by Sara Page
I follow her out into the hallway with Vis and Warrick stomping behind me. The skin along my spine tingles, overly aware of their presence.
The hallways of the Siren are oddly empty. In my experience, the Harpy and the Harpy’s Talon were always buzzing with energy. This is too much like the empty hallways of the palace.
How many Ravagers are left? Besides the Ravagers that were already on the ship, I only watched at most a couple dozen board with us.
Lorune leads us down two long hallways and through two sets of doors before we reach our new accommodations. Grogan is already inside the room, shifting from foot to foot as he anxiously awaits us.
“Princess,” he says to me, stepping forward but his eyes drop to my arms focusing on Ellany.
“How is Beast?” I ask.
“He’s making a full recovery,” he answers without looking up.
“Was it very bad?”
“Yes.”
“Grogan,” Lorune says reproachfully from behind me.
Grogan’s head snaps up. “I’m sorry, princess, I misspoke. I meant no. His injuries were minor. After the Medibay he’ll be completely recovered.”
I don’t believe his answer but I won’t hold it against him. It’s obvious he’s being pressured not to worry me with the truth. But the jokes on him, even if Beast’s injuries are minor, I’d still be worried.
“How much longer?” I ask, my eyes sweeping over the room, taking stock of it.
The room is much more spacious than the previous, more like my apartment in the palace. The bed alone appears big enough to sleep six full grown Ravagers, and the little sitting area has been moved around to make room for two small cribs.
“Only another hour or so,” Grogan responds distractedly. “If you will permit it, princess, I’d like to scan you and the girls.”
I sigh, bringing my attention back to him. “Of course,” I answer.
He smiles, relieved, and I nod my head for him to be done with it.
Stepping forward, he immediately reaches out as if he means to take the girls from my arms.
Quickly, I take a step back and shake my head. “You can do it while I hold them.”
Grogan frowns at me, confused by my reaction. “The results won’t be accurate.”
“Can’t you scan all three of us at the same time?”
Grogan shakes his head. “No. There would be too much interference.”
“Ameia, why don’t I hold the girls for you while Grogan scans you first?” Lorune offers helpfully.
I shake my head again. I’m just not ready to let them go yet. I’m not entirely sure why but I’m a little terrified of doing it. There’s this little nagging voice inside of my head telling me that if I sit them down or stop touching them I’ll lose them. I know it’s illogical and doesn’t make any sense but I can’t help the way I’m feeling.
Lorune frowns at me, her face now etched with concern. “Ameia, did something happen? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” I answer unconvincingly. Seriously, I don’t even believe myself.
Grogan’s eyes narrow at me, assessing me shrewdly.
“Ameia,” Lorune says softly, taking a slow step towards me. “You have been through quite a lot today. You and the girls both need a rest. Here, let me help you…”
Slowly, cautiously, she approaches, closing the distance between us, and all I want to do is move back but I fight it.
My aunt loves us; she would never hurt us. She is safe, I have to remind myself.
“This will only take a minute,” Grogan says reassuringly as I allow Lorune to take Esha from my arm.
I hold my breath, waiting for… I don’t know what. The ceiling to fall on my head or the floor to disappear beneath my feet but thankfully nothing bad happens.
Esha curls into Lorune and I release my breath in a little huff.
“How about we lay the girls down in their cribs so they can get comfortable before they’re scanned?” Lorune suggests.
I swallow back the thick lump forming in my throat and nod my head.
Moving over to the cribs, I watch first as Lorune gently lays Esha down, swiftly and deftly swaddling her up in a pink fluffy blanket. Stepping back from the crib, Lorune looks to me and nods her head expectantly.
Slowly and much more carefully than necessary I lay Ellany down in her crib, my hands shaking as I swaddle her less deftly in her purple blanket.
My arms now cold and empty, I linger next to the cribs while Lorune says encouragingly, “There, they’ll sleep much better now.”
