”Damn, girl… You almost gave me a heart attack,” Marcus whispered softly.

Bette struggled to open her eyes, the effort seemed so great. Her brow furrowed a bit and she let out a hoarse groan, protesting against the light that felt so bright for her eyes, painfully stinging them.

Realizing the source of her resentment, Marcus quickly removed the bedside lamp and put it down on the floor away from the brunette.

With droopy eyelids Bette tried to focus on Marcus’s face, but her vision was blurred. The throbbing at the front of her forehead was getting more and more powerful and, unable to endure this pain any longer, she closed her eyes back. Using her uninjured hand, she reached for the oxygen mask and took it off awkwardly.

”How are you feeling?” Marcus asked after helping the woman with the mask.

”Like I’ve been gutted,” Bette croaked in a half whisper. ”Where am I?”

”Mark and I picked you and Tasha up on our way back to Doyle Bogan’s cabin. I called Arnodelo first off and he arranged you a doctor. We’re at his secret OR right now.”

”Am I okay?”

”You have concussion and lung trauma. He said you got off pretty easy.”

Bette became silent for a long moment and Marcus thought she had fallen asleep, but then she opened her sore eyes and looked at him. ”At least I still have all my teeth in place,” she slurred. There was no sign of smile on her face, but it was obvious she was trying to take the heat out of the situation.

”How do you know?” Marcus teased.

Closing her eyes again, the brunette kind of smirked. ”I counted them with my tongue.”

Marcus chuckled at that, happy to see that despite the pain Bette was in a playful mood, even if the painkillers could be the reason of it.

”Mac?” Bette called weakly.

”Hmm?”

”Does Tina know?”

Lowering his gaze, the man sighed. ”I’m afraid she does.”

Bette winced.

”She would know when she saw you anyway, Bette. Don’t beat yourself up over this.”

”Dial Shane up.”

Marcus took out his phone and did as was told.

Shane picked up after the first ring. ”Yes?”

”Hey, um… I’m sitting near Bette, she’s conscious right now.”