Medora clutched the paper to her chest. He wasn’t romantic. He was bossy and blunt. But he had done something to her as well. He brought adventure and spice to her very staid existence.
Was this insane? Was she making a horrible decision?
She lay in bed with eyes closed and thought about last night. They’d showered separately, and she’d put on black silky pajamas while he went home to change and came back. They had a roasted vegetable pizza and Cokes, then talked until she kept nodding off. He spooned her in bed, whispering all the things he was going to do to her for the rest of their lives, and she fell asleep with a smile on her face.
No. She was making the only decision.
Then she remembered the gift she had been working on when Jaz interrupted her. She had to finish it before the wedding! And write vows.
She jumped out of bed and called Daddy and Rosela, inviting them to join their impromptu wedding free of press and notoriety.
Wearing sweats and drinking Coke after Coke, she worked on Jerik’s gift until it was perfect. A little help from the nano-device didn’t hurt, either.
It was time for her vows. She grabbed her notebook and pencil from the office and chewed on the eraser for fifty minutes. She hated writing. It was one thing to take notes. It was completely another to have to come up with something out of her head. She growled in frustration and paced around her penthouse, mumbling to herself. Maybe if she was already dressed for the wedding? She ditched her notebook and retreated to her closet.
She knew Jerik wouldn’t care what she wore. Hell, he’d love it if she was naked. But a girl had standards.
She tore through her vast collection. Being in the city’s upper crust had its benefits. Designers sent her clothing all the time, hoping she would wear them to one of the highly publicized events. The hangers sang as she slid them on the metal rods. Red, no, black, no, gold, no, silver…maybe, white, yes, white yes, pale pink, oh hell no. When she had a handful chosen, she changed out of her sweats and tried on each number.
The silver was a strong possibility. It had a plunging neckline which Jerik would love, and long sleeves with silvery lace hems. It was beaded with Swarovski crystals along the V and at the wrists. The silver crêpe draped over her shapely, if small, butt, and fell to the ground with more crystals at the hem. She did a turn. It was very flattering, but a little too bling-bling for the courthouse. She left it in a pile and tried on the first white one.
This one was tea-length with cap sleeves and a square neckline. It was very 1950s with its wide circle skirt and cinched waist. It was a stiff white satin with a wide belt. She could picture wearing white gloves and a pillbox hat with a veil. It was definitely in the running. She hung it up carefully and chose the last white dress.
This was from a designer she hadn’t tried before, a Valentin Yudashkin. She tried it on and knew immediately it was the one.
She was sure Yudashkin hadn’t meant it as a wedding dress, but it was just too perfect for her and Jerik.
She saw the way he looked at her in her Cubs shirt and at the Winter Ball. In spite of their heavy third base make-out session last night, Jerik was a leg man.
The dress came to mid-thigh. Very risqué for a virgin bride, but hey. It also had long sleeves, but like the skirt, they were skin-tight. It was white Shantung with ruching at the waistline. The two-inch hem at her thighs was crushed white velvet and the sleeves at the wrists matched. It was a pentagonal neckline with a crystal brooch between her breasts. It was sleek and sexy, with a hint of winter because of the velvet. She would wear her Stuart Weitzman nude stilettos with an ankle strap. It was tempting to bling out with some gaudy shiny shoes, but she was going for the long leg effect. Considering how petite she was, the illusion of length in her legs would go far for Mr. Jerik HornyPants. She preened for a full five minutes, then glanced at the time.
Shoot!
She sat in the closet chair and put on her shoes, thankful she shaved last night. She pranced to the bathroom and bent over, brushing out her blonde hair. She sprayed and moussed it, then swept it up into a French twist. She had a pearl headband she could attach some white tulle to for a make-shift veil.
She looked in the bathroom mirror, and her palms began to sweat. Was he serious? Krinar didn’t get married. Jerik had been with a crap ton of women—and men? Good lord, what did he see in her? Jaz’s words clanged in her head like demented church bells.
