by Cheree Alsop
Dr. Worthen appeared from the other end of the room. “Bring the other two stretchers and be ready; according to the last transmission, the patient is still actively hostile.”
“Let me go first,” Aleric said, walking beside the doctor.
“There’s no way,” Dr. Worthen replied. “You just underwent surgery last night. I don’t even know why you’re up.”
“The patient has claws,” Aleric repeated. “I’m going first.”
Dr. Worthen looked like he wanted to argue, but he glanced behind him at the waiting nurses and orderlies. The doctor was in charge of the safety of each individual in the waiting room. None of them knew what was coming. He gave in with a nod. “Fine. But Dartan’s on his way here with the stun gun. If the patient’s hostile, let him shoot it.”
“Gladly,” Aleric replied.
The ambulance sped up to the E.R. so quickly Aleric feared it would crash through the glass doors. The driver slammed on the brakes at the last moment and the vehicle careened to a halt. Aleric rushed out with the rest of the staff close behind. He reached the handle of the back door with his good hand and pulled. The door swung open.
A rumbling snarl filled the air. The hair stood up on the back of Aleric’s neck. He stared at the blood and destroyed equipment inside the ambulance. Three EMTs cowered behind the overturned bed. On the other side, a creature with slick, tawny fur crouched. When he met Aleric’s gaze, his tufted ears flattened on either side of his human head. His arms ended in huge feline paws tipped with massive black retractable claws. Ragged canvas pants were the only clothing the creature wore. His cat-slit eyes narrowed.
“What is that?” Gregory breathed behind Aleric.
“A sphinx,” Aleric replied without breaking his gaze from the fae’s.
Another snarl tore from the sphinx at the sound of Aleric’s voice. The sphinx’s tail twitched from side to side in the small space. Its muscles twitched.
“Look out!” Aleric shouted.
He ducked as the creature launched itself over them. The sphinx darted into the Emergency Room and slid on the tiled floor. Aleric followed close behind. The big cat-creature spit at him and swiped its lethal claws. Aleric jumped back before it opened his stomach.
“Can we talk about this like civilized beings?” Aleric asked.
The sphinx wrinkled his human nose. “You stink of werewolf, Ashstock.”
“And you smell like the Glass District. Missing the sand?” Aleric replied.
The cat spit at him again.
A tiny hiss sounded in reply. The minky’s head stuck out of Aleric’s sling. She bared her teeth and hissed.
The appearance of the kitten seemed to catch the sphinx off guard. He rose onto his hind legs like Aleric was used to seeing. The change from wild animal to hopefully civilized person was reassuring.
“Why are you carrying a minky?” the sphinx asked, his eyes not leaving the kitten.
“I rescued her,” Aleric replied. “And she’s refused to leave me despite my encouragements.”
That brought a hint of a wry smile to the sphinx’s curved lips. “A werewolf with a minky. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Me, either,” Aleric replied.
At the corner of his periphery, Aleric could see the doctor and nurses scrambling to help the EMTs from the ambulance. For the moment, the sphinx was distracted, but if he became upset again, everyone in the E.R. could be in danger.
“Why did you attack those humans?” Aleric asked.
The sphinx glanced behind him. His golden eyes narrowed. “I awoke strapped to a table.”
“They were trying to help you, not hurt you,” Aleric explained.
“How do you know?” the sphinx shot back.
“Look at them. Do they look dangerous to you?”
Aleric followed the sphinx’s gaze, careful to keep an eye on the creature.
“Not really,” the sphinx said. Confusion colored his tone. “Then why did they trap me?”
“They don’t know the dangers of cornering creatures like us,” Aleric replied. “We’re not from around here.”
The sphinx looked around quickly. His sharp gaze lingered on the glass that was unmarked by sand wisps and the walls that didn’t bear the crest of the forest dwarves. Aleric knew the absence of the footsteps of the cotton pixies was noticeable on the curtains hanging around the partitioned rooms.
“We’re not,” the sphinx stated. He took several steps backwards. “So where are we?”
