by Anni Antoni
I need another sword, Joe communicated to me.
The Vigilante’s sword lay by his shoulder, so I transmitted the image.
Joe reached down and picked it up. With one huge blow, he severed the Vigilante's head, and stood there, head bowed. The sword clattered to the floor.
“Peace brother.” Joe’s whispered words floated across the space between us.
The Vigilante was dead, and Joe was alive. A mixture of relief and horror at what I had witnessed overwhelmed me.
My sight closed in to a narrow focus. Everything seemed unreal. Marron was shaking my arm and grinning.
“Joe’s won. Come Kat, let’s congratulate him.” I let him lead me to Joe.
Then we were at Joe’s side and he put his arm around me. I sank into his comforting warmth.
Esau burst into the room. “What happened?” he demanded.
“Joe won, but I think he’s blind,” said Marron.
There was too much talking. It became an incoherent babble. There was no danger now, Joe was alive, and I was with him, that was all I needed.
Chapter 24.
A Typically Human Reaction
Frustration ate at me. Blindness meant I couldn’t read Kat’s face.
Something was wrong. Kat’s mind had shut down again, and I had no idea what she was thinking. She had been brave, incredibly brave, and her level headedness had saved us both, when I couldn’t see. It was our victory, not just mine.
At least she had come to me when the fight was over, so she wasn’t upset with me. That was a relief. Watching me kill would not have been easy, but it was inescapable, and I hoped she fully understood that.
When I put my arm around her, her body melted into mine in the most delectable way, but she wasn’t talking, as though her mind was far away, somewhere else. I had to get her away from Council headquarters – it was having a terrible effect on her, that was a certainty.
Marron was pumping my hand, congratulating me, but I had no patience. “Thank you, Marron, but we must get home now,” I said, trying not to be rude. “Thanks for everything. I couldn’t have managed without you. Sorry to leave you with this mess.” I indicated roughly the direction of the Vigilante’s body.
“Let me heal your eyes.” Esau spoke up, sounding concerned.
“No. I’ve got Dr. Frank on standby. Get us home. Our shared living-room, please. Now.” My anxiety for Kat soared.
“Give me your arm,” he said. I tightened my hold on Kat. Esau grabbed my other arm, then flashed us home.
“What room is this? Is Frank here?” Still holding on to Kat, I stumbled and stubbed my toe. Blindness was a nuisance!
“I’m here Joe,” came Dr. Frank’s voice, as Esau put my hand on a familiar couch.
I sat, and Kat sat beside me, her head on my shoulder. She snaked an arm around my waist and I pulled her in closer. Still Kat’s mind remained closed, even though I was trying to reach her.
I stroked her hair, and she relaxed, giving a barely audible sigh.
A hand grabbed my shoulder. “Frank? Is that you?”
“He’s blind doc.” Esau interrupted. “Can you fix him?”
Frank’s breath warmed my face, as he bent over me, and I turned my head aside.
“No, not me, it’s Kat. Something’s wrong with Kat.” My voice came out in a strangled sob.
“Esau, give Joe some healing while I examine Kat,” said Dr. Frank.
The couch gave as he sat beside us. Minutes passed. I sensed movements as he examined Kat. Meanwhile Esau put his hands on my head and over my eyes from behind, healing me.
“What is it Frank?” Frustration tore at me, and I had to know. “What’s wrong? Is it serious?”
Something went snap. It sounded like the lid of a box shutting. The couch creaked and rocked as Dr. Frank stood. Depending on my ears alone, made me want to punch something.
“She’s in deep shock – a typically human reaction to stress. A sedative injection will induce sleep, and, if you give her some healing while she sleeps, she should wake up fine. Now, let’s look at your eyes.”
“No, treat Kat first,” I hissed – I would have shouted, except Kat had her head on my shoulder, and I didn’t want to startle her.
“Very well…” Dr. Frank sighed. Sounds of his bag opening reached my ears, followed by sounds of rummaging.