She closed her eyes and took several cleansing breaths. Good breeding could overcome anything, even a case of pre-wedding jitters. Composure restored, she resumed her toilette.
When she was ready, she paused with her finger on the nano-device, ready to pop in to the courthouse. Her cell phone buzzed. Considering it might be Jerik with last-minute instructions, she grabbed it out of her silver clutch.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Ms. Rothchild? This is Nurse Steve in the ER from Chicago’s Lakeshore Hospital.”
“Okay,” Medora breathed. Her mind raced.
“You’re listed as an emergency contact for a Mr. and Mrs. Martin. Can you get here as soon as possible?”
“I’ll be, I’m, yes, I’ll be there right away,” she rushed, and let her phone drop into her bag. She may not have even hung up yet. She paused and on a whim, ran to her office to grab her teddy bear. She programmed the nano-device and was in the ER lobby in seconds. She ran in heels, a contestant for Miss Universe if ever there was one, up to the counter.
“Nurse Steve called me,” she gasped. “The Martins?”
She hadn’t had time to worry yet. Was it Caterina? Oh God.
It wasn’t completely unheard of for families to list her as an emergency contact. Usually it was to aid in clearing the red tape so that she could do her work with as much ease as possible. But she hadn’t expected to hear from the Martins again until maybe Christmas time. Humans still liked to send cards, even if the world’s religions had faded to miniscule populations.
The nurse raised a brow at her couture, and Medora looked down at herself. “Oh,” she said with a wince. “I’m getting married at 1.”
The nurse slid her eyes to the time and frowned. Medora peeked. It was 12:50.
“It’s okay. The Martins?”
The nurse nodded and gestured around the corner where a handsome young man in scrubs approached her. His dark brows were pinched; he frowned.
“Come with me, Ms. Rothchild.”
She followed him, her heels clicking on the shining linoleum. She had it on good authority the hospital had been upgrading. He led her to a small unoccupied triage room.
“Have a seat, and someone will be with you momentarily.”
“What’s going on? Where are the Martins?” She used her imperious tone, the one that got things done. If it didn’t inspire friendship, it did inspire action.
“Someone will be here any minute to talk to you.” He left to her disappointment.
Minutes later a woman in charcoal slacks, black flats and a slightly too tight pinstripe blazer came in the room and slid the curtain behind her with a ringing noise. She wore a lanyard and cat’s eye glasses, and her black wiry hair was secured in a tight bun.
“Ms. Rothchild,” she said and held out her hand. “I’m one of the hospital’s social workers. We have terrible news. Thank you for coming so quickly.”
Medora sat, knees together and hands clasped on her clutch. Teddy bear tucked under her arm. Finishing school posture, head balanced perfectly over spine, shoulders poised, face relaxed. On the inside, she was shaking in terror.
“Mr. and Mrs. Martin and Caterina were in a terrible car accident. Caterina is in the ICU. As is her mother. Mr. Martin passed away at the scene.”
Medora’s eyes filled with tears, but she only nodded.
“Mrs. Martin is requesting to speak to you. But we wanted to let you know that she is in dire straits. We need you to remain calm,” she paused and looked her over. “Much like you are now, would be perfect.”
“Of course,” M
edora said. “Take me to Alexandra.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
It was ten after one. Jerik paced outside the ornately carved courtroom doors. Medora’s father and Rosela, the Hispanic woman who introduced herself to him with one eye squinting and one hand making the sign of the cross, were inside chatting with the Justice.
Medora was punctual. Unless she changed her mind?
He decided to go against her wishes, just this once, and track her with the ring. He pulled up the portable holographic display and pinpointed her. In the ER at Chicago’s Lakeshore Hospital?
He pushed a door open, shouted inside. “Medora’s at the hospital. I’ll let you know what’s going on.”
Before they could respond, he popped into the ER amidst several gasps from the patients and staff.
He strode to the reception counter. The nurse there sat back and blinked but didn’t react otherwise.
“I need to see Ariela Rothchild. She is my fiancée.”
