Easier said than done.
The four of them crowded around me once Sarah stepped back, offering the comfort of their presence. I let my eyes stay closed, conserving my energy.
I reached first for Yelena.Hi.
A surge of relief and grief washed over me.Hello.The thought wavered, like a voice shaking.They told me you survived, but I kept waiting to hear the worst. I’m so sorry. I willneverlet anything like that happen again.
Thank you.I yawned, struggling onward.I’ll check in after sleep.
Rest well.
Reaching for Kendrick would have to wait. My well was dry for the moment, much as I hated to acknowledge that.
“Tell him,” I whispered.
Kendrick?Seth asked and I managed at least the beginning of a nod.I talked to him already, but I’ll let him know you’ve woken up.
I dropped away before I could thank him. I wasn’t sure how much time passed as I drifted in and out of wakefulness, my lovers at my side each time I opened my eyes.
The next time I woke properly, it must’ve been in the middle of the night. Seth and Caden were curled up in their smallest forms on each side of me, Haru in his small form between my calves, and Velda stretched out on a hospital bed pushed close so her fingers could rest on my arm.
My sigh woke all of them.
“She lives,” Velda said with an exhausted smile. “Are you hungry?”
I wasn’t particularly, but I knew I needed the fuel. “Sure.”
“Estrella made you a batch of bone broth in the pressure cooker. I’ll warm some up for you.”
“Tell her I say thank you.”
“I will,” Velda promised. She crawled off the bed, disappearing for a few moments and returning with a to-go mug, a straw sticking out the top.
The little predators all over me watched me with sleepy, squinty eyes, observing without asking anything of me.
Velda held the straw to my lips, my first sip of the rich broth like an elixir. Estrella was a wizard. The flavors were subtle but instantly triggered my body to crave those nutrients. I drank down as much as Velda allowed.
“You should probably pace yourself a little. I’ll give you more in a bit.” She set the cup aside and leaned down for anotherof those body-waking kisses, only drawing away when I hissed, trying to arch closer to her. “Sorry for being irresistible.”
My laugh in response made a shooting pain lance through my torso.
Velda winced. “Sorry for also being hilarious.”
Seth slapped her with a paw.Stop making her laugh.
“I said I was sorry.” Velda stroked a hand over him and kissed my forehead. “Going on my perimeter check. I’ll be back.”
Haru slipped from animal to human as they hit the floor. My mouth went dry as I took in the expanse of tattooed skin, brain helplessly pulled back to what their knot had felt like, stretching me out. His gaze caught mine as if he sensed exactly where my thoughts had gone.
Perfuming for me, omega? You’re supposed to be resting.
“Not my fault you’re naked.” I shivered. “And look like that.”
Haru fetched the broth for me, keeping their eyes locked with mine as I sipped from the straw slotted between my lips.I love that you’re still mentally insatiable even after taking an antler through the chest. We can’t touch you like that while you’re recovering.
“I know.” The words accompanied a pout I couldn’t help. I wouldn’t be able to take any physical attention anyway, but it didn’t stop me from wanting it in theory, if not in practice. That was the only thing that felt normal about all of this.
Seth stretched, shoving a paw into my armpit.With your permission, I’d like to try brokering peace between Yelena and Kendrick. I wanted to be here when you woke up, so I haven’t tried yet, only brought it up to him.
