Chapter 163: Roommates

"Jax?"

"Don't sound so happy," he said.

His tone was. . . off, like he was exhausted or something. His skin was much too pale, almost translucent, and there were deep, dark circles around his eyes.

I shook my head and flung myself at him. He stumbled back a bit, but he caught me and wrapped me in a tight hug.

"That's better," he mumbled, squeezing me closer. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." I pulled away and studied his face, but I didn't fully release him. I needed the physical reminder that he was actually here, that I wasn't just dreaming. "What're you doing here? Where's Trent? What's wrong? You look sick." Realizing I sounded much too accusatory, I said, "Sorry. I just have no idea what's going on. It's been a really weird few days."

"I know." Jax sat on the bed, and I sat beside him. "Seriously, are you okay? They haven't hurt you, have they?"

"No." I gave him a reassuring smile. "They've actually been very accommodating. Though, they won't let me out of this stupid room."