The League 3: Paradise City

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

/ won't pass out, she told herself. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she made the cut, cringing with each slide of her wrist. Blood rushed out, and Devyn quickly wiped it with a tissue and inserted the glass tube into the child's throat.

  Her stomach twisted and heaved. She cringed as he began pumping blood and mucus up through the tub with a small hand pump. She'd never seen anything more disgusting. How could he do it? Shivering, she turned away and swallowed, hoping she would live through this.

  Once the child began breathing through the tube, Devyn straightened up and padded around the tube with more tissue. He returned to the child's mouth and began scraping more mucus out.

  She couldn't stand it anymore. Her knees buckled.

  Devyn caught her, his heart pounding against her breast. "Be strong for me. I need you."

  Those words worked a miracle. She raised up, fighting nausea. If he could stand doing it, why couldn't she stand watching it? Gripping the edge of the desk, she promised herself she'd do whatever he needed.

  He taped the tube to the child's neck, then moved to check the child's temperature and pulse.

  Devyn looked up at her and smiled. "Good job, Alix. With hands like those, you ought to be a surgeon."

  She warmed at his compliment, but judging by the way her stomach twisted and her legs shook, she knew she'd never survive training.

  "I think he's going to make it. Now I just need to figure out what's wrong with him." Devyn looked at the mother, who cried in Gannon's arms. "What are his symptoms?"

  She wiped at her eyes, her nose red and swollen. "It started with a sore throat, and his neck ached; then earlier today he started coughing and coughing, and finally this . . . this happened."

  Checking the child's eyes, Devyn asked, "Don't you have a doctor?"

  "In the city," Gannon said, his face drawn and pinched. "Our commune doctors are only medical technicians who have very basic medical training. Our three surgeons never involve themselves with illnesses. We save them for battlefield emergencies."

  Frustration burned deep in Devyn's eyes and Alix wished she could soothe it.

  "Do you know what it is?" the mother moaned.

  Devyn sighed. "Sore throat, fever, coughing, swollen lymphs. It could be about three thousand different things." He ran his hands over the child's body, poking and prodding, and dragged her hand right along with his.

  The boy's body convulsed a moment before he opened his eyes and looked at Devyn, his face panicky.

  Devyn smiled at him and stroked his cheek. "What's his name?"

  The mother moved forward to touch her son's forehead. "Jory."

  "Hi, Jory," Devyn said as the child continued to stare at him.

  "No," he said gently, grabbing the child's hand to keep him from touching the glass tube. "I know it's not comfortable, but it needs to stay there for a little while."

  Jory looked at his mother, tears welling in his big brown eyes, and Alix's throat tightened at the pain he must be in. She would give anything to relieve it.

  "It's all right," his mother said, her own eyes brimming with tears. She looked up at Devyn, her gaze worshiping. "Thank you for saving him."

  Devyn raked his hand through his hair and Alix could sense his anguish. "It's not over yet. I have no idea how to treat this." He looked over his shoulder. "I don't guess anyone here knows what it is?"

  Gannon shook his head. "Not even the city doctors know. We've taken a few of our people to them, but they couldn't help them. They say it is the will of God because we are rebelling against the Order, and they have refused to treat it."

  "I love new illnesses," Devyn said tersely.

  Alix brushed his hair back from his cheek and offered him a smile. "Isn't there some kind of universal antibiotic that can treat this?"

  Suddenly, Devyn smiled, and Alix could see the idea even as it formed. "Are there any survivors?"

  "I've had it," the mother said.

  His smile widened. He picked Alix up and twirled her around. His arms held her tight against him, his joy becoming her own as she watched the happiness play across his face.

  "We've got it!"

  "Got what?" she asked, her face flaming as she noticed the curious stares they collected.

  He set her down, then returned to Jory. "Dig the centrifuge out of the kit," he said to her.

  As if she knew what that was. "The what?"

  He laughed and dug through the medical bag. He pulled out a strange, round contraption that looked like a multiarmed bug of some sort, a bottle of antibiotics, and a glass vial, and set them on the table.

  Next he took out a syringe and moved toward the mother. "I need a sample of your blood."

  The mother stared at him aghast and took a step back. "For what purpose?"

  "For an antidote. Whatever this is, your body has already built up an immunity to it. I'm hoping I can transfer that to your son and help his cells fight off the illness."

  Horror filled her face. "Gannon?"

  Gannon came forward and picked up the centrifuge. "Will it work?"

  Devyn took a deep breath. "I don't know. All I can do is try."

  Nodding, Gannon returned his gaze to his wife. "Do it, Ila."

  Alix could swear the woman paled as she rolled up her sleeve for Devyn. Not that her own face probably didn't look the same. Averting her eyes, she tried not to think about what he was doing, or how close her own arm was to the needle.

  "Wait."

  They turned simultaneously to see Braw move forward with a large pair of wire cutters. "For your gyve," he said with a triumphant smile.