I have to cross my arms in front of my chest to keep from reaching down and grabbing them.
“Princess Ameia? If I may?” Grogan asks quietly behind me, reminding me of his presence.
“Yes,” I answer, turning to face him. “Let’s be done with it.”
Grogan scans me first, moving me into a clear space between the large bed and cribs. The scanner goes up and down my body as his eyes squint down at the results.
“Do you remember sustaining any injuries?” he asks, and I shake my head.
“There is some minor bruising on your knees,” he murmurs thoughtfully but then directs the scanner higher. “But otherwise you are in perfect health. Would you like to treat the bruising?”
I shake my head.
Grogan nods. “If they start to trouble you, I can give you something for the pain.”
My scan complete, I follow him over to the cribs and watch him hover the small handheld device over both girls.
“They’re both in perfect health,” he smiles, and points the scanner down.
I nod, relieved, then ask, “Will you scan Vis and Warrick as well?”
“Of course, princess,” Grogan says and we both turn around.
Vis shakes his head and frowns as Grogan moves towards him. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Why not?” I scowl at Vis. Is this something else he doesn’t feel worthy of? Everyone deserves medical treatment.
“I’ve sustained no injuries and I am in perfect health,” he says stiffly. The way he’s acting, you’d think I was insulting him or something.
I didn’t see him take any hits, most of the fight he seemed to be behind Warrick, but I wasn’t able to keep my eyes on only him. He could have taken several hits that I didn’t see while I was focused on Beast.
“Still… It would put me at ease,” I explain.
“No,” he says sharply, not easily giving in. “I’m sorry, Ameia. I will not allow Grogan to scan me.”
I don’t understand why he’s refusing to be scanned. Is it pride? Pure stubbornness?
Maybe he’s still feeling self-conscious about being rejected?
We have a long stare off across the room before I finally give in. “Fine,” I say and turn towards Warrick, I don’t have the energy to argue over this. If he was seriously injured he’s very good at hiding it. “Will you allow Grogan to scan you, Warrick?”
I half expect him to deny me as well but Warrick nods his head. “Yes.”
Grogan has Warrick stand in the space between the doorway and the sitting area as he scans him thoroughly. As Grogan nears Warrick’s shoulders, Warrick bends down so Grogan can reach his head.
After a couple of minutes, Grogan frowns and informs us, “Warrick, you have sustained several serious injuries.”
Warrick grunts in acknowledgement. He doesn’t seem the least bit surprised to hear this.
“Your arms alone have suffered multiple fractures, and you have several broken ribs,” Grogan says thoughtfully, staring down at his scanner as if he can’t believe what he’s reading.
I, on the other hand, gasp. I had no idea Warrick was injured at all besides the crooked horn on his head.
“Are you in any pain?” I ask, rushing over to Warrick.
Warrick watches me walk towards him, his smoldering eyes glowing with intensity, and he shakes his head.
“Your horn,” I frown, reaching up to touch him before thinking better of it.
Moving faster than a being his size should move, Warrick grabs up my hand and squeezes it in his. He’s so big, it would take no effort at all for him to crush my tiny hand in his massive fist.
Warrick would never hurt me though. He’s always gentle with me. He treats me like he’s afraid of breaking me, like I’m delicate and fragile. Like I’m precious to him.
“Are any of the injuries critical?” I ask Grogan while not taking my eyes off of Warrick.
“No,” he answers and fiddles with his scanner. “Nothing life threatening but there are many of them. Honestly, Warrick, I’m surprised you’re still standing. Your legs alone have suffered multiple contusions.”
Not taking his eyes off of me, Warrick’s chest begins to vibrate as my palm tingles against his palm. “I feel fine.”
“You should use the Medibay after Beast is finished with it…” I start to say but Grogan interrupts me.
“I’m sorry, Princess, but I’m afraid that’s not possible.”
“Why not?” I ask, instantly insulted on Warrick’s behalf.
