, and Blade cracked the door open. “Go away.”
“You look like hell.”
“I’m sick.”
Without even hesitating, I laid my hand on his forehead. “Jesus, you’re burning up.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“You haven’t answered anyone’s texts.”
“Been sleeping.”
I frowned. “When was the last time you ate?”
He wrinkled his face. “I’m not hungry.”
“Are you drinking water?”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.” I pushed at his chest, and he wobbled on his feet. “See? I shouldn’t be able to do that to you.”
“I’m sick, not dying.”
“If you let yourself get dehydrated and your fever gets too high, you’ll be in danger of it.”
He shook his head. “No way. If I didn’t die in that…”
I took his arm and led him to the couch, where he’d obviously been camping out. There was a pile of blankets there, and he had a space heater turned up enough to make it feel like a sauna.
“Have you had chills?”
“Yeah,” he mumbled as he laid back down and pulled the mound of blankets over him.
“I’m getting you some water, then we’re going to figure out something you can eat.”
“Mmmhmm.”
He was already drifting back to sleep.
I messaged Jacob, Rhys, and Rogue to let them know Blade was alive but as sick as Ghost and Grant or worse. I found a water bottle in Blade’s kitchen and filled it. I could hear him snoring, so I took a few moments to look around and see what else he had there. It was as bleak as I’d expected. Some peanut butter. A few pieces of bread. A few frozen pizzas. None of that was going to help.
I messaged Jacob again and asked if there were any leftovers in the fridge that I could get and bring back to Blade.
A few moments later, he replied: There’s chicken soup simmering on the stove and a chicken and rice casserole in the fridge. Look around and take anything else you need.
I should have known he would have made sure there was plenty for Grant and Ghost. Jacob always cooked for at least twice the people at the ranch, though some of them worked so hard they needed to consume enough for two or three.
Thank you. I replied.
Is Blade really okay?
I think he’s dehydrated, and I doubt he’s eaten in the last day, but I’m going to make sure he takes better care of himself.
Good. There is an extra thermometer and medicine in the closet by the kitchen door. Get whatever you need from there too.
I would. I was going to take care of Blade just like my nonna always took care of me.
When I was standing by the couch with Blade’s water, I took a moment to watch him sleep. His face was far too pale, except for flushed cheeks and dark circles under his eyes. I could tell how congested he was by the way he snored. I wondered if I could find all the ingredients for my nonna’s special remedy. If not, I could get a delivery from town. One way or another, I was going to help Blade feel better.
15
BLADE
I woke to the sound of someone entering the cabin and tensed until I realized it was Carlo.
It took me a moment for my eyes to adjust, then I saw that he was carrying a huge box. He headed to the kitchen before I could make my voice work. Finally, I called out, “What are you doing?”
“I went to the ranch house for food and supplies. You don’t have anything nutritious here, and I’m guessing you don’t have any medicine either.”