Studies. They looked specifically at never before reported abilities throughout history and were able to pinpoint a specific environmental factor that served as a trigger for each one. Doesn’t explain things like telekinesis”—I gestured to Josh—“or Alec’s pain ability though, so environment is clearly not the only factor.”
“Definitely not,” Josh agreed. “Some abilities have been around since before recorded history and show no signs of disappearing. Genetics play a factor, but they’re still doing research on that.”
Tyler, Josh, and I kept talking about Variant abilities and science for a while longer, but when I yawned three times in one sentence, Ethan pushed his chair back.
“Let’s get you showered, baby.” He pulled me out of Josh’s lap, but before I could take two steps, he picked me up and held me to his chest.
“I can walk just fine, big guy.” I wrapped my arms around his thick neck and ran my fingers through his black hair. It was getting long, starting to fall over his forehead the way Tyler’s did. “I wasn’t hurt.”
“I know.” He kissed me on the cheek and started to climb the stairs. “I just wanna hold you.”
Those words in that deep, gruff voice just about melted me. If he wasn’t careful, I would trickle right out of his big arms. I buried my head in Ethan’s chest and rested in the comfort of his strong hold, all the way to my en suite.
Five
Ethan left me alone to shower, and I spent a long time under the hot spray. I scrubbed every inch of my body and painstakingly detangled my hair, using nearly half a bottle of conditioner. Then I just stood there, letting the water soothe my muscles until I no longer felt like a tension wire.
When I started to get wrinkly fingers, I dried off and put on one of my soft cotton sleep shirts. I picked the towel back up off the end of my bed and tried to squeeze more moisture out of my hair.
The thud of boots on carpet was my only warning before the bedroom door burst open and a furious Alec stormed into the room.
The sudden loud noise startled me, and I dropped the towel. “Fucking knock, Alec!”
He just strode inside, still in his full uniform. “Why the fuck aren’t you at the hospital?” His voice was hard and unyielding, his hands in fists by his sides.
“Because there’s nothing wrong with me, asshole.”
“Get your shit. I’m taking you to the hospital.”
“No.” I took a few steps away from him, stopping near the open window. The evening breeze had a chill on it. “The EMTs checked me out and I’m fine.”
Alec growled. He turned away and ran his hands over his buzzed hair before swinging his furious, wide eyes back to me. “I can’t believe those motherfuckers didn’t take you to the hospital. I’m gonna kill them.”
He stalked forward until we were chest to chest. “Evelyn, I’m not going to say it again. Get your shit and let’s go.”
I crossed my arms and tilted my chin up. “No.”
He pressed his lips together, breathing hard through his nose. Frustration and barely restrained anger laced every exhale. He was practically throwing a temper tantrum, and I refused to pander to his ridiculous demands.
“Alec, would you calm the fuck down? The EMTs said I was fine. I just wanted a hot meal and a hotter shower. What is going on with you?”
He moved so fast it was almost a blur, his hands going to my waist and gripping tight, as if he were about to lift me and just carry me to the hospital kicking and screaming. His hands moved up my ribcage, then back down to my hips as the rage in his face melted away, replaced by . . . fear?
“I just . . .” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m fucking terrified of losing you, OK? I need to make sure you’re not hurt.”
“I’m fine.” I covered his hands with mine and pressed my forehead to his. “I’m right here, arguing with you.” I smirked and moved one of his hands up to my neck. “I’m standing and breathing. I don’t have a concussion or even a scratch on me. A few bruises, but that’s it. I’m safe, Alec.” I squeezed his hands, making him feel my flesh in his fingers. “I’m safe.”
For a few moments we just breathed, him holding me, me feeling more and more grounded by his strong hands. Rain started to pitter-patter outside, giving