  "Thank you!" Alix said, wishing he'd shown up before she had performed surgery.

  With a tiny snap, the gyve broke apart. Braw quickly snipped the thin metal from their wrists.

  "You okay?" Devyn asked, a smile hovering at the corners of his lips.

  "Much better," she said, moving to sit in a nearby chair.

  He shook his head and turned back to his patient.

  Alix watched him while he worked. There was a joy to him she'd never seen before and she knew that this was what he should be doing. This was his calling.

  It amazed her the way he knew instinctively what to do, the way he soothed both Jory and his mother. And to her utmost shock, Jory let out a tiny, gurgling laugh in response to Devyn's teasing.

  Happiness swelled inside her, bringing tears. She licked her lips, imagining what Devyn would be like as a father. He'd never abuse his child, never lock it in the closet, or kick it out of the way. No, he'd tickle and tease and be there to wipe away the tears, to cuddle and love. And she could see his face the first time he held his own child in his arms.

  If only she could be the mother.

  "Stupid dream," she whispered under her breath, knowing that for her such dreams never came true.

  "Yuck," Devyn said, and wiped his hands on a cloth. "What did you eat, Jory, snail stew?"

  Again the tiny giggle sounded.

  "Now hold your breath a minute and let me try to get some of this yucky stuff out so you can breathe."

  A tiny hand moved up to clutch Ila. Alix's stomach tightened. Would anyone ever love her so completely? Trust her so much?

  After a short time, Devyn finished. "We need to leave the tube in a little longer until I'm sure his throat's not going to reclose."

  He looked back at Jory and smiled. "Which means you can't try to blow icky stuff at any girls who might irritate you."

  Ila grabbed Devyn's hand and pulled it to her cheek. "Thank you. Whatever you need, ask and it shall be given."

  Devyn pulled his hand away and patted her on the shoulder. "Keep an eye on him and let me know if his condition changes at all. If that serum works, then I'll make more and try to treat the others who are sick."

  Tears brimmed in Gannon's eyes. "You're no Chaldese. You're a godsend."

  Devyn shifted uncomfortably. "Actually, I'll settle for something in between the two."

  Smiling, Alix stared at him and the tired li
nes on his face, the relief in his eyes. She'd never even hoped to meet a man like Devyn, and now she cherished the time they'd had together.

  Alix bit her lip to staunch her tears of happiness, grateful to whatever fate had delivered her into Devyn's hands.

  Her wrist itched, reminding her of last night, and her body grew hot. In a way she regretted their separation. Now he could leave her behind. Would he?

  The door opened, giving her a start. "Lord Gannon, the Urbanites have entered the valley with scanning equipment! They say if we hand over the Chaldese, they'll spare our city."

  Chapter Sixteen

  Devyn stared at the soldier, awaiting Gannon's decision.

  "Tell them we haven't found the Chaldese and reinforce our shields."

  A sour knot twisted Devyn's stomach. He couldn't be responsible for destroying a whole community. "Look, don't risk your lives for me. If you'll protect Alix, I'm willing—"

  "Don't be ridiculous," Gannon said. "I owe you my son's life and I am not going to hand you over to imbeciles who can't see for their own stupidity."

  Devyn started to argue, but the stubborn set of Gannon's chin told him the effort would be futile. "If you're sure . . ."

  "Very certain." He grabbed Devyn into a hug and Devyn did his best not to stiffen. Having a man hug him was not something he enjoyed. "I owe you everything!"

  "Thanks," Devyn said, pulling away. "But that's what a doctor does."

  "But you didn't have to."

  Devyn shrugged, embarrassed over Gannon's gratitude. "Well, anyone would have done the same."

  Gannon shook his head. "Integrity. The City Elders used to claim transplenum had none."

  "I always said Devyn was one in a trillion," Alix said, and Devyn could have kissed her for it.

  Even exhausted she looked beautiful. Her eyes twinkled from an inner glow and he wished they were alone back in the forest. "If you two don't stop complimenting me, I'm going to swell three times my normal size."

  He looked at Gannon. "If you don't mind, I need a place I can wash."

  "Certainly." Gannon beckoned a servant. "Take them to their rooms and as soon as they're ready, escort them to my dining hall."

  Devyn offered his hand to Alix. Her warm, slender fingers closed around his and a shiver sped up his spine and straight to a part of him he'd rather not have roused at the moment.

  It shocked and amazed him that he could think of sex at a time like this. Who knew how many so-called Urbanites were waiting outside to tear their hearts out, and all he could think about was the way Alix felt in his arms. He must be going slanted.

  Without a word, he followed Alix and the servant, who led them to a nice set of chambers.

  When the servant showed them only one bed, he started to protest, then remembered their ruse. "I'll take the couch," he whispered to Alix.

  She turned and smiled at him. How could something so innocent as a smile be so devastating?

