Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

He glanced at Coach Carson, got the nod, and with the other doctors on scene, ran onto the field where his brother lay motionless. Everything happened in a rushed blur of protocol and suppressing his emotions.

“He hit his head on the ground,” Coach said from behind them.

Another possible concussion, Braden thought. Fuck. His brother had just recently recovered from one blow to the head. He had a history of concussions in high school. If he did have another one, he was increasing his chances of permanent damage. Braden refused to think about CTE, brain degeneration caused by repeated head traumas. Right now he had to deal with this injury. Thank God he was breathing on his own.

Willow arrived in the next instant and took over her job, immobilizing his neck and removing his face mask and shoulder pads, just as Damon regained consciousness, blinking, wincing, and immediately attempting to move, but those around him held him down.

“Damon, stay still,” Braden said. “Can you tell me where you are?”

“On the field. At the stadium. What happened?”

Dr. Stadtler, the concussion specialist, stepped in and talked to Damon, slowly helping him to his feet, at which point the crowd in the stands erupted in cheer. He walked off the field, and the doctor in charge now immediately sat him down and performed a concussion test, comparing his time to the test he’d taken pregame. It wasn’t good. Damon’s response was slower and he was obviously dizzy and nauseous.

“He’s out.” Stadtler made the call and Damon began to argue.

Willow came up behind him. “What’s going on?”

“Failed the CPT.”

“Shit.” She slipped her hand into his and squeezed once, letting him know she was there for him, before stepping back to maintain professional distance.

Despite the fact that Damon was his brother, Braden did his job, remaining on the field while Damon went to the hospital for X-rays, a CAT scan, and a routine medical checkup. Everyone took head injuries seriously, and this one looked like it was going to be a problem.

* * *

It wasn’t until the game ended and Braden made sure the injuries were cared for that he left to be with his brother, and though Willow wanted desperately to be there for them both, she couldn’t get to the hospital for hours after the game. She had a job to do, and she stayed with her players to make sure they had everything they needed after a rough four-plus hours that left them bruised and beaten up, as usual. They’d lost in the last five minutes, Damon’s injury on everyone’s mind, which put the guys in horrible moods.

Finally, she made her way to her car and drove to the hospital, her team badge allowing her past the main waiting room. She wasn’t surprised to find the Prescott family gathered in a smaller room without other visitors.

Christine stood, shoulders back but worry on her face, Bri standing by her side. Jaxon and Macy, along with Austin and Quinn, sat in chairs near each other, talking low. All looked up and treated her to a wave or a smile.

“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting,” she said.

“No!” Christine Prescott stepped over to her. “I appreciate you coming.”

“Have you heard anything yet?” Willow asked.

Christine, wearing Damon’s jersey number, shook her head with a grim but stoic smile. “Braden and Evie are in with him. I’m sure one of them will know something soon and come tell us.”

She was the mother of three professional athletes. No doubt she’d been through her share of injuries with them before, and Willow admired her strength and wished she’d had a parent who’d drop everything and show up if she were hurt. Siblings, too. Another reason for Aurora, who’d been bonding with Linc these past few days, to leave with him when their week was up.

“Would you like me to go see what I can find out? I can pull the I’m a team trainer card and see if they’ll let me back.” Willow wanted to give them all good news and ease the pain on their faces.

“Would you?” Christine asked.

“That would be great,” Bri said, her arm around her mother’s shoulders.

Willow nodded. “Listen. He was conscious when they brought him in. That’s always a good sign.”

Christine nodded gratefully, and Willow excused herself to check on Damon and find Braden.

Chapter Twelve

Braden sat beside Damon’s bedside in a chair, Evie on the edge of the mattress. The doctor had come in and explained he had a severe concussion. Again. That he had a sufficient history of head injuries to warrant suggesting he not continue to play or risk permanent brain damage in the future.

After he’d dropped that bomb, the three of them sat in silence, Braden offering to leave but Evie and Damon asking him to stay.

The moments ticked by and Braden broke the silence. “You don’t have to make a decision right this minute. You can’t play for a while anyway.” Although if he had his way, Damon would retire and enter Dare Nation, the closest thing they had to a family business, in any capacity he chose. No doubt Austin would be the first to extend an offer when he heard the news.