by M. J. Haag
“It hurts, but it doesn’t hurt more. I’m fine, June.”
This time, I snorted.
He eased himself to the edge of the bed. However, when he tried to put pressure on his leg, he immediately sat back down.
“I’ll need some shorts.”
I hurried to get him a loose pair and knelt down so he wouldn’t need to move more than necessary. As soon as his shorts were to his knees, he managed to shift his weight and pull them up. He was sweaty and shaking by the time he was done.
“What do you think, Tor?” Adam said. “Time for a ride?”
Tor answered by slowly sliding an arm under Adam’s legs.
“Lean into me. Tell me when you’re ready.”
Each move they made was slow and careful and broke my heart. Adam’s back had dark bruised patches all over. His arms weren’t as bad. His thighs looked like they’d taken the brunt of it. I could see why he wouldn’t have wanted to be carried, and it worried me that he’d changed his mind in the end.
I did my best not to hover and to keep all of what I was feeling from showing in my expression. As soon as they were in the bathroom, I started fixing the bed. Tor, the sweetheart, closed the door for Adam but stayed in there. I could hear the low murmur of voices and a burst of laughter that could have only been Tor due to its force.
Once I had the bed remade, I grabbed an extra blanket and pillow for Tor. He wasn’t using a reclining chair but, hopefully, both items would make him more comfortable.
The door opened, and Tor leaned against it, glancing out at me. I took that as an invitation to peek around the corner. Adam stood, leaning against the counter, carefully brushing his teeth.
“Are they all staying in?” I asked.
He carefully spit.
“So far. Lots of pink, though.”
I didn’t doubt it based on the bruise decorating his jaw.
He didn’t take long, and I could see how much he hurt as he used Tor’s arm to help him hobble back to the bed.
“I can’t decide which hurt more,” he panted. “Carrying or this.”
As soon as he reached his side of the bed, he leaned forward into it, slowly collapsing and rolling into place with Tor’s help.
“I need better meds,” he said, the strain plain on his face. “Right now, I’m wishing I was dead.”
For him to say something like that conveyed just how badly he hurt.
Worrying my bottom lip, I went downstairs and dug out a paper and something to write with.
“Brog, are you safe when you travel between the two towns at night?”
“Yes.”
“Could you take this to Cassie? The pain relievers aren’t enough. He needs something a little stronger. He won’t be able to sleep without it.”
Brog took the paper. Once he was gone, I asked Tor for more snow and packed the bags around Adam’s knee.
“This is why I didn’t want you to watch,” he said, without anger.
“Ignorance isn’t bliss. It’s just more to worry about.”
He caught my hand and brought it to his lips.
“I love you, June.”
“I love you, too. Now where else do you need snow?”
By the time I had him iced up, Brog returned with a bottle, which he brought upstairs.
“Cassie said one now and one at first light. She will bring more.”
“Thank you, Brog.” I gave his arm a squeeze and shook out the first pill for Adam while Brog retreated downstairs once more.
“What are they?” Adam asked.
“Oxy.”
“Dose?”
I told him.
“Two now, babe,” he said.
I didn’t argue.
He sighed the moment they kicked in and relaxed into the pillows. Tor stood by the bed, watching both him and me. I waited until Adam’s breathing evened out.
“He’s hurt more than he wants me to know,” I said softly. “He hates those pills.”
I continued to watch Adam, dreading what it meant that he’d wanted two.
“Thank you for the blanket and pillow.”
Embracing the distraction, I sat on my side of the bed and turned toward Tor with Adam between us.
“You didn’t look very comfortable when I woke up.”
Tor shrugged and sat down.
“Emily said that you were in those caves for a long time. That you had many lives. Like reincarnation?”
“I have been reborn many times the same as I am now, but no hair and no injuries or scars.”
“And all your memories?” I asked, thinking of what Emily had said.
“Yes.”
He didn’t look upset by it, but I could only imagine the trauma involved in dying. It wouldn’t be something I would want to remember. If I would have known Tor better, I would have offered him a hug. Instead I gave him an understanding look and kept talking to him.
“What happened to your women?”
“We never had any. Not as we are. And we don’t remember the ones from before the caves.”
“Have you met any nice ones since coming up here?”
“Many.”
I smiled. “Anyone special who interests you?”
“All the nice ones are already taken. But I still have hope. We all do. Rest, June. Adam will need you again in a few hours.”
“Sleep sweet, Tor.” I settled on my side and lightly rested my hand on Adam’s shoulder so I would feel when he woke up.
A bit before dawn, Adam proved Tor’s prediction correct. However, it wasn’t with restless twitches. The soft rumble of conversation wormed its way into my awareness.
“She stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw her. She didn’t want to give me the time of day. I can’t imagine my life without June.”
“Then why doesn’t she wear your ring?”
I kept my eyes closed, fully awake now.
“It’s complicated. I know she wants to.” Adam sighed. “Have you ever heard of sports?”
“My brothers and I battled to the death in the caves. We can’t do that here. Removing heads brings true death.”
“Wait, you beheaded each other? For fun?”
“Sometimes.”