  "There are fresh clothes in the closets. Feel free to use whatever you wish." The servant paused at the door. "I shall wait outside. As soon as you're ready, I shall escort you to dinner."

  "Thanks," Devyn said, forcing himself not to bury his head in the luscious curve of Alix's neck and taste the sweetness of her pale skin.

  First he had to make sure he didn't give her any germs; then he might have time for a nip or two. Maybe three.

  Once the door closed, he headed to the bathroom. "You need to wash your hands really well. I'm not sure how infectious that disease is, but I'm sure you don't want to catch it."

  She came to stand beside him at the basin. Even without touching her, he could feel her presence as if she were a part of him, a part he needed as much as his lungs or heart.

  Desire erupted and he closed his eyes against the heated demand he couldn't yield to. Not yet. She moved forward and he trembled from her nearness. Stunned, he watched as Alix picked up the soap, took his hands, and scrubbed between each of his fingers. Each stroke of her fingers sliding like silk in between his sent waves of heat pounding through him. Waves that instantly kindled his desire and set his entire body on fire. At the moment, he'd bet his body temperature would rival Jory's.

  "Do you have any idea what a great doctor you are?" she said, her head tilted away as she studied his hands.

  He cocked his brow, curious about her somber mood. "Am I?" he asked, his voice ragged to his ears.

  She looked up into his eyes and his breath caught. His heart pounding, he wanted nothing more than to peel her clothes from her. "You were magnificent." He smiled. Somehow her praise meant more to him than anything else ever could. "I was just doing what I was trained to do."

  "No," she said, her gaze boring into him. "You were making a difference."

  He frowned. "I don't see—"

  "You saved that boy's life," she whispered, her voice cracking. "He would have died today had you not been here. Now he will grow up and tell his children about the man who saved his life and made him laugh."

  His throat tightened from the happiness running through him. No woman could ever compare to Alix. "I love the way you see things."

  She swayed into his arms and he held her tightly, tasting the sweetness of her lips. He could never get enough of her touch, her laughter, her warm reassurances. He pressed against her, reveling in her delicate curves that molded against his body as he cupped her buttocks and brought her closer to his heat.

  Her lips quivered beneath his and he ran his tongue over the soft sweetness of her mouth. No wine or candy could ever taste better, ever whet his appetite more.

  "I couldn't have saved Jory without you," he whispered, nibbling the corner of her mouth.

  "I didn't do anything."

  He pulled back and smiled at her. "I don't know. For a seed, you did an excellent job."

  She looked at him skeptically. "What's a seed?"

  "It's a HAWC term for a recruit."

  Her gaze turned mischievous. "Then what would that make a seedling?"

  He loved her wit. Thinking about her words for a minute, he brushed his lips across the curve he'd ached to nibble earlier. "A very short recruit?"

  She laughed, the sound cutting a place in his heart like lightning on a stone.

  "I would give anything just to stay in this room and make love to you for the rest of my life," he whispered, running his hand through the soft strands of her hair.

  "But if you don't eat soon, you won't be able to do anything but shake," she said, pushing at him.

  Despite her flippant tone, he sensed an inner restraint, a need to keep him locked outside. Her rejection shredded his soul, yet he still wanted her.

  Why couldn't he gather his anger and push her away? The answer stung him worse than a viper's bite. He loved her. She meant everything to him, and unless he returned them to their worlds and freed her, he would never have her by his side. She would never stay by his side.

  "C'mon," he said, pulling away from her. "Let's get cleaned up."

  An hour later, Alix stepped out of the bathroom and stole his breath. She wore a loose, flowing gown that added a femininity to her he'd never seen before. Her long hair was drawn up on top of her head, where it fell in soft curls he longed to free and bury his face in. She was perfection.

  "Wow," he said, rising to his feet.

  She smiled, showing him her little dimple, and a wave of electricity snapped through him.

  He took her hand and kissed her soft palm. "You know, I sort of miss being gyved to you."

  Her laughter caressed him. "Funny you should say that. I was thinking the same thing while I dressed."

  Devyn started to smile, but it died instantly as his thoughts turned to Sway. Why did Sway have to die? It just wasn't fair. "Devyn, what's wrong?"

  He cleared his throat, but the pain remained inside, where it burned and ached more than any beating or wound. "I was just thinking of Sway."

  She caressed his cheek, her fingers cold against his skin. For once, not even her touch could soo
the him. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

  "I know," he said, forcing himself to pay attention to what had to be done.

  Alix needed him, and her life—her future— depended on him. He had to keep her safe. And even though he'd failed Sway miserably, he vowed he would see Alix freed no matter what.

  * * *

  Alix sat at the table, listening to Devyn and Gannon plot their escape. As each second passed and they discussed how they intended to break into the Emir's palace and steal his shuttle, her stomach shrank a little more until it was far too small to accommodate any of the delicious food before her.