Blacken by Alandra Rankin (i love reading books txt) 📕

Hours of the night passed as he returned to the hospital, waiting, still knowing nothing.

Owen learned of Avie’s death just moments prior, she wouldn’t have to suffer anymore.

The shrill tone of the telephone cut through their conversation, Detective Arcand excusing himself before standing to answer.

With the news, the blond told Detective Arcand all about his former best friend, about the way her mind slipped, controlled and influenced by something else. She couldn’t think clearly, constantly putting herself in harm’s way. She was growing into someone who wouldn’t listen to reason, no matter how hard he tried, someone who grew short with him every time he expressed concern. He was only protecting her. Protecting her from the bigger picture. Protecting from a creature in the woods.

The portly Detective muttered a few things during the brief conversation over the phone, eyes never leaving Owen’s glazed over expression, cigarette perched unsteadily between his lips. He smirked, thanking the person on the other line before hanging up, waltzing back to his side of the table once more.

“Well, well… Just got word that the lil’ lady survived. I hope she shares the same story as you do.”

Cerulean attention snapped back to his words, widening, “Avie is alive? But you had just said—!”

“Sometimes criminals are cockier when they think their victim didn’t make it. So, anything else you may want to tell me? Anything you need to clear up?”

Owen remained silent, staring down at his cuffed hands resting in his lap as they curled into fists.

She survived. God damn it.

“I want a lawyer.”

CHAPTER 20

Eyes blurred into a white out upon her first attempt to open them; the brightness and intensity causing her to squint them shut and try again.

Avie was at a loss, confused as to what happened, memory not able to recall her last moments of awareness. Looking around she figured she was in a hospital, but that didn’t make any sense… Why would she need to be here? Let alone how she got here…

Oh!

There was a gun… It had been pointed at her face initially, Owen’s eyes over the target. There was so much malice held within them.

“You’re going against me. I’ve only ever tried to protect you.” His last words to her echoed as she remembered the firing shot, his hands trembling while they lowered to hit an easier target.

The woman felt the discomfort in her abdomen, flipping the blanket with little strength she had to see the bandages. Hot tears fell from her green eyes. There really was no going back with him. The Owen she knew gone forever; this new one scarier than anything she could imagine.

She felt betrayal in its harshest form, pain washing in with each shaky breath.

Chills wracked through her body, similar to the feeling she had after her car accident, making her body feel light but stiff, shaking from the uncomfortable feeling. She tried lifting her arm, seeing how far into the air it could go, when a doctor entered, startled to see her awake.

“You’re awake already? Let me page your doctor, how are you feeling; one to ten?”

Avie recognized her as she got closer, not entirely sure where from, only the blonde hair and icy eyes ringing a hazy memory.

“Eight on the pain scale, I feel sick.”

“You went through a pretty traumatic event, we didn’t have enough of your blood to replenish what was lost, your body is having an acute reaction to the new type. I’ll get you something for the pain.”

“Wh-what does—what does that mean? Am I going to be okay?”

She smiled, “A test was administered to make sure nothing serious would affect your body, we still have to monitor you, for now it’s a wait and see to how you’re going to react, then we can act if anything comes.”

The doctor administered a liquid through the IV tube, feeling the effects almost immediately, helping the scorch from the surgery diminish into a dull burn. Shortly after, another doctor in lighter scrubs entered, introducing himself.

“Hello Avie, I’m Dr. Fidler, your trauma surgeon. I gotta say, it’s good to see you awake and coherent. It was very touch-and-go there.”

She laughed weekly, her muscles protesting, “Am I going to be alright?”

Dr. Fidler gave her charts the once over, checking her stats and dressings, “I’d say so. The surgery was a success, your blood will replenish itself over time, we will monitor you just in case complications arise. I’m hopeful for a full recovery after some physical therapy training. You’ve got a Guardian Angel looking out for you, you were very lucky.”

Smiling, she spoke weakly, “I’ve been told that, thank you, Dr. Fidler. Has anyone tried to visit me?” she was half worried Owen would try to show up.

The doctor with blue eyes piped up, “Nobody yet, but visiting hours are from nine until seven, family can stay longer under the exception of two or less persons. Do you have any family members you would like us to contact?”

“No, my family is… too far away. I might need rest, thank you, Doctor…?”

“Audrey Miller. Get some rest, Avie.” With their closing, both doctors left her room, shutting the door on the way out.

Avie lay there, waiting for what felt like endless minutes wrapped in her own thoughts. She wasn’t sure if she had the strength yet, or if it was wise to attempt to stand, but she wanted to slide open the window. The woman wanted to see if he was waiting, waiting for her, waiting on any news, even a note, that he could find her here. She would be distraught with worry if similar circumstances happened to Rhulle.

No, she couldn’t risk trying to get up, but she could reach a telephone.

The baby blue plastic rang once, twice, finally getting an answer on the other line, “Front Office.”

“Hello, I hate to be a bother, but is it possible to have my window opened for me for tonight?”

A crackled voice on the other side paused, “I’m sorry, but it’s policy to