Chapter 20 #3
“He was rescued about six months ago,” I explain. “And he came after Yara. He blamed her. For not being rescued sooner. For how she was treated.”
“He came after her?” Malik leans forward. His voice dips to a growl. “What do you mean, came after her?”
Yara protests, “We don’t need to talk about this—”
“He held her hostage in her house,” I reply. “Tortured her.”
“What?” Malik exclaims.
“I’m fine.” Yara glares at me. “I’m. Fine.”
“Stop saying you’re fine,” Malik and I retort in unison.
Yara blinks again, disconcerted.
As Malik looks at her, understanding fills his gaze. In a gentler tone, he says, “Tink. Come here.”
Hesitantly, she moves forward. I stick close to her side.
“I’m not like Kellogg,” Malik says, once we’re both next to his bed. “I remember that guy. He was a real asshole. And hearing what he did… Fuck.”
“He’s in jail,” I supply. “We’ll make sure he stays there.”
“Good,” he snaps. Then he gentles again.
“Tink. I promise. I’m not mad at you.” Reaching out his wounded hand, he waits for her to take it.
“I’m so fucking glad you got out when you did.
I didn’t know. They never told me. I was so worried—” His mouth twists.
“Shit. I’m just so fucking glad you’re home. ”
Tears fill Yara’s eyes. “I’m so glad you’re home, too.”
“Then stop acting like a weirdo and give me a hug,” he replies.
She flashes me a quick look of hopeful relief before darting forward to hug him.
The hug is careful at first. Uncertain, even. But after a few seconds, Yara leans into it. “I’m so glad you’re home,” she repeats quietly. “I missed you so much.”
My eyes burn to watch them.
And I’m so fucking glad she got her friend back again.
When Yara finally steps away, she looks lighter. Happier. The worry in her eyes is gone.
Malik swallows hard. Then he glances at me. “So. You and Tink?”
I lift my chin. “Yes.”
Yara moves back to my side again. She takes my hand. “We’re together. It’s kind of new, but…” Her cheeks go pink. “When you know, you know.”
“Well.” He gives me an assessing look. “At least you picked one of the good ones. Even if he did ditch us to join Delta.”
“Fair,” I concede with a smile.
“You have to come visit,” Yara says. “Once you’re feeling up to it, of course. I’d love for you to meet everyone at Blade and Arrow.”
“And you can see Yara’s workshop,” I add. “It’s really something.”
Malik brightens with interest. “You’re still creating your inventions?” he asks Yara.
She nods. “Yeah. I’m working for a robotics company in Seattle. But in my free time, I make my own stuff. Prosthetics, mainly. But I’m always thinking up new ideas.”
“Seattle, hmm?” Malik looks speculative. “Didn’t you say Blade and Arrow is in Portland?”
“It is.” Yara smiles. “But we’re working out a way for me to commute into Seattle a couple days a week. The rest of the time, I’ll be with Ace at B and A.”
Malik smirks. “So it’s like that, is it?”
I kiss Yara’s cheek. “It is. And whatever it takes to make it work, I’ll do it.”
We all fall silent for a moment, absorbing everything. The rescue. Yara’s misplaced guilt. A long-awaited reunion. And a new beginning for all of us.
Then, from the doorway, a soft cough interrupts us. When we turn towards it, the nurse smiles apologetically. “Sorry. But I need to draw some blood. If you could come back in ten minutes or so?”
“Of course.” I nod at Malik. “We’ll just grab some coffee and come back. You want anything?”
“Can you have regular food now?” Yara asks.
Malik looks at the nurse, and she bobs her head. He smiles and says, “Then yes, I’d love some coffee. And maybe, if they have it—”
“A chocolate chip muffin?” Yara offers.
He chuckles. “You remembered.”
“Of course.” She pats his shoulder. “I’ll get you a few. With extra butter.”
The nurse laughs. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” Then she comes into the room, a clear signal for us to leave.
“We’ll be right back,” Yara promises from the doorway. “With lots of goodies.”
“Sounds perfect,” Malik replies. “I can’t wait.”
As we step into the hallway, I turn back to look at him. With Yara’s back to him, he allows his smile to fade. His expression isn’t angry, but haunted. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long road for Malik to feel close to normal again.
But he has family. Not just his family by blood, but his brothers and sisters in arms. And now he’s a part of the extended Blade and Arrow family, too. Which means anything he needs, we’ll be there for him.
Malik catches my gaze, and I lift my chin. It’s an unspoken message, but important, just the same.
It says, I’ve got your six. We all do. And Yara… I’ll do anything to protect her.
He stares at me for a moment before nodding in reply.
Good.
With our silent agreement established, I turn back to Yara. As we start down the hallway, I kiss her cheek. She looks up at me with a smile. “He’s doing okay, isn’t he?”
“He is,” I agree.
“And he doesn’t hate me.”
“No.” I squeeze her hand lightly. “He doesn’t. Just like I said.”
After a beat, her smile expands. “Well. I guess you have to be right sometimes.”