Recognition lit up the nurse’s face. “Please wait a moment, Sir.” She kept one eye on him while she spoke into a headset. “Someone will take you back shortly,” she said.
Jerik gritted his teeth but said thank you and paced like a wild animal in a cage.
What was going on? Was she in an accident? Why didn’t she use the nano-device he gave her? He pulled out his human phone and texted Medora’s father that he would see her soon. Her father said he and Rosela had gotten a car and were on their way over.
Jerik heard a pop and spun. It was Sharkur.
“I arrived at the courthouse fashionably late and this happens?”
Jerik couldn’t express his relief at seeing a familiar face. “I don’t know why she’s here. Someone is coming to get me soon.”
“Thank the galaxies,” Sharkur said while inspecting his nails. “You look as though Jaz took all of your blood and left nothing behind.”
Jerik frowned. “I’ll thank you never to mention that name again.”
“I apologize. That was in poor taste on your wedding day.”
“Are you mocking me?”
Sharkur shrugged. “Why not make her your charl and be done with it? Why jump through the human hoops?”
Jerik swiped his face with both hands. “I can’t explain it to you. If you ever find a mate that makes you question who you are as a fundamental Krinar, maybe you’ll understand.”
Sharkur smirked. “I’ll never dance to a woman’s tune, Jerik. I can assure you of that.”
Jerik shook his head. “I’ll never dance without Medora in my life.” A man called his name and he spun on his heel, Sharkur forgotten. He rushed to follow the human, his heart very much in his hands.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Medora looked to Nurse Steve when she reached to touch Alexandra Martin’s finger. It was the only part of her that wasn’t wrapped, other than her mouth and jaw. He nodded.
“I’m here, Alexandra. It’s Medora.”
Alexandra turned her head to the sound of her voice. She smiled and sighed.
Medora’s heart melted. She whispered. “What can I do for you honey?”
“Jack and I want you to take Caterina,” she rasped. “We don’t have anyone else.”
Medora’s heart stopped beating. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
“We actually talked about this,” Alexandra said. “You know how Jack is.”
“I do,” Medora responded. Jack had been the one to write up Callie’s request. He was anal about filling out the forms. If the Martins had indeed spoken about it, there was very likely a will and guardianship trust already set up. Medora swallowed. It wasn’t just her decision now, though.
“Alexandra, I’m marrying Jerik today. You know him as Jeron.”
Alexandra’s smile widened, and Medora looked at Nurse Steve, amazed. He had explained to her that she was burned on over ninety percent of her body. Her chances for survival were slim. She was on minimum pain relievers at her request. How could she be smiling? Maybe she was hallucinating? Steve shrugged and shook his head, compassion welling in his eyes.
“That makes you happy?” Medora asked.
“Caterina spoke of nothing but Jeron for days.” Alexandra swallowed and grimaced. Her voice was weakening. “She’s going to make it. But Medora,” she rasped again with a frown. “I’m not.”
“You don’t know that Alexandra!” Medora looked over at Steve. “What about Krinar technology? What about…you can make it! Make it for Caterina!”
Alexandra smiled again. “Callie is here for me, Medora,” she said quietly. “That’s how I know.”
Medora looked around in shock. How many deaths had she been in the presence of? She lost count over the last years. It was a peaceful place. It was endings and closings and bindings and loosenings. She always felt close to her mother during those times, but it had never occurred to her that her mother might be there.
She felt Alexandra’s finger move beneath her hand. “Will you do it?”
Medora choked back a sob. “Yes!” She felt frantic. “Yes, Jerik and I will take her as our own. We’ll never let her forget you two or Callie. We’ll take care of Paddy O’Pee. Everything.” Medora whispered then. “Go with Callie and Jack,” she choked out. “You’ll all be together now.”
Machines started beeping and chirping and Medora stepped away, so the staff could move in. She looked to Steve, but he was busy with a monitor. Tears wanted to burst from her eyes, but she was holding on as tight to her emotional reins as she could. She heard the staff shouting they lost her. She turned on her heels to leave the room and saw Jerik standing there with his hands stretched out to her.
