30. What’s Going On?
WHAT’S GOING ON?
OLIVIA
“I want to speak to him,” I snap at Blade and Cross.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. We need to get the paternity test back, Livy,” Blade responds.
“Have you spoken to him?” I ask Blade.
He looks guilty. “Briefly. I told him if he truly believed he was my brother he had to agree to take a blood test. It will be able to tell if what he is saying is true.”
“Did he seem like Bear to you?” I ask before I can stop myself.
This all seems so unreal. This is day two after sleeping with Lake.
Of all the things that I thought could happen …
this wasn’t it. The man that I was falling for, the man I let into my bed, now says he is the one person that I will always love.
It’s like some cheap Lifetime made for TV movie with over-the-top drama. Yet, it has become my life.
“He knew a lot of things that only Bear should know,” Blade says reluctantly, the words almost dragged out of him.
A horrible flicker of hope takes light in my heart. First, Cross admitted that he’s not sure and now Blade. That has to mean something. “And the fingerprints?”
“Well, the only ones we have are from Bear’s birth certificate Equipment wasn’t the best. Plus, Lake—”
“Or Bear,” I whisper. Blade grimaces.
“Whoever he is, has been through such extensive injuries and surgeries that it’s not clear. There’s not enough of even one print to conclusively tell us. They will grow back and keep some of the same markers if he’s Bear—at least that’s what they told us—but, they’re not there right now.”
“So, we’re saying it’s a possibility. What did Winnie’s doctor friend say?”
“He’s not her doctor friend. He’s a national certified surgeon and doctor dealing with brain trauma and associated diseases. They just happen to be friends,” Blade grumbles.
“If I wasn’t desperately trying to figure out if the man that I’m starting to have feelings for is either the man I will always love, or a lunatic, I’d find your jealousy cute, Blade. Right now, it’s just annoying.”
Cross laughs out loud. Blade just looks annoyed. “You shouldn’t get your hopes up, Livy. At least not until we know.”
“Just tell me what the doctor said,” I snap.
“He said there’s something called dissociative disorder that could explain what has happened. Seeing you again, could have reawakened the man Lake had buried inside of him and caused him to switch between the two different personalities,” Blade admits reluctantly.
“There is also the alternative answer,” Cross says.
“Which is Lake is looney tunes and trying to lie to you,” Blade supplies.
“I want to see him,” I reiterate.
“I don’t think that’s a smart idea,” Blade says at once.
“Good thing I don’t care what you think. Cross, take me to see him.”
“Ollie-girl, I’ve spoken with this guy a lot. He’s managed to make me halfway believe him. You don’t need that kind of hope. Let us see if him and blade are actually brothers before you have to face the what ifs here.”
I sigh. “I hear everything you’re saying, but I’m going to do it anyway. I’m asking you to take me to him now. Besides, you and Blade are here, Carson and his brothers are close by. It’s not like Lake will have the chance hurt me, even if he wanted to.”
“Honestly, I don’t think he wants you hurt, Livy. He thinks he’s Bear. He loves you.”
“Everything you’re telling me says he might be Bear.
No one knows Bear more than I do. I’m the one who spent night after night chained in a cage with him.
I know what we spoke about. I know the promises we made.
I may not understand much about this, but I know in my heart that neither Bear nor Lake would hurt me. I’ll be safe.”
“And if he convinces you and you get your hopes up only to find out it’s a damn hoax?” Blade mutters.
“Do you honestly think my hopes aren’t already up? There’s a chance that Bear is alive. Nothing else matters except finding out if it’s true.”
Cross sighs. “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“So noted,” I grin feeling incredibly nervous. I’m going to see Bear, or maybe Lake.
Or maybe both.