“Well, sports up here test a person’s athleticism without death. But they’re extremely competitive. And addictive. If I’m honest with myself, I think football was my first love, and June was my second. It didn’t feel fair to ask her to marry me when she wasn’t my top priority, you know?”
“No. You are stupid. You should give her a ring.”
It took everything I had to keep a straight face. Tor was completely right. Adam was being stupid. He put me first in so many ways. I never begrudged him his love of football. His passion was part of what attracted me.
“I know. I should have.”
“I will find you one.”
Adam chuckled.
“Thanks, Tor. But I think that ship has sailed.”
“There are no ships.”
“You’re killing me, Tor.”
“I am not touching you. Should I wake June? She will know how to save you.”
Adam stopped laughing, and I felt him gently touch my hair.
“She already did save me.”
“Does she show you her pussy?”
“Whoa. Man, we’re friends but there are some things friends don’t share.”
“What do you mean? My brothers share what they learn about their females. How else will I become smart enough to win one of my own?”
“I guess you have a point. June doesn’t show me anything. That sounds like porn. She’s too high class for that.”
“Eden says that porn rotted part of Ghua’s brain. But she still lets him lick her pussy until she squeals. He likes the sounds she makes.”
“I hear that.”
“Yes. I just said it.”
Adam chuckled again. “You’re very literal.”
“Emily tells me that, too. How can I win a female like June? She is nice and pretty and high class. She
gave me a blanket and a pillow. You are a fool to not give her a ring.”
“That I am, friend.”
I could hear the weariness and pain creeping into Adam’s tone and took a deep breath.
“We should stop talking about pussies,” Tor said quietly. “Females do not like it.”
“No, they do not,” Adam agreed.
This time, I did grin slightly.
“It sounds like I should go downstairs and check on Brog,” I said, lifting my head. “Let me know when the locker room talk is done.” I leaned forward and lightly kissed Adam’s cheek. “Do you want me to bring anything back for you?”
“Something light to eat and more Oxy if you can find some.”
I nodded and shuffled out of the room. Downstairs, Brog crouched in front of the TV cabinet, looking at the food within.
“Are you hungry?” I asked softly. “I can make you something.”
He stood smoothly and shook his head.
“I am not hungry. I was checking what supplies you needed.”
“That’s so sweet of you, Brog.”
“Brog is not sweet,” Tor called from upstairs. “Adam is.”
I grinned and quietly promised Brog he was sweet, too. He grunted and glanced upstairs.
“I will go to Cassie and tell her Adam is awake and in pain.”
“Let’s let her sleep for a while longer. We already interrupted her sleep once tonight. What do you all do when you’re hurt and in pain?”
“We heal. After we left the caves, a hellhound attacked Ghua. It took him many days to recover, and he was in much pain. Eden eased his suffering by letting him lick her pussy.”
“I’m starting to see a theme here.”
Brog looked around the room.
“I see no theme.”
Amused, I shook my head and went to the kitchen for a glass of water. The fey were very literal. And significantly clueless about a lot of things. I was starting to understand how it would be easy for the people here to take advantage of them.
I refilled the glass for Adam and returned upstairs where Adam lay in bed with the covers pulled back. Water ran in the bathroom, giving away where Tor had gone.
“How you feeling?”
“Hurting,” he said honestly.
Tor emerged from the bathroom. He set the empty water bottle on the floor beside the bed and gave Adam a hard look.
“I will speak to Brog.” Tor glanced at me then left the room.
“What’s going on?”
Adam gave me a tired smile and patted the spot beside him.
“Tor’s upset that Brog mentioned Ghua’s pussy-licking addiction in front of you.”
Grinning, I curled up next to Adam, careful not to bump anything.
“They’re very open, aren’t they?”
“They are. Tor’s great, though. It makes me feel better that he’s here looking after you.”
“He’s looking after you, too, Adam.”
He closed his eyes, not commenting. Why did men have such a hard time accepting help?
“I think it’ll be better when we’re in Tolerance,” I said. “We’ll be closer to Cassie and medicine.”
“And what happens when the pills run out?” he asked.
“Hopefully, you won’t need them any more by then.”
“Yeah. Hopefully.” He carefully lifted his arm and feathered his fingers across my cheek. “Go to sleep, June. You look like you haven’t slept at all.”
“I’ve had as much as you’ve had. I’m fine.”
He watched me for a long moment.
“I love you, June.”
“I know you do.” I closed my eyes, grinning a little. “Maybe you should listen to Tor and put a ring on it.”
He made an amused sound. “Sorry for the locker room talk.”
“Don’t worry about it. They’re as clueless about us as we are about them. How else are we going to learn about each other if not by asking questions?”
“You’re too smart for me.”
Tor returned and sat in the chair.
“Brog will go for more medicine. He will ask Kerr so Cassie sleeps.”
“Thanks, man” Adam said. “You’re a good friend.”
I peeked to see Tor’s expression and caught his wide, toothy grin. Friendship meant a lot to them. And vaginas, apparently. The thought was more amusing than disturbing and kept me quietly entertained while I lay beside Adam.