“Edge City,” Aleric replied. “There’s more to it than that, but before we get into it, I need you to let the EMTs come in for treatment. I can’t allow them in here if you’re still a threat.”
The sphinx looked outside once more. Dr. Worthen had the three EMTs on the beds. Nurse Eastwick and Nurse Talia were doing the best they could to bind wounds with the bandages they had brought with them, but it was clear at least two of the EMTs needed more care. The ambulance driver held bandages on his forearm and waited with Gregory near the beds.
“I did that.” It was more of a question than a statement. There was horror in the sphinx’s voice.
“You were cornered,” Aleric told him. “But they didn’t know any better. Humans don’t react the way we do.”
The sphinx’s eyes narrowed. “We are not the same.”
Aleric gave him an exasperated look. “Have it your way. But let them in. If they die out there, it’s on your head.”
To his relief, the sphinx nodded.
“Come in!” Aleric shouted.
Dr. Worthen stepped forward and the door slid open. Aleric kept carefully between the sphinx and the staff as the nurses and doctor wheeled the EMTS past.
Dr. Worthen gave Aleric a short nod. Aleric hoped the confidence the head physician placed in him did not come back to bite him figuratively or literally.
The ambulance driver followed behind the others. He was almost clear when Aleric heard familiar footsteps.
The back door to the E.R. flew open.
“Revenant,” the sphinx growled. He launched himself at Dartan.
The vampire lifted the stun gun and shot three darts into the sphinx. The creature hit the ground unconscious a foot from the vampire. Dartan and Aleric stared at each other.
“Making enemies?” Dartan asked.
“He hated me before he got here,” Aleric replied.
“Cats and dogs,” Dartan said.
Aleric rolled his eyes. “It’s a bit more complicated than that.”
“How so?”
Aleric opened his mouth to reply, then shook his head. “Fine. Cats and dogs. But he was under control until you got here.”
“I could tell,” Dartan said dryly. “I could smell the blood from the D Wing.”
Aleric glanced behind him. “I have to go see if they need help. Can you handle the cat?”
“He’d kill you if he heard you call him that,” Dartan pointed out.
Diablo meowed.
Dartan tipped his head to one side. “Did I just hear a kitten? Don’t tell me the sphinx came with a litter.”
Aleric reached into his sling and pulled out the minky. “I found this little devil striking terror in someone’s apartment.”
Diablo worked free of Aleric’s grip and climbed up his arm. She rubbed her head against the side of his face and purred.
Dartan cracked a smile. “He likes you.”
“She,” Aleric corrected, trying to get her down. The kitten sunk her claws into his shirt and refused to move. “And I don’t have time for her.”
“Is that what you tell all your women?” Dartan replied. “Oh, wait. You don’t have any. I think I know why.”
Aleric rolled his eyes at the vampire. “Can you take her to the D Wing?”
“I don’t think that’d be a great idea,” Dartan replied seriously. “It’s full of plague victims. We’re keeping them somewhat happy with Nurse Eastwick’s concoction of antibiotics and electrolytes, but it’s a mess back there. She’d be bett
er off with you, and I don’t say that lightly.”
“I can’t help patients with a minky hanging around,” Aleric told him. “How about the Light wing?”
Dartan accepted the kitten. “Fine.” She scrambled, trying to sink her claws into his skin. “Whoa little one. You don’t want to get on my bad side.” The smile he gave the minky let Aleric know the kitten would be just fine. The vampire boosted her onto his shoulder. “Hang on there and I’ll find you a spot until Uncle Wolfie gets back.”
Dartan ducked under the sphinx’s arm and pulled the creature up on his other shoulder with his vampire strength.
“Come on, Claws,” Dartan said, pushing through the back door. “If I have to shoot you again, I won’t be sorry about it.”
“I appreciate it,” Aleric called through the door.
“You better,” Dartan replied.
Aleric hurried through the room in the direction the others had gone. He followed the scent of blood to the Operating Rooms.
Gregory and Therese waited near the doors.
“How are they doing?” Aleric asked.
“Dr. Worthen and Dr. Brooks have Tom in surgery. His stomach was torn open pretty good,” Gregory said. “Nurse Eastwick is in stitching up Anderson’s thigh while Nurse Talia preps Jenna.”
