“I’m sure there were moments in which they did,” Reed gently said.
“Yeah.We used to pull pranks on our dad before he passed away.This one time, all three of us hid.Garrett was in the car, Leah was behind the garage door, and I was in the hallway.Our dad freaked out when Garrett jumped out of the car, tried to run back inside, and then Leah and I jumped out, too.I swear, even the neighbors heard our father scream.It was so funny that Leah almost peed herself.”
Franklin didn’t pay attention to what the healers were doing.He was afraid to find out.He let them work while he talked about their childhood and anything he could think of.When he saw one of the healers inject Garrett with something, he suspected it was a sedative.That was why he wasn’t surprised when Garrett’s eyes started sliding closed.Franklin wasn’t ready to leave, though, so he continued talking until the healer cleared his throat.
“Thank you for that,” he said.“He’s going to sleep through the night now.We’ll keep an eye on him, but the two of you should go.There’s nothing more you can do here.”
Franklin wanted to argue, but when Reed pulled on his arm, he followed.He didn’t feel like he had a choice.He doubted the healers would kick him out, but they also wouldn’t be happy with him if he stuck around, and he needed them to like him.They were going to be essential to Garrett’s recovery, and Franklin would have to work with them.
He walked slowly as he left the room.Before walking through the door, he turned back to look at his brother one last time.Garrett’s expression was peaceful now, but Franklin suspected that it wouldn’t last long once his brother woke up tomorrow morning.He’d have to make sure he was here when that happened.
“Come on,” Reed said gently as he pulled on Franklin’s hand.
Franklin felt like he was leaving his heart behind, but he told himself that this was completely different from the past few years.He knew where Garrett was now.He knew that Garrett was safe and that no one would hurt him.They might be separated, but it would only be until tomorrow.Then, once Garrett was healthy enough to be able to leave the clinic, he’d move in with Franklin, and Franklin would never have to worry about his brother again.
He almost snorted to himself.He was sure that the worrying had only started, both for Leah and Garrett.
He and Reed stepped into the waiting area, but while Reed continued moving toward the exit, Franklin froze.He knew that staying here wouldn’t help, but part of him was terrified that he’d lose Garrett again if he went home.
Maybe Franklin wasn’t okay, after all.Physically, nothing had happened to him except that bump on the head, but he was sure that his heart was broken.He wanted to scream and cry at the same time.He wanted to run back, but also not to have to see Garrett like that again.Every time he looked at his brother, he remembered that Garrett had no idea who he was.
And it was mutual.Franklin had no idea who Garrett was now.He didn’t know how to help him.
He didn’t know if he could help him.
* * * *
FRANKLIN SEEMED FROZENin the middle of the medical center’s waiting room.His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, as if he was ready to fight someone, but the fight was over.Reed could see how shaken he was and the way he was holding himself together.The adrenaline was starting to wear off, and the crash was going to hit him hard.Reed didn’t think Franklin would want to be here when it happened.
“You should go home,” he said quietly.“Get some rest.”
Franklin turned to look at him, and Reed was startled by the vulnerability in his eyes.He hadn’t expected Franklin to allow him to see him like this, even though they’d grown closer.“I should stay,” Franklin said.“What if he wakes up?What if he needs me?”
“The healers will take care of him.”
Reed stepped closer to Franklin.Even though Reed wasn’t a shifter, he could smell sweat and blood—Garrett’s blood—on his mate, and he knew that Franklin would want a shower at the very least.“You can’t help him if you collapse from exhaustion.”
“He doesn’t remember me.”Franklin’s voice cracked.“He looked at me, but he didn’t recognize me.”
Reed’s chest ached for Franklin.He’d tried to prepare Franklin for what they might find, but knowing something and experiencing it were two different things.“It’ll take time for him to recover.”
“What if he never remembers me?What if I got him out, but I’ve lost him anyway?”
“You haven’t lost him.He’s alive, and he’s safe.That’s what matters right now.”Reed wanted to reach out to touch Franklin, but he wasn’t sure if it would be welcome.“You need rest, Franklin.You’ve been running on fumes for days.”Longer if Reed counted from when Franklin had started looking for his siblings.
Franklin was quiet for a long moment, and Reed thought he would refuse.But to his surprise, Franklin nodded.“Yeah.Okay.You’re right.”
Reed felt a flutter of relief in his chest.“Good.I’ll walk you home.”
“No.”Franklin’s hand shot out, catching Reed’s wrist.The touch sent a jolt through Reed’s body, and he tensed, but he wasn’t sure why.“I mean, yes,” Franklin continued.“But stay with me.Please.”
Reed stared at him.“Stay with you?”
“I don’t want to be alone right now.”Franklin’s grip tightened.“And I don’t want you to be alone either.”
Reed sucked in a breath.He’d expected Franklin to want space after the rescue so he could have time to process everything that had happened.Reed had been prepared to go back to his room in Moore and Jolyn’s house and spend the night staring at the ceiling and wondering how Franklin was doing and if he was sleeping.
He hadn’t expectedthis.