If he means to have others going in before him, they can wait or deal with me. Warrick is just as important, even if he is different.
Grogan glances up at me and looks a little taken aback by my hostile glare. “He won’t fit.”
“What do you mean he won’t fit?”
“He’s too big.”
That’s a first. Something being too small for a Ravager around here. I was convinced they created everything in hulking-behemoth-size.
“Can’t you adjust it or something?” I ask, growing more and more upset on Warrick’s behalf. He’s hurt and he’s in pain, but he won’t be able to receive medical treatment? What kind of bullshit is this?
“We could…” Grogan answers tentatively. “But that would put the Medibay out of commission, and there are still many that are in need of it.”
“Damn,” I curse softly.
“Do not worry about me," Warrick rumbles.
I tip my head back and peer up at him. “I can’t help it.”
He’s sustained multiple injuries and though he claims he’s not in pain, I know it can’t feel pleasant. And what if we’re attacked again or his injuries don’t heal correctly… or even worse, they worsen? What then?
“Please have the Medibay adjusted after every one that has need of it has used it,” I plead to Grogan.
It’s a solution but I’m not happy with it. At all. I want Warrick treated now.
“Of course, Princess.”
Warrick has already gone through so much on my account, and besides Vis, he’s suffered more than anyone I know. I hate the mere idea that right now he could be feeling pain but hiding it.
“There are other treatments beside the Medibay that are capable of healing his injuries,” Grogan says. “They take longer, but they will provide relief until we can make the necessary adjustments.”
“Let’s do them,” I say eagerly.
Warrick snorts. “I do not need them.”
“You’ve sustained multiple injuries,” I argue.
Using my hand, Warrick draws me closer until my breasts are pressed against his chest. “You are all I need, Ameia.”
“Warrick,” I protest. “Please, it would make me feel better.”
Head dipping down, Warrick buries his face in my hair, breathing me in. “Very well,” his warm breath hits my neck.
“I’ll fetch those treatments for you right away,” Grogan says from behind me. After a moment I hear him walking away but don’t turn to look, just enjoying this time with Warrick.
It’s been weeks since I’ve been able to spend time with him, and I find myself wanting to press closer to him. To wrap myself up in his warmth. To just enjoy being near him.
“Ameia,” Warrick rumbles, his hot breath once more washing over my neck while his chest vibrates against my breasts.
I want to touch him but I’m afraid of hurting him. Unsure of what to do with my hands, I clench the one still hanging at my side into a fist.
“I’ve missed you,” I murmur softly.
Warrick presses his face into the crook of my shoulder and his lips tickle my skin as he says, “I’ve missed you too, my Ameia.”
Shivering, delicious little bumps prickle across my flesh. His grip on my hand tightens, and he tries to pull me closer but I’m already flush against him.
Leaning his head back until we’re nearly nose to nose, his eyes drink in my face.
I feel myself flushing with heat but I’m very aware that we’re not alone. Lorune and Vis are still in the room, somewhere. Probably watching us.
“Thank you for protecting us,” I tell him, turning my face away while he leans in for a kiss.
If we start kissing now, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop and I’d feel horrible if I ravished an injured man.
I don’t know how it happened but it feels like my body has gone from zero to sixty in a matter of seconds. I’ve gone from feeling concerned and upset on his behalf to practically melting with heat just because his vibrating chest is wickedly teasing the sensitive tips of my breasts.
“Ameia,” Warrick growls, not even trying to hide his displeasure.
I choose to ignore him and continue stumbling on. I need a distraction. I need to take my mind off of this energy growing between us. Absence may make the heart grow fonder but it’s also put my hormones in overdrive.
“You were the first line of defense during the girl’s ceremony, and then again when we were escaping the palace… Without you, we wouldn’t have made it out.”
He makes a dismissive sound and his lips drag across my cheek. The sensation is electric. I can’t stop the gasp that pushes past my lips.