“What about the driver?” Aleric asked.
Therese nodded to O.R. Seven. “Jaroff’s waiting with Ulrich. Dr. Russell’s been paged.”
“You guys are organized,” Aleric noted with amazement.
Gregory nodded. “We’re prepared for emergencies like this.”
“Don’t let him say it,” Therese told Aleric.
“Say what?” Aleric asked her.
“Do you know why?” Gregory pressed.
“Don’t let him say it,” Therese repeated.
Aleric looked from Therese to Gregory. “Uh, why?” he asked.
“Because it’s the Emergency Room,” Gregory replied with a triumphant grin.
Therese threw her hands up in the air. “It’s not funny when you’ve heard it a thousand times,” she complained.
“Dr. Wolf’s only heard it once, right, Doc?” Gregory asked.
Aleric nodded. “That was the first time.”
“It won’t be the last,” Therese muttered.
Gregory grinned. “My day is made.”
Aleric looked past them at the closed rooms. “Will you let me know if they need me?”
Gregory nodded. “Immediately.”
“You look tired, Dr. Wolf,” Therese noted.
Aleric smiled. “No rest for E.R. doctors, right?”
“Now you sound like Dr. Worthen,” Therese said. “When was the last time you ate?”
“You sound like Nurse Eastwick,” Aleric told her.
Therese smiled at him. “I take that as a compliment. Go to Minnow’s. We’ll call you there if Dr. Worthen needs you.”
The thought of relaxing at a restaurant sounded amazing. “Where is it?” Aleric asked.
“Follow your nose,” Gregory said. At Aleric’s look, he grinned, “Two blocks south, one block west. You can’t miss it.”
Aleric eyed the open back door of the ambulance when he walked by. Blood showed on the floor and the overturned bed. He hoped the EMTs would be alright.
It was a strange position in which he found himself. He very much wanted to be in the Operating Rooms helping with the surgeries, yet he wasn’t actually a doctor. His experience with fae had granted him a minor role at the hospital, but in times where only humans were injured, his expertise didn’t help at all.
Aleric’s frustrations at being unable to assist Dr. Worthen faded when he rounded the corner outside. The scent of Minnow’s filled his nose with mouth-watering aromas. Gregory was right; Aleric could have found his way blindfolded. He pulled open the front door of the small restaurant and a smile spread across his face.
The sight of the diner booth seating, the wide windows, and a waitress moving between the few occupied seats felt like he had stepped into a movie. Aleric knew places like Minnow’s existed in Drake City, but he had never been to them. The fact that he had his own money, could order whatever he wanted, and take his time to enjoy it felt like a gift.
The waitress walked up to him with a smile and twinkling green eyes. Her nametag read ‘Iris’. “Table for one?” she asked. Her blonde curls bounced on her shoulders when she tipped her head invitingly.
Aleric nodded. “Just me.”
“Right this way, cutie,” she told him. She offered him a seat near the window. “Will this work for you?”
Aleric gave her a smile which she quickly returned. “Anywhere would be perfect. This is great.” He slid into the seat.
“I’ll be back with some water unless you’d like to order a different drink,” she said.
“Water would be great,” Aleric told her. “Also, I may be in a rush. Is it possible to put in an order for a chicken cordon bleu sandwich?”
“Of course,” she replied. “I noticed the scrubs. We get quite a few of the hospital staff here. I imagine it gets busy over there.”
“It’s a little crazy,” Aleric said, working to keep the weariness out of his voice.
“We don’t often have doctors in slings,” Iris said.
Aleric glanced down. “Minor surgery. No big deal. This is just a precaution.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” she said. “I’ll go get your water and put in the order for your sandwich.”
When she was gone, Aleric eased his arm out of his sling. He stretched it out on the table. The ache in the joint was persistent. It throbbed when he put his hand his shoulder and attempted to massage it. He ducked his head, concentrating on easing the pain.
Fingers touched his hand and he froze.