They didn’t start up another conversation. I wasn’t sure if it was due to Adam’s pain or the fact that they both suspected I was still awake. Either way, the quiet, long wait stretched my patience until I gave up and quietly left the room to wait downstairs for Brog’s return.
While I waited, I made a big batch of pancakes. The familiar smell eased some of the tension I’d carried since leaving the bunker. It felt good to do something so normal. When I had two impressive stacks of cakes, I turned off the burner and plated a serving each for Adam and Tor.
Both looked up at me when I walked into the room.
“Breakfast is served, gentlemen,” I said, offering them their plates.
“Thank you, June,” Tor said, accepting his. “I will savor each bite.”
Adam snorted. “Like you need girl help, Tor. You already have flattery down.”
“That was not idle praise. It is an honor and privilege to eat what June spent time preparing for me.” He met my gaze and gave me a grave nod.
“You need to get laid,” Adam said under his breath.
Tor paused with his fork halfway to his mouth.
“I’m leaving the room for the explanation that turn of phrase is going to need,” I said, smothering a grin.
The low murmur of Adam’s voice followed me down the stairs. Adam wasn’t the type to talk details, but I couldn’t help but wonder what level that explanation would end up going to, considering the fey’s curiosity.
I’d just finished my own breakfast when Tor came downstairs with their empty plates.
“Do either of you want more?” I asked, standing. “There’s plenty left. I wasn’t sure how many to make.”
“Adam is full.” He glanced at the stack of pancakes, and I could read his reluctance.
“It’s okay if you don’t want any. Brog probably hasn’t eaten yet, either.”
Tor’s expression turned to a scowl. He took the whole plate and sat down at the counter with me. The hurried enthusiasm in which he devoured the food stunned me.
“Do you like pancakes?”
“I like the food you make.”
I smiled slightly.
“That’s an evasive answer to a yes or no question.”
He swallowed and flashed his teeth at me.
“You are smart like Adam said.”
“And you’re still avoiding. Did you eat those pancakes so Brog wouldn’t?”
The ends of Tor’s ears turned a deep grey.
“Yes.”
I leaned in, taking his plate, and kissed his cheek.
“You’re a good friend to Adam, Tor. Thank you.”
He stayed at the island and watched me wash the dishes. The intensity of his gaze had me wondering if I’d crossed some sort of boundary. He didn’t seem mad, though.
“I’m going to go check on Adam,” I said when I finished.
Tor grunted and stayed behind as I made my way upstairs. Adam wasn’t sleeping when I walked into the room. But he wasn’t really with it either.
“Want more snow bags?”
“Please.”
“I’ll ask Tor to get some.”
“Thanks, babe.”
“I will get the snow,” Tor called from downstairs. “Stay with your Adam.”
Adam grunted a laugh.
“He’s really hung up on guys calling dibs on girls,” he said.
“No kidding. He ate the rest of the pancakes so Brog couldn’t eat any. You should have seen Tor’s face when I kissed his cheek to thank him for being so helpful.”
Adam focused on me.
“You probably made his life. I would have died and gone to heaven if you’d kissed me after three days.”
“It would have inflated your ego. That was the last thing you needed back then.”
The smile he gave me was short-lived.
“I want to move today.”
“What? No. You can’t even walk to the bathroom, Adam.”
He looked away from me for a minute.
“That’s exactly why I want to move. We’re trapped here just like we were trapped in the bunker. But you don’t need to be. There are good people out there, June. People you can count on. Fey like Tor, who will keep you safe when the next batch of infected or a hellhound shows up. The people here have already shown us what they’ll do to ensure they survive.”
“They have,” I agreed. “And we will move. But it doesn’t need to be today or tomorrow or even this month. Give yourself time to heal.”
He gave me a considering look but didn’t argue further. He didn’t fool me. He likely planned to work on Tor or maybe Cassie next. With Tor, Adam would play up my safety. Heck, he’d probably use the same angle on both of them.
“It’s not going to work,” I said. “My safety isn’t more important than yours.”
“We’ll need to disagree on that.”
“Why? Why do you think I’m so much more important than you?”
He shrugged and winced.
Tor came in before I could press him for an answer.
“Thank you.” I started filling bags and placing them around Adam’s leg. Tor worked with me. Adam exhaled deeply when we’d placed the last one.
“Try to rest,” I said, grabbing Tor’s hand and pulling him from the room.
“Should I stay with Adam to—”
“Nope. You can help me.”
I waited until we were downstairs before rounding on him.
“Adam’s hurt bad. You know that, right?”
“Yes.”
“He can barely move. Watch him when he breathes, he’s avoiding inhaling too deeply, which could lead to pneumonia. That’s why he didn’t want you to carry him to the bathroom this morning. Every time he uses the bottle instead of the bathroom, he’s telling you without words that moving him would cause immeasurable pain.”
With each word I said, Tor’s frown grew.
“I don’t want to hurt Adam.”
“I know you don’t. That’s why I’m telling you this. Adam’s so worried about my safety that he’s going to try to convince you to move him to Tolerance before it’s safe. We need to protect him from himself. Okay?”
