Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

9

Back at home as they lounged in the living room, basking in the post-investigation calm, Ryan and Winter exchanged subtle glances. Their relationship, was a source of quiet joy for both of them. The River and Wyatt noticed the change in Ryan, the way his eyes lit up when Winter was around, but they gave the couple their space, respecting the delicate newness of their bond.

"Hey, Winter," Ryan called softly as Winter began to prepare for his shift. "Be careful out there tonight, okay?"

Winter smiled, his heart warming at Ryan's concern. "I always am. Don't worry about me. Just enjoy your evening off."

Ryan stood up, crossing the room to give Winter a quick, reassuring hug. "I mean it. I worry, you know?"

Winter kissed Ryan's cheek, a gentle promise. "I'll be fine. See you later."

With a final wave to the others, Winter hopped on his motorbike, the engine's roar cutting through the early evening stillness. He loved the freedom his bike gave him, the wind in his hair and the open road stretching out before him. But tonight, something felt different. There was an uneasy sensation prickling at the back of his mind, but he brushed it off, attributing it to post-ghost-hunt nerves.

As he merged onto the highway, Winter began to notice a car trailing him closely. At first, he thought it was just a coincidence, but as the car continued to tail him through several turns, his unease grew. He glanced in his side mirror, trying to get a better look at the driver, but the headlights were too blinding.

Panic began to set in as Winter recognized the vehicle—a dark, beat-up sedan he knew all too well. His ex-boyfriend. The man who had made his life hell and who he had hoped never to see again. Heart pounding, Winter pushed his bike to its limits, weaving through traffic in a desperate attempt to shake his pursuer.

But his ex was relentless. The car swerved dangerously close, clipping the back wheel of Winter's bike. Winter felt a surge of fear-fueled adrenaline. He tried to accelerate, to get away, but his ex rammed the bike again, harder this time. Winter's mind raced, a chaotic mix of fear and determination to survive.

As he turned his head to get a look at the driver, he locked eyes with his ex. The man's face was twisted in rage, a sinister grin playing on his lips. Winter's panic spiked, and he made a desperate swerve to avoid another hit, but it was too late. The car struck the bike one final time, sending Winter flying through the air.

Time seemed to slow as Winter felt himself leave the bike. He hit the ground hard, the impact jolting the breath from his body. He rolled several times, his limbs flailing, pain exploding in every nerve. When he finally came to a stop, he lay there, gasping for air, the world around him spinning into darkness. The last thing he remembered was the faint sound of sirens and the taste of blood in his mouth before he blacked out.

~

Some time later back at the apartment, Ryan paced the living room, a gnawing sense of dread clawing at his insides. River and Wyatt tried to reassure him, but they too felt the unease that had settled over the evening.

"He's late," Ryan muttered, checking his phone for the hundredth time. "He should have called by now."

River put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Maybe he just got caught up at work. Give him a little more time."

But Ryan couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Just as he was about to suggest they go look for Winter, his phone rang. The screen displayed an unknown number, and he answered it with a trembling hand.

"Hello?"

"Is this Ryan?" a woman's voice asked, professional but tinged with urgency.

"Yes, this is Ryan. Who's this?"

"This is Officer Martinez with the Highway Patrol. We have an emergency situation involving Winter Hausman. I'm afraid he's been in an accident."

Ryan's heart stopped. "What? Is he...is he okay?"

"He's been taken to the hospital. He's in critical condition. You need to get there as soon as possible."

Ryan's world tilted. He felt River and Wyatt's hands on his arms, steadying him, their faces pale with shock. "We'll be there," he managed to say before the call ended.

The drive to the hospital was a blur of flashing lights and frantic prayers. When they arrived, they were met by a doctor who led them to the ICU. Winter lay motionless, hooked up to a tangle of tubes and machines, his face bruised and battered.

The hospital waiting room was filled with a sterile, cold atmosphere that only heightened the anxiety within Ryan. He paced back and forth, his mind racing with fear and worry. Wyatt and River sat nearby, their faces etched with concern.

A doctor finally approached them, a grave expression on his face. "Are you here for Winter Hausman?"

Ryan stepped forward. "Yes, I'm his partner. How is he?"

The doctor sighed. "Winter sustained severe injuries. He has a skull vault fracture that is minimally displaced posteriorly, as well as a large extra calvarial hematoma. There's also a small amount of intracranial bleeding just under the fracture. Additionally, he has pulmonary contusions on both sides, a liver laceration, and bruising on his lungs. We suspect there may be some internal bleeding in his stomach, which we are closely monitoring."

Ryan felt his knees go weak. "Is he going to be okay?"

"We're doing everything we can," the doctor assured him. "But his injuries are life-threatening. He's stable for now, but the next 24 hours are critical."

Ryan nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "Can I see him?"

The doctor hesitated. "He's in the ICU. You can see him, but only for a few minutes."

Ryan followed the doctor down the long, sterile corridors to the ICU. The sight of Winter lying motionless on the hospital bed, connected to various machines, broke his heart. He approached slowly, taking Winter's hand in his.

"Hey," Ryan whispered, his voice shaking. "I'm here. You're going to get through this. I need you to get through this..."