“The doctor is going to give you an injection, to help you sleep,” I whispered to Kat, unsure if she knew what was happening, or if she could even hear me. Her continued silence un-nerved me. To my surprise, she shifted her weight, as though she was holding out an arm.
“Thanks, Kat,” said Dr. Frank, confirming my suspicions.
The astringent smell of methylated spirits assaulted my nostrils, and I imagined the doctor wiping Kat’s arm in preparation for the injection.
After a few moments Kat placed her arm on my chest, sighed and gave a wiggle as she settled down to get comfortable. I continued stroking her hair. It comforted me, as much as it seemed to comfort her. Soon deep breathing indicated she was in a deep, drug-induced sleep.
More sounds as Frank rummaged around in his bag again. Then he moved in front of me.
“Look up,” he said, pulling down my bottom eyelids. The warmth from his body radiated over my face, as he continued peering into my eyes and pulling my eyelids up and down for a few moments. At one stage, he shone a light into my eyes and I could see it.
“As I thought, no permanent damage done,” he said at last, breathing out heavily. “That’s a relief. It could have been much worse.”
I relaxed too, on hearing his diagnosis. Until he examined me, I hadn’t considered the possibility my blindness might be permanent. “That’s good to hear,” I said. “I’ve had enough of being blind to know it’s not much fun.”
“Esau, keep the healing up for another hour. By then Joe should see shapes, light, shadow and movement. Once he’s reached that stage, he’ll heal naturally.”
“Sure thing, doc.,” said Esau from behind me.
“Joe, I’ll call in tomorrow morning to check on you both. Hmm…” He paused for a moment as if thinking. “I’ll also need to talk to Kat. Her blood test has come back.”
“Nothing to worry about is there?” A pleasant drowsiness was creeping over me as Esau applied more healing to my head area. At the same time, I applied a light healing to Kat as I continued to stroke her hair.
“Let’s talk about it in the morning,” he said. “Focus on healing tonight.”
“You’re the boss, Frank,” I said, giving a sleepy grin. “Thanks for everything.”
A blast of wind as he flashed away, was my answer.
◆◆◆
Gradually my sight came back, first I could distinguish light and dark shapes, and then movement, as Esau wiggled his fingers in front of my eyes. The shapes became more distinct and soon my sight returned, as though a switch had been turned on.
“Thanks Esau, I appreciate the healing. My sight is as good as ever.” I grinned at him.
“No sweat Joe.” He moved in front of me and stood looking down at Kat, sleeping, tucked under my arm. “You’ve got one hell of a mate there.”
A lump formed in my throat and my heart swelled as I thought back over her actions during the day. Looking down at her, I nodded. “Yeah,” was all I could say. While he was healing me, I had told Esau the story of how Kat had been my eyes while I fought the Vigilante.
He laughed. “And Marron and the Councilors didn’t know what you were doing?”
“No, and they can never find out. I’d hate to discover we’d broken some obscure rule and had incurred some penalty. Although I was prepared to say Kat was my hidden weapon, just as the Vigilante used whatever he threw in my face as his. That’s why I flung the second sword away, as soon as I realized my eyes were affected. Kat was of more use than any number of swords, and I knew I’d need her to win the Challenge.”
“I heard the Councilors talking, and they all believe you fought blind, using he
aring to locate your opponent. You’re a legend Joe.” He laughed again.
I tore my eyes away from Kat. Esau had grown silent, and, when I considered his face, he was frowning.
“Tell me you’re not still fighting the bond.”
I shook my head. “The bond is too strong, I can’t fight it. So, I decided to accept it, and see what happens.”
“Oh, wait till I tell Claire. She’ll be over the moon.” Esau beamed, his eyes flashing with mischief.
“No! Don’t say anything, not yet.” I hissed, afraid I’d wake Kat, even though she was medicated. “I haven’t even hinted at this to Kat. I’ve no idea how she’ll take it.”
Esau doubled over with laughter. “Joe the mighty demon slayer. You remind me of a nervous schoolboy going on his first date.”
“I’m not good enough for her, but… I want this, Esau.” My worst fear surfaced once more, but I had a new determination to be the best mate I could be for Kat.
