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Sophia arched an eyebrow. “In your dreams. Everyone who needs treatment follow me.” She turned and hurried away.

“You’ve got no chance there,” said Jude as he strode along the corridor with Octavia in his arms, Holden by his side.

“Is she still hot for your brother?”

“More like it’s the other way around,” said Jude. “Tobias hides it well, but she pushes his buttons.”

“Why aren’t they together, if he’s so into her?”

“She works too hard keeping us all alive, and he’s rarely here.”

“If they really like each other, they’ll find a way to be together.” Octavia smiled up at Jude.

“Yes, I guess they will.” He smiled back at her. He was glad to see a little color returning to her cheeks.

They reached the medical bay.

“I’ll leave you to get treatment. I’m in need of a shower. Catch up with you later.” Holden nodded at Jude and Octavia before strolling away.

As Jude pushed through the door, Sophia gestured to an empty bed. “Place Octavia on there. Then sit on the bed next to her and try not to bleed all over my floor.”

He perched on the edge of the bed and watched every move Sophia made as she assessed Octavia.

“How’s she doing?” Jude felt uneasy now Octavia was out of his arms. He’d hold her forever if she’d let him.

Sophia glanced at him. “You did a good job. Using that adrenaline pen saved her life.”

“She’s going to be okay?”

“I am here,” grumbled Octavia. “I can tell you myself, I’m going to be fine.”

Jude grinned and ducked his head. He reached over and caught hold of Octavia’s hand and tangled their fingers together, noticing the scrapes and cuts on her knuckles.

“Octavia may be tiny, but she’s stronger than she looks,” said Sophia.

“You tell him,” said Octavia. “I don’t have to stay in here, do I?”

“That you do,” said Sophia. “I need to monitor your vitals for the next twenty-four hours. You need fluids and some pain meds.”

“It’s not necessary.”

“Your heart stopped,” said Sophia. “It’s very necessary.” She raised a finger as Octavia began to protest. “Jude will back me up on this.”

“Absolutely,” said Jude. “Do whatever Sophia tells you. You need to make a complete recovery.”

Octavia sighed and sank back. “I can recover in my bed.”

“But then I’d need to be sitting by your side,” said Sophia, “which would mean I can’t give anyone else my attention.”

Octavia grumbled under her breath but didn’t protest anymore.

Despite her resistance, Jude could already see Octavia’s eyelids growing heavy. He stroked his fingers along the back of her hand, watching as she struggled against the sleep that was growing ever closer.

Sophia rested a hand on Octavia’s shoulder once she’d finished her examination. “Get some rest. I’ll get Clarissa to fix your IV drip shortly.”

Jude watched as Octavia’s chest rose and fell in a gentle rhythm, her grip on his hand now loose. She was back now. She was safe. And they’d beaten the State. It didn’t feel like life could get any better.

The door to the medical bay opened. Heath strode through, his expression growing concerned as he saw Octavia on the bed.