She paused and drank in the sight of him in his wedding tux, smooth shave and serious expression. He wasn’t romantic. But he was right here, right now, when she needed him more than ever. She ran to his arms and held him tight while he encircled her.
“Jerik,” she sobbed into his suit coat. “Don’t be mad at me.”
“I never could be, Medora. What is it?”
She looked up at him and opened her mouth.
Chapter Thirty
Jerik stopped in the doorway. Graceful and perfect Medora hunched her upper body over the unrecognizable form in the hospital bed. All that Jerik could feel was relief. She was fine. He barely noted her seductive dress and mile long legs, merely that she breathed and her heart beat, healthy and strong. He could smell a cocktail of grief and wonder. He could only guess what was going on.
Then all hell broke loose, and staff came out of nowhere to attend to the patient. Medora backed away, looking around for someone, anyone, to guide her. Look here, Medora. Look at me.
She turned and saw him, and her large eyes were filled with unshed tears. The woman would not crack. He held his hands out to her, mimicking what she had done for him so many times. When she crashed into him, he felt love boil up and over the brim of his heart. It overflowed them both.
“Don’t be mad at me,” she said with beseeching eyes.
He murmured he could never be.
“We’re going to be Caterina’s parents,” she whispered with shining eyes.
Jerik’s heart slowed to a steady drip. He recalled the little girl. I’m watching Callie breathe. I do believe the angels are coming to get her now.
“The Martins?”
Medora shook her head no, and tears streamed down her face. “They were in a horrible accident. Mr. Martin died at the scene. Mrs. Martin passed away just now. Caterina is fighting for her life in the ICU.”
Jerik felt a burning rage in his heart. This wasn’t right. Such tragedies…Jerik squeezed his fiancée to his chest and held her head against his slow heartbeat. “She will live. We will be her parents.” He had to say it out loud to make it real.
“We need to see her,” Medora said, tears gone and a steadiness in her voice. “Now.”
He nodded and turned to the nurse who had led him back. “We need to see Caterina Martin immediately.”
“Sir,” the man protested.
“We’re her parents.” Jerik’s expression brooked no argument. “As of a few seconds ago.” His grim expression wasn’t lost on the nurse who nodded his assent. He led them to the next room over.
Jerik watched Medora hustle to Caterina’s bedside. He could barely see her blonde curls through the gauze and tubing. All the machines seemed to be working overtime. Medora whispered to another nurse and showed her the bear. The nurse nodded, and Medora placed it on Caterina’s pillow. She brushed back blonde tendrils and murmured soft words. Jerik could hear them, even though she whispered. The angels are coming to help you, Caterina. They’re going to make you all better, and you’re going to come home with Jeron and I. We will love you forever, little darling. This is my bear. He will watch over you until we return.
Medora kissed Caterina’s brow and walked back to him. She only stumbled once, then jutted her chin out and resumed her perfect posture.
Jerik couldn’t see his Medora like this. Barely hanging on by a thread. He glanced back at Caterina and the medical machines. Met one of the nurse’s gazes and raised his brow. The nurse frowned and gave a little shake of his head. She wasn’t going to make it.
He sprung into action. “Come with me, Medora.” He held her hand as they rushed back to the stairwell. He made a portal to the waiting room below.
Sharkur and Rosela were in a standoff, and Medora’s father stood aside with a strange expression on his face.
“Sharkur,” Jerik barked. “I need you.”
Sharkur dipped his head to the scowling Rosela and turned to Jerik. “I am at your service.”
“Call your contact in the Council. The one you have all the dirt on. I want Krinar medical technology in this hospital right now,” he growled. “Everyone in this damn hospital. Call it a Day of Goodwill or some bullshit. I want healings on a massive scale within 24 hours.”
“But?”
“I’ll not be accused of favoritism toward my new daughter,” Jerik spit out and Sharkur blanched.
The Krinar Chronicles: Krinar Covenant (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 10