Esau’s laughter increased. “Of course you’re not good enough, but women have a strange way of overlooking our faults. Look at me and Claire for example.”
I had to smile as I remembered Esau’s struggle to accept the mating bond.
Esau attempted to compose himself. “Okay, I won’t tell Claire. Only…I might drop a hint. Just so you understand, we’re all waiting, no expecting, an official announcement from you, at any moment. So, get your act together.”
If only it was that easy, I thought, as Esau said goodnight and flashed to Claire, who was, no doubt, waiting for him.
I sat for a few moments after Esau left, enjoying the gift of sight again. Then I stood, picked Kat up, and carried her to her room, where I placed her carefully on the bed.
I left her sleeping in her white martial arts uniform, but removed her boots and covered her with a soft blanket while she continued to sleep peacefully.
Taking her hand, I sat down on a chair beside the bed and poured a gentle healing energy into her. The things she had witnessed at the Challenge had caused the deep shock she had experienced, and I was determined to heal her by morning. I didn’t want her suffering any more.
Besides, it would give me great pleasure to sit there, knowing she was my mate. Gazing in wonder at her, I felt blessed, amazed at my good fortune.
A frown passed over my brow as I realized Esau was right. A schoolboy planning his first date would know more about romance than I did. How could I court a young woman like Kat? She deserved to be romanced properly, and I didn’t have a romantic bone in my body.
Fighting demons and training warriors was what I knew. When it came to romance, I was clueless.
No, I refused to worry about that. I would deal with romance, however inadequately, tomorrow. No doubt it would be painful and require as much courage as any demon battle.
However, tonight I would concentrate on healing Kat, while gazing at her and drinking in her incredible beauty.
Chapter 25.
After the Challenge
In that blissful state between waking and sleep, I drifted, limbs and body as fluid as water, not ready yet to face reality. Something warm and familiar covered my hand. No thoughts, no dreams invaded my mind.
Daylight registered at the edges of my senses as my eyelids fluttered, but I was not ready to face full consciousness. Someone, who, held my hand?
My eyes snapped open of their own accord. Joe? Here? In my room?
“Good morning Kat.” He briefly raised my hand to his lips. “Please forgive my intrusion, but Dr. Frank said you needed healing and I’ve been following orders.”
Although his expression was earnest, his eyes were warm.
“How are you this morning?” He smiled.
Joe, my warm Guardian was here. So happy stern Joe was gone, I smiled up at him. Then I remembered he’d been blind. “F… fine… But… You can see?” Confused, I reached out with my free hand.
“Yes, totally healed.” He leaned in closer. “Kat, you were incredible yesterday. Together we defeated the Vigilante, a team effort.”
The memory caused a brief frown, but, like an old familiar dream, it had no power over me.
“You saved us by keeping your head under the most difficult of circumstances. I’m beyond proud of you. You’re a true warrior.” He kissed my hand again, then placed it on the bed and stood up.
I squirmed with embarrassment, ducked my head, and my cheeks grew hot at the unaccustomed praise. Then I looked up, giving a lopsided grin. “What can I say? I had a good teacher.”
Joe chuckled, still lingering by the bed. I searched his mind, but it was closed, as was mine. My grandmother’s instructions to always have my mind warded was second nature.
“I’ll leave you to get ready for breakfast. The others are keen to catch up with you after yesterday’s events.” He hesitated. What else was he about to say? Obviously thinking better of it, he smiled and turned to go.
Don’t go, I wanted to say. I never had time alone with Joe and I longed to get to know him better. No, it was stronger -- a desperate need to know him better.
Oh, why was he always pushing me away? Anger flared in my breast, and an odd red mist clouded my vision. Before I could think what to say to prevent him leaving, words burst from my lips, unbidden.
“Why don’t you have a mate!” It sounded like an accusation. Too late, my hands flew to cover my mouth.
He stopped, and turned back to face me, a shocked look on his face. A heavy silence hung between us as he searched my face. Eventually, he spoke.
