Dr. Houser looked at me gravely. “Then she won’t survive the year.”
There was a clatter from Halo’s end of the line as she dropped her phone. My aura flared but felt like ice on my skin. Crux’s legs gave way and he collapsed back into his chair.
“There’re lists, right?” Halo asked, having retrieved her phone. “Transplant lists? Put Skye on those. Put her on those now.”
“Of course, I’ll have that process started right away.”
“When can we see her?” I asked.
“They’re moving her to the ICU,” Dr. Houser said. “A nurse will tell you when you can see her.”
“I will hear no such nonsense about the ICU.” Marching down the hall on six inch heels came Charisma Evercrest.
Chapter 5
CRUX
“Mynieceistohave all the best this hospital has to offer. A private pack room. No questions asked. Make it happen.”
Charisma walked like she was going to war. Her white hair was slicked back and looked like a helmet. As she moved, the gossamer scarf around her neck fluttered like a battle flag in the air and seemed to trail ten feet long. She stopped pointedly in front of the doctor and removed her stylishly over-sized mirrored glasses.
“Ma’am,” the doctor stammered. “That’s not my area. I’m not in control of room assignments.”
“Well, then I suppose you’re my little messenger boy, and you’re going to sing my request into the appropriate ears, aren’t you?”
“You better listen to her, Dr. Houser,” Halo said from the phone. “She can make it worth your while.”
Charisma took the phone from the doctor. “Halo, my darling! You’re still not in the air?”
“We’re boarding any minute.”
“Fly safe. And try to remain calm. There’s nothing you can do until you get here. No sense worrying. I have it all under control.”
“I know, Charisma. Thank you. Text me the moment something changes.”
“Of course, my darling. See you soon.”
They ended the call and Severen took the phone from the distinguished omega.
Charisma Evercrest never bonded. She was a rare breed when it came to omegas, a paragon, someone who couldn’t form bonds, but alpha bullshit didn’t work on her, anyway. I got the feeling that even if she were a regular omega, she would still be single by choice, living for her career as a world famous fashion designer.
She looked at the doctor. “You’re still here. Go make sure Skye is comfortable.” She made a shooing motion with her hand.
Dr. Houser nodded at us both then scurried off.
I realized that, at some point in all this, I got to my feet. That was the effect Charisma had, you didn’t want to come across as lazy or disrespectful in her presence.
She eased her aloof nature as she looked at us, and lowered her voice to more private levels.
“What is wrong with my little bluebird?”
“Heart failure,” Severen said. “She needs a heart transplant ASAP.”
The colour drained from Charisma’s face.
“It’s a problem with the chambers in her heart,” Severen explained. “They’re too weak for her heats.”
“It’s my fault,” I said, my skin hot, sweat pricking at my scalp and rolling down my back. “I was too rough with her. If only I could have been a civilized fucking human being and controlled myself…”
