Nightfall (Devil's Night 4)

Taylor was arrested, and Jack Munro was in contact with his family, probably arranging for Taylor to join Evans on the transport to “another undisclosed location” since Blackchurch had burned down.

Micah and Rory stayed behind to give the police a statement, but we assured them we’d be at the station in the morning to fill in any details.

I had a feeling, with Will’s grandfather present in town, we weren’t going to be grilled too hard.

Aydin jogged behind us as we raced out of the elevator and down the corridor, spotting everyone loitering outside a glass hospital door with the curtain inside drawn.

“Hey, how is she?” I asked Michael as he, Damon, and Kai all stood in front of the door.

But Aydin nudged past us. “Move,” he ordered them.

Michael crossed his arms, glaring down at him.

“I’m a physician,” Aydin pointed out. “I can help.”

“She has the best medical care money can buy,” Michael told him. “You’re not needed. Good night.”

Aydin stood there as Damon and Kai flanked Michael, none of them budging.

I felt like stepping in and helping him, but part of me knew they were right. He cared, but did he care enough? How long would he stick around? She didn’t need the hurt anymore.

Aydin’s chest rose and fell, the wheels turning in his head as he came to terms with the fact that he wouldn’t win in a fight against all four of them.

I stood back with the girls as Will joined his friends in shielding Alex.

Aydin turned around, looking ready to leave, but then he just stopped, letting out a breath. “And if I marry her?” he asked.

My heart skipped a beat, Rika and I straightening as my gaze flipped between him and the boys.

Aydin spun back around, facing them. “If I promise to marry her, will you let me in?”

Michael’s gaze thinned. “No.”

He didn’t believe him.

“Still want to marry her?” he taunted.

Was Aydin just saying that to get in the door? Or was he absolutely serious.

Damon stepped in, grabbed Aydin’s collar, and shot a fist right into his gut. I flinched, having enough violence for one night.

Aydin lurched forward, bending in half and grunting, but Damon pulled him back up, straightening his shirt.

“Yes,” Aydin gasped. “I still want to marry her.”

I bit back my smile.

Kai reared back and threw a punch across Aydin’s face, Aydin whipping around and wincing. “Fuck,” he growled.

But after a moment, he turned and faced them again.

“Get out,” Michael told him.

“No.”

Michael grabbed his shirt, held him tight, and tossed another punch across his jaw. Aydin’s arms stayed at his sides, his fists balled, but made no move to fight back.

Blood trickled out of the corner of his mouth as he breathed hard and let the pain course through him.