Walk the Line (Kings of Chaos 5)

“Are you my doctor or my shrink?”

“A bit of both. Healing and moving forward with this type of injury is sixty percent mental and forty percent physical. You have to want to get better, whatever that means for you.”

“Whatever that means for me? That’s your nice way of saying no guarantees you won’t be a waste of space for the rest of your life. But we can help you be the best loser you can be.”

Doc shakes his head. “No, you said that. I know you need time to adjust. That’s normal, so is the anger. But pushing people away is only going to hurt you and your healing process. We’ve gone in and repaired the broken bones in your legs and hips. The SUV did a number on you.”

“Did someone get the bitch that did this?” I ask, thirsty for her blood.

“Yes, I believe she’s under police watch at a different hospital. I believe she was in an accident as she tried to leave the scene.”

“For once karma was swift,” I mutter. “So what’s the plan, Doc?”

“Right now, we’re focused on allowing your body to heal and monitoring you for anything like blood clots, complications from surgery, or anything we may have missed due to the swelling around your body, especially your spinal cord.”

“So it’s a waiting game?”

“Yes after a couple more days, we’ll lower your medicine dosage and do some more tests.”

“To see if I can feel?” I whisper.

“Among other things, yes.”

“Is it true what she said about the odds depending on if it’s partial or complete?”

“The chances of recovery are far greater with partial, but a complete isn’t a death sentence.”

“No just a chair sentence.”

“Usually. Miracles have occurred, but I will never give you what I believe to be false hope. It would do more harm than good in the long run.”

“So we wait.”

“Yes, but I highly suggest you familiarize yourself with the recent updates in technology for those with paraplegia. This is no longer the dark ages. You can drive a modified car, join basketball leagues if you want. You’ll be able to take care of yourself with the right adaptations to your home, and enough training. I’m in the business of life here, Mr. Ryan, and from the looks of it, you have plenty to live for. I’m going to check our vitals, and the nurse will be in shortly after to administer your medicine after you’ve had breakfast.”

An uneasy silence falls between us. I don’t need to know he disapproves of my behavior so far. What else is new? Another person disappointed in me.

***

I push around the unnatural eggs I know have to be powdered on my plate and nibble at the turkey bacon. I get wanting to be healthy, but fake bacon is just mean. I glance down at my foot and will my toe to wiggle. Disgusted when it doesn’t, I return to half ass eating my food. The door opens, and B walks into the room on four-inch heeled black sandals, tiny black shorts, a crop top that shows off her belly, and a fierce expression that would have me hard if I was able to get that way. She places her hands on her hips, every inch the bad ass biker bitch I knew she could be. My spoon drops from my suddenly clumsy fingers.

She stalks toward me, a lioness about to command the Pride.

“You don’t get to send me away and dismiss me, Jagger Reese Ryan. When you claimed me, you made me your own, and in turn that makes you mine.”

Yes, ma’am. I’ve never seen her this aggressive or sure before. It’s hot. I shake my head to clear the spell she’s cast.

“I am your family.”

I shake my head. “Last I checked, you don’t have my mark.”

“Last I checked, Stone recognized me as your Old Lady which was more important than the ink.”

“What?”

“He told me last night I belong to Chaos too, and they look out for their own.”

Meddling motherfucker.