Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #9)(37)

“Know? ’Tis the work of a moment when you are a Chosen. The seeing bowls have allowed me to watch him through all the seasons of his life. And I daresay that this time, with you, is by far the best.”

Jane made a noncommittal noise. “Do you know what happens next?”

Ah, always the question—and as Payne thought of her legs, she found herself wondering along similar lines. “Alas, I cannot say, as ’tis only the past that is shown, or the very nearest moment-to-moment of the present.”

There was a long silence. And then Jane said, “I find Vishous so hard to reach sometimes. He’s right in front of me . . . but I can’t get to him.” Dark green eyes flashed over. “He hates emotion. And he’s very independent. Well, I’m the same way. Unfortunately, in situations like this, I feel like the pair of us are not so much together as side by side, if that makes sense? God, listen to me. I’m rambling . . . and I sound like I’ve got problems with him.”

“On the contrary, I know how much you adore him. And I am not at all unversed with his nature.” Payne thought of the abuse wrought upon her twin. “Has he e’er spoken of our father?”

“Not really.”

“I am unsurprised.”

Jane’s eyes held hers. “What was the Bloodletter like?”

What to reply to that? “Let us just say . . . I killed him for what he did to my brother—and we shall leave it at that.”

“God . . .”

“More like the devil, if you apply human traditions.”

Jane’s frown was deep enough to wrinkle her forehead. “V never talks about the past. Ever. And he mentioned only once what happened to his—” She stopped there. In truth, however, there was no reason to go on as Payne knew too well that to which the female referred. “Maybe I should have pressed him, but I didn’t. Talking about deep stuff upsets him, so I’ve left it alone.”

“You know him well.”

“Yeah. And because I do, I’m worried about what he did tonight.”

Ah, yes. The bloodied lovers he favored.

Payne reached out and brushed the healer’s translucent arm—and was surprised to see that where she touched became corporeal. As Jane started, she apologized, but her twin’s mate shook her head.

“Please don’t. And it’s funny . . . only V can do that with me. Everyone else just passes through.”

And wasn’t there a metaphor in that.

Payne spoke clearly: “You are the right shellan for my twin. And he loves only you.”

Jane’s voice cracked. “But what if I can’t give him what he needs.”

Payne had no easy answer for that one. And before she could formulate some kind of response, Jane said, “I shouldn’t be talking to you like this. I don’t want you to worry about him and me, or put yourself in an awkward position.”

“We both love him and we know who he is so there is naught to be awkward about. And before you ask, I shall tell him nothing. We became sisters of one blood the moment you mated him, and I shall e’er hold your confidence close to my heart.”

“Thank you,” Jane said in a low voice. “Thank you a million times” over.”

In that moment, an accord was reached between them, the kind of wordless tie that was the strength and foundation of all family whether they be united by birthright or circumstance.

Such a strong female of worth, Payne thought.

Which reminded her. “My healer. What do you call him?”

“Your surgeon? You mean Manny—Dr. Manello?”

“Ah, yes. He gave me a message for you.” Jane seemed to stiffen. “He said he forgives you. For everything. I can only guess you know that to which he refers?”

Vishous’s mate exhaled, her shoulders easing. “God . . . Manny.” She shook her head. “Yes, yes, I do. I really hope he comes out of this okay. There’ve been a lot of memories erased in that head of his.”

Payne couldn’t agree more. “May I inquire . . . however do you know of him?”

“Manny? He was my boss for years. The best surgeon I ever worked with.”

“Is he mated?” Payne asked in a voice she hoped read as casual.

Now Jane laughed. “Not at all—although God knows there are always women around him.”

As a subtle growl pumped through the air, the good doctor blinked in surprise, and Payne quickly silenced the possessiveness she had no right to feel. “What . . . what kind of female does he favor?”

Jane rolled her eyes. “Blond, leggy, and busty. I don’t know if you’re familiar with Barbie, but that was always his type.”

Payne frowned. She was neither blond nor particularly busty . . . but leggy? She could do leggy—

Why was she even thinking like this?

Closing her eyes, she found herself praying that the male never, ever met the Chosen Layla. But how ridiculous was that—

Her twin’s mate gently patted her arm. “I know you’re exhausted so I’m going to let you rest. If you need me, just hit the red button on the rail and I’ll come right to you.”

Payne forced her lids up. “Thank you, healer. And worry not about my twin. He shall return to you afore the dawn’s call of light.”

“I hope so,” Jane said. “I really do. . . . Listen, you rest and then later this afternoon, we’ll start some PT on you.”