“Relax,” the waitress said from behind him. “My sister’s a masseuse; she’s taught me a few things. Maybe I can help.”
Aleric lowered his hand slowly. Iris kept her touch gentle. She started at the top of his shoulder and slowly, carefully, worked down the outside of his arm. She reached his mid-bicep and went back to the top, then kneaded gradually down the front of his shoulder.
Aleric’s muscles tensed the closer she got to the aching wound. He tried to relax.
“Right here?” she asked.
Aleric nodded. His jaw clenched in preparation for the pain, but instead of massaging, Iris felt the edges of the wound gently through his scrubs. He saw her brow crease out of the corner of his eye. Her other hand went to the back of his shoulder and she traced the same edges.
“This isn’t from a minor surgery,” she said quietly.
“No, it’s not,” Aleric admitted.
Her touch was soft as she carefully massaged the muscles leading up to the wound but kept away from it. Under her care, Aleric felt his shoulder relax. His eyes closed at the lessening of pain and a sigh escaped his lips.
“That bad, huh?” she asked with empathy in her voice.
He realized Iris had stopped massaging. She stood to the side of the table watching him. Embarrassed that he had gotten so comfortable under her touch, he sat up and eased his arm back into the sling.
“It’s a lot better,” he told her. “You have a healing touch. Thank you.”
She smiled down at him. “My pleasure. I’ll go get your sandwich.”
He realized she had set the glass of water in front of him. He took a long drink, then sat back.
Iris returned a few minutes later with the sandwich and French fries on a plate. She set a second plate next to it.
“Our famous mudslide pie,” she said. “Your meal’s on the house.”
“I planned to pay,” Aleric replied. “I brought money.”
She smiled at him. “Dr. Worthen from the hospital saved the life of Minnow’s owner, Reanna, when she got in a bad car accident. Reanna and Dr. Worthen’s wife were both in the same accident.” She lowered her gaze. “His wife didn’t survive.”
Aleric realized Iris was talking about the accident
in which Lilian’s mother had been killed.
“That must’ve been hard on him,” he said.
Iris nodded. “Reanna feeds the E.R. staff for free. She knows she doesn’t have to, but she wants to. It’s her way of saying thank you for the fact that she was able to see her three boys grow up.”
“That’s very nice of her.” The scent of the food was making Aleric’s mouth water.
As if the waitress guessed it, she winked at him. “I’ll let you eat in peace. Just call my name if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Iris,” Aleric replied.
By the time he made it to the hospital again, Aleric felt full and at peace. The moment he entered the back door, the feeling vanished. The sounds of commotion that came from the D Wing let him know something wasn’t right. Aleric burst through the door to the Dark fae side and stared.
The plague victims were no longer the catatonic beings that had been led to the hospital. Every part of the room was filled with quarreling, fighting, biting, spitting, punching, angry humans.
“Dartan?” Aleric called out.
All of the plagued turned at the sound of his voice. The closest human let out a garbled yell and they surged forward.
Aleric grabbed a tranquilizer gun from where Dartan had hung them near the door. Grateful to see that it was loaded, Aleric fired as fast as he could. Small red-tufted darts hit the chests and necks of the plague victims. As soon as one fell unconscious to the ground, another took its place.
Aleric jumped up on the closest bed and dodged to the left, firing as he leapt from bed to bed. More plague victims collapsed to the ground. Aleric fired one last dart and the gun was empty. He immediately regretted the path his flight had taken. The humans surged forward, clawing at his feet and knees as he pressed as far back against the corner as he could without upsetting the bed on which he stood. Instincts pressed at the back of his mind, urging him to phase and protect himself.
He knew he could fight them. He doubted they could do much damage to him in his wolf form, armed with fangs and thick fur to protect his hide, yet that would also mean going on full attack and injuring those who weren’t aware of what they were doing.
Hands grabbed Aleric’s scrubs and pulled him forward. He kicked them away, but more took their place. Aleric had nowhere to run. Frothing mouths gnashed teeth and filmy white eyes stared at him; the victims let out moans and grunts that set Aleric’s teeth on edge. He had no other choice. There was no way out but through the humans.
