“I honestly can’t remember. That was a rough time,” I admitted, then grinned so I wouldn’t dwell on the past. “It fits him though.” He shook his head at me but didn’t disagree.
Once Roman got us on the elevator, I called out to Monty. He popped in, crowding the elevator enough we were forced to squish ourselves together to fit.
Before he could say anything, Drake spoke. “We just had a visit with Vane. He’s back and is now saying that whatever he’s doing with the demons they’re doubling down their efforts. Meaning something is about to go down.”
He nodded once before popping out, and I blinked in surprise. No snark or verbal sparring matches?
What the fuck was going on?
“So, who’s hungry?” Drake asked. He looked a bit unsettled after Monty’s lack of response but was forging ahead anyway. I’d give it to Drake, he didn’t let anything throw him off for long. “We need food regardless, and we should probably warn the others about what might be coming. Make sure you let Hiro know too, Roman.”
“Of course,” Roman said. “I’d never leave him vulnerable.”
Drake nodded before hitting the button for the basement, taking us to the cafeteria. We’d be one of the first for the dinner line, but I wasn’t complaining. It definitely beat fighting through the crowds of people to get to our table.
“What do you think he’s going to do? Are the patients here safe?” I asked as we walked toward the cafeteria doors. Drake let out a sigh.
“Doubtful. But we can’t protect them all,” he countered.
“What happened to the other patients that were in that wing with me?” He glanced over at my question as if he were deciding whether to tell me the truth.
“I moved them to the sixth floor. The nurse there is an old friend, and that floor is for long term help. They’ll fit in there while they recover. Then who knows.”
“Good,” I said. “I met someone on that floor. A demon was bothering a woman and I chased it out. Or rather Monty did before he disappeared again. I stayed with her until sunrise.”
Drake froze at my words.
“What? She was crying and I couldn’t take it,” I said. Something passed on his face but like usual when shit got heavy, he just shoved open the door and walked away. We followed behind him but didn’t push the subject as we gathered our food and sat down. Of course that was when everyone else filed in, including Layne and Crew who were holding hands.
“They worked shit out,” Drake noted with a nod in their direction. I grinned as she leaned up and kissed him, an adorable smile on his face when she pulled away. Of course someone made a comment so she flipped them off and said something, forcing Crew to pull her away with him instead of starting a fight.
“They’re good together,” I said before taking a bite of my pizza. I hadn’t noticed how fucking hungry I was; soon there was nothing left of my pizza or breadstick. Hell, I’d even polished off my salad.
“Here,” Roman said before dropping his food on my plate and going back up to the line for more. My second round was gone before he even got back, and I leaned back, clutching my stomach.
“What’s wrong with you?” Layne asked as she took the seat next to me, shoving Roman’s tray aside. Crew sat on the other side, both of them looking at me with a hint of worry.
“I ate too fast,” I said with a laugh.
“Oh, we heard Vane wanted to see you, I was freaked out he tried something else,” Layne admitted. “But also kind of excited. I got these new boots and I really wanted to break them in. What better way than Vane’s face?”
“We went with her, so nothing happened,” Drake said. “But he’s in a mood. Don’t go anywhere alone, even if you have to get one of us. Especially Vane’s office. Though he can’t do much with a broken dick, the man’s already covered in bandages.”
“Okay,” she agreed without hesitation before laughing. “I’m glad someone finally kicked his ass. Maybe things won’t be so heavy around here for a bit.”
“Crew and I were going to sneak away tonight to the boiler room. Can you cover for us?”
“How romantic,” I snorted.
“Oh, don’t worry, it will be,” Layne wiggled her eyebrow, so we all knew exactly what her plan was.
“Plus, fire,” Crew said. His hands were tapping at the table like he couldn’t wait to get down there.
“Where is the boiler room?” I asked. “I thought it was just the cafeteria down here.”
Crew grinned. “We really need to take you on the real tour of this place. The hidden secrets of Dark Haven.”
“Oh, I know some of those secrets a bit too well,” I said with a dark laugh. “Did you know Vane had a hallway he kept patients in? That’s why you guys couldn’t find me.”