Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames #3)(29)

He smiled as she came toward him with wet hair and no makeup. That right there was a true test of love. “My hair still feels a little stiff.”

“You probably need more rest.” He patted the bed beside him.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“I’m good. I ate the burger and fries while you ate the deer.”

“I’m praying that was a one-time craving. I know it’s natural, and I tell myself that, but I grew up watching Bambi, so the guilt is built-in.”

“The next time you feel hungry, we can call Clint or Ivy to bring whatever you want. That way they can visit and you can eat.”

She crawled into bed and cuddled against him. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For staying with me, letting me use you as a pillow, and for wanting to be my knight.”

…

When the alarm went off the next morning, Bryn startled awake and tried to climb out of bed. “I’ve got it,” Valmont said. He smacked the button on top of the alarm, went to his room across the hall to do the same, and then climbed back in bed with her. “Until Medic Williams gives you the all clear, I think we should sleep in.”

Great idea, but she didn’t think it would happen. “Sorry, I feel twitchy.”

“What does that mean?”

She scratched her head. Her hair felt like she’d forgotten to use conditioner for a month. That was better than the straw hair yesterday. “I feel like I’ve been cooped up, and I need to fly.”

“That is not happening without medical consent.” Valmont grabbed both her hands. “You have to take it easy.”

The idea of heading out to the terrace, shifting, and taking flight consumed her. “I can’t just sit here. I need to do something.”

Valmont walked over to the dresser and picked up a legal-size envelope. “This is a copy of the photo Medic Williams took of you. She dropped if off last night while we slept.” He held the envelope out so she could read the writing on the front.

Bryn read it aloud. “If Bryn tries to do anything stupid, show her this.” That was a bit harsh.

Valmont opened the envelope and upended it so the picture slid out into his palm, and then he handed it to Bryn. Her heart jumped around in her chest. That couldn’t be her. Straw-like hair stuck out from her head, her skin was scaly and pale, and veins showed beneath the surface. Bryn backed up to the bed and sat down. “I was that bad?”

“Yes.” Valmont took the picture and set it on the nightstand. “You scared the hell out of all of us.”

“I would like to point out, again, that I did not get sick on purpose.”

Valmont scratched the back of his neck. “It’s not like the bond came with directions. Maybe we should try to find some information in the library so we don’t mess up again.”

Bryn’s stomach growled loud enough for Valmont to hear, breaking the tension between them.

“That’s a sure sign you’re feeling better. Should I call out for another deer?”

Bacon, she thought, and her stomach growled. Good. I am back on people food. “This morning, I’ll take whatever the cafe downstairs is serving.”

“There’s one problem with this scenario. Your snooty cafe doesn’t deliver. I can’t leave your side, and you aren’t allowed out of bed.” He squinted his eyes and stared off into space, and then he laughed. “What’s Jaxon’s number?”

“Are you serious?” He’d never bring her food. “You realize that’s like poking a bear with a stick.”

“That’s what makes it fun. Besides, he’ll do it to keep me from hanging out with you at Rhianna’s room every day for a week.”

“Blackmail…that might work.”

Valmont called Jaxon. Bryn could tell from his end of the conversation it wasn’t going well. When he hung up, his eyes narrowed. “That didn’t work how I expected.”

“What happened?”

“He outmaneuvered me, said he’d bring Rhianna here to your room and hang out every evening for a month. I wanted to call his bluff, but if he didn’t back down that would have meant putting up with him for an entire month.”

“And that would end in bloodshed.” Bryn’s stomach growled. “I’ll call Ivy. I bet she’d fly over some carryout from the dining hall before she goes to class.”

Ivy showed up half an hour later on the terrace with two Styrofoam cartons and passed them to Bryn. “Sorry, I can’t stay to talk.”

Ivy took off. The longing to fly increased as she watched her friend glide through the air.

“Don’t even think about it.” Valmont grabbed her hand and pulled her back inside.





Chapter Ten


Medic Williams came by at noon and examined Bryn head to toe. “Besides being a bit dehydrated and fatigued, you’re doing well.”

“She wants to fly,” Valmont said.

Bryn stuck her tongue out at him for ratting her out.

“Sorry, but I know you,” he said. “Once something is in your head, you don’t give up.”

“Flying has to wait until tomorrow. Today you need to eat and sleep.” Medic Williams pointed at Valmont. “While I’m here with Bryn, why don’t you go down to the cafe and pick up some food. Make that a lot of food. The more calories, the better.”