Page 49 of Lucifer's Mirror
I’m going to have to clean that wound, and it’s going to hurt like fuck. For both of us.
I force myself to my feet. “I’ll be right back to take a look at that wound.” I give her a last lingering look. I don’t want to let her out of my sight. “Don’t go anywhere,” I add.
“Hah.”
I have to slow my breathing as I walk away. Panic twists my insides. I stop for a moment and stand there, head bowed, eyes closed as I fight for control. Someone touches my arm, and I swing around with a growl. Thanouq takes a step back and holds up his hands in mock surrender. He must see the wolf in my eyes, but he shows no fear.
“You don’t look too good,” he says. “You want me to take care of Amber?”
I growl again, and he raises an eyebrow. “I take it that’s a no. In which case, get your fucking act together and go look after her.”
He’s right, even if I don’t like to hear it from him. I think Fury realizes it as well, as he whimpers but sinks down into my subconscious. “I’m good.”
“That’s debatable. Here.” He hands me a bottle. “It’s alcohol. Might help. And I’ve done a search of the area. It’s clear.”
I nod and take the bottle. We have no drugs to lessen the pain, and I’m not about to refuse anything that might help her.
“Therion says she did it to save the boy. It wasn’t going for her but for him. She flung herself between them.”
Shit.I should have broken his neck when I had the chance.
I get the rest of the supplies I need from my saddlebags and hurry back. Zayne is hunkered down beside her, but he straightens as I approach, gives me a look of hatred, and heads off.
Her eyes are open, and she watches me approach. I can see fear in her eyes. I don’t like it. I want to reassure her, but how can I? I place the supplies on the ground beside her, and she eyes them, her gaze settling on the needle. “You are so not sticking that thing in me,” she mutters.
I don’t answer. I hope it won’t be needed, but I’ll do whatever is necessary, however much I don’t like it.
I crouch down beside her, slide a hand around her shoulder, and help her up. There’s a boulder nearby, and I perch her on it. A small squeak escapes her, and she closes her eyes for a second. I hold myself still. With my free hand, I reach for the bottle Thanouq gave me. I take out the cork with my teeth and hold the bottle toward her mouth.
“What is it?” she asks suspiciously.
“A present from Thanouq. Some variety of alcohol.” I raise it to my nose and sniff. “Brandy is the closest thing, I guess.”
I put the bottle back to her mouth and tip it up.
She gulps automatically and the liquid pours down her throat. She gags and splutters and pushes me away. Sweat breaks out on her forehead “Jesus,” she says, “are you trying to drown me?”
I make to put the bottle down, but she holds out her hand instead. “I can drink on my own, thank you.” I hand it to her, a little doubtful, but if it helps… She takes another gulp while I watch with one eyebrow raised. Then another, to no doubt to prove what a badass she is. She raises the bottle again, but this time I take it, replace the cork, and put it on the ground.
“Spoilsport,” she mutters. “Where is everyone?”
I don’t know, and to be honest, right now I don’t give a fuck. All I care about is Amber. So I just shrug.
“Are those things all gone?” she asks.
“I think so. Thanouq flew over the area, and there’s nothing as far as he can see.”
“How cool is that?” she says, probably to wind me up—I’ve noticed she likes doing that. When I don’t react, she adds, “Flying.”
I scowl just to cheer her up. “Let’s take a look at you.”
I reach across to tug gently at her T-shirt, but she slaps my hand away. “Hey, stop that.”
Her eyes are a little glazed, hopefully because of the brandy and not blood loss or poison.
“Don’t be an idiot,” I say. “I can hardly clean the wound if I can’t see it.”
She frowns but then nods. She doesn’t say anything as I pull it over her head. Beneath it, she wears a plain black bra. Or what’s left of one. It’s in pieces, and she stares at it in dismay. “That’s my only bra.” Tears shine in her eyes, but she grabs her t-shirt from me and holds it to her breasts as she peels away what’s left of her undergarment, then drops it to the ground with a sniff.