“I do have a mate.” His voice was low, almost a whisper.
My heart turned to stone and missed a beat. Unreasonable jealousy flooded my whole body, and I wanted to scream.
“It’s you Kat, you’re my mate. There’s no one else, only you.” His expression was unfathomable, but his eyes burned with a deep, unspoken passion.
My jaw dropped. I was speechless. Conflicting emotions flooded me as the realization hit home. Was it true? Could I really be Joe’s mate? There must be some mistake. Perhaps he was joking. Yes, that must be it.
“Later, we can talk later. Dr. Frank’s coming by after breakfast to check on us. There’s not much time. I’ll meet you in the kitchen,” Joe mumbled, and hurried out the door.
My head spinning, I raced to the shower and got ready. When I opened the closet, I saw leather pants and jackets in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Someone had been busy buying clothes for me, so I made a mental note to follow-up on my trust fund. Owing money was not something I did, but the new black pants and jacket beckoned, so I threw them on.
I had to talk to Joe. How could he be my mate when I was part demon? It made no sense. Then again, if I was his mate… No, I wouldn’t let my mind go there. Confusion tore through my mind. Best not to think. When I caught up with Joe, I’d corner him and make him tell me the truth.
If only I could talk to Gran about all this. She’d have known what I should do. The loss of Gran hit me anew, like a gaping wound in my chest.
I marched into the elevator. When it opened at the kitchen, the most delicious smells wafted in, and my stomach growled. How long had it been since I’d eaten? I was starving.
“There she is, our hero,” Claire called, clapping her hands. Everyone else clapped when they saw me. High-pitched whistles split the air.
Claire rushed at me and threw her arms around me in a hug. Emily and Liz followed and soon I was at the center of a group hug.
“You’re so brave,” said Liz.
West walked over to us. “Ah, the guest of honor has arrived. I’ve cooked everything, eggs, sausages, hash browns, waffles and pancakes for starters. Would you like to begin with fresh orange juice?”
Bewildered, overwhelmed by all the attention, I nodded. West led me to the table, and I sat down. Joe joined us and sat next to me.
“I hope you don’t mind all this fuss,” he whispered. “Apparently, Esau told Claire what you did yesterday, and Claire told everyone else. She’s quite right tho
ugh, you are a hero.”
I couldn’t remember ever being the center of so much attention. Much to my surprise, I liked it.
The wonderful food took center stage for a while. West was an excellent cook, and the food was delicious. After a while eating slowed, and West poured coffee for everyone.
“Tell us what happened Joe -- straight from the horse’s mouth,” said Nathan.
Joe stood and related the story from start to finish. When he’d finished everyone clapped and there were cries of, ‘amazing’ and ‘incredible.’ The way he told the story made it sound like some sort of cartoon adventure, and I couldn’t help laughing.
“I want to hear the story from your point of view, Kat,” said Liz.
I stood, prepared to tell my story, although unsure if I could match Joe’s easy way with words. Gathering my thoughts, I focused on the events of yesterday.
A gust of wind diverted our attention, and Dr. Frank stood in the room.
“Won’t you join us for breakfast, Frank?” asked Joe.
“Sorry, I’d love to, but I’m pressed for time this morning,” he replied. “I need to see you and Kat. Sorry to break up this little gathering, but can we go somewhere private?”
“Sure Frank, we can go to my bedroom,” said Joe. Addressing everyone at the table, he said, “Kat will tell her story some other time.”
We flashed to Joe’s room. “You’ll find we’ve both healed well, I think,” said Joe.
“Yes, I can see that.” Dr. Frank stood, frowning and stroking his chin. “However, what I’ve really come to discuss is Kat’s blood work. You’d better sit down.”
My legs felt like rubber, and I flopped down on a nearby couch. This didn’t sound good. Joe sat beside me.
“Kat, I’d like to speak in front of Joe, not only because he’s your Guardian, but because you’ll need support to get through the next few weeks. Is that okay with you?”
“Yes,” I whispered, grabbing Joe’s hand. He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, while I held my breath waiting for the doctor to continue.