“Ameia,” he growls, nudging me with his nose. I know he wants me to turn my face to him but I can’t.
“Without you, Beast wouldn’t have made it.”
Warrick stiffens against me and I wonder if I’ve angered him. When he doesn’t touch me again or respond, I finally turn my face to look at him, expecting him to be pissed.
“I didn’t know he was keeping you away,” I say softly, feeling ashamed. “If I would have known I would have put a stop to it.”
Warrick stares into my eyes and I wish I could tell what he is thinking. Is he mad that he’s fought for me but I didn’t fight harder for him? I have a million excuses for allowing it to happen but I can’t necessarily forgive myself for them.
“I’m sorry, Warrick,” I apologize. “But thank you for still saving him.”
“Mine,” Warrick growls gruffly and his eyes soften.
“Yours,” I nod my head.
Warrick stares long and hard into my eyes, and perhaps it’s just an illusion, the result of my eyes trying to focus too hard for too long, but I swear I’m seeing more and more red inside his irises overtaking the black.
The sound of a throat clearing behind us kills the moment and I turn a little to see Grogan standing behind us.
That was quick.
“I’ve brought the medical supplies, princess,” Grogan says gruffly. His arms are overflowing with small rolls of fabric and boxes. “Most of these are used as field dressings, but they work in a pinch.”
“Do they relieve pain?” I ask as I turn more to face Grogan.
Grogan nods his head. “Yes, princess, and they accelerate healing.”
I smile at that. I like that word, accelerate. I want both my injured mates healed quickly.
Shifting uncomfortably on his feet, Grogan looks uneasy as he asks, “Where would you like to do this?” It’s obvious he’s not looking forward to the task of treating Warrick.
“I’m fine,” Warrick rumbles, sounding a little irritated.
“You’re not fine,” I say, tipping my head back to frown up at him. “You’re hurt and you need treatment.”
Snorting, Warrick stubbornly shakes his head. Seriously, I’d expect something like this out of Vis or even Beast but not him.
“Warrick,” I s
ay, turning back to face him so he can get the full force of my plea. “Please. I know you’re strong and you’re so tough you’re probably not in any pain, but with everything going on I need you at one hundred percent.”
Leaning closer, I drop my voice so only he can hear me and say, “I’m worried.”
“Ameia,” Warrick frowns at me and squeezes my hand.
“For me?”
Finally, he nods his head in agreement.
Beaming, I turn back to Grogan.
“Where would you like to do this?” Grogan asks, eyeing Warrick warily. He’s probably already sizing up everything he’s going to have to do inside his head.
Gaze sweeping over the room, the only place that looks like it would accommodate Warrick and give Grogan enough room to work on him appears to be the bed.
“On the bed?” I suggest.
An almost pained expression forms on Grogan’s face before he begrudgingly nods his head.
“Ameia,” my aunt calls out to me from across the room, reminding me of her presence.
Lorune’s eyes dart from me, to Warrick, to Grogan. “I think it’s time I took my leave. If you have any need of me, I’m just down the hall,” she smiles as she inches her way towards the door.
“Thank you,” I nod, giving her permission to depart.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” she says sweetly and then she’s gone in a swish of her skirts.
Vis, however, leans against the wall and crosses his arms over his chest. He has this look and smirk on his face that’s saying this is going to be good.
Chapter Fourteen
Tugging on Warrick’s hand, I lead him over to the bed and Grogan drags his feet, following behind us.
Being difficult, Warrick stiffens in front of the mattress like he doesn’t know what I want him to do so I give him a nudge and say gently, “Sit, please.”
With another snort, Warrick lowers his massive frame down and the bed groans loudly under his weight.
Fidgeting behind me, Grogan steps forward and dumps the load of supplies he’s been holding on top of the mattress.
I try to move to the side, to give him room to work, but Warrick’s hand tightens around mine, stopping me.
