Tangle of Need (Psy-Changeling #11)(43)

“I feel like I got run over.” And that quickly, she was Adria again.

Shoving away and to her feet, she walked to the pool at the bottom of a tiny waterfall he could just make out, cupping her hands in the cold water and using it to splash her face. At any other time, with any other woman, he would’ve waited, but he could tell from the stiff curve of her spine that she hated the fact he’d seen her like this, so he turned and walked away.

His wolf snarled but didn’t resist. Because it, too, understood that Adria was no helpless maiden in distress. Riaz had seen her fight beside him with unwavering courage, witnessed her steely-eyed determination as she crawled into the line of fire to drag an injured packmate out of the danger zone, trusted her to watch his back when the enemy threatened to surround them.

A woman like that would not want any man—much less one with whom she had only the most fragile of cease-fires—to see her defenseless and fractured by grief. He wondered if this would create another barrier between them, as she sought to distance herself from the memory. The idea pricked at his insides, a sharp, unexpected discomfort.





ALICE




FROM: Sascha<[email protected]>

TO: Lara<[email protected]>

CC: Tammy<[email protected]>;

Ashaya<[email protected]>;

Amara<[email protected]>

DATE: Sep 3, 2081 at 11.14 a.m.

SUBJECT: Patient A

Lara—I spoke to Tammy and Ashaya, got the latest update on our patient. Though my last attempt didn’t work, I’ve been going through my book (yes, again), and reading between the lines, it seems I have a distinct empathic skill that may help our patient.

I can’t prove it, as there’s no way to test the theory except on someone in her condition, but if you don’t think it’ll interfere with anything else we’re attempting, I’d like to try it.

FROM: Ashaya<[email protected]>

TO: Sascha<[email protected]>

CC: Tammy<[email protected]>;

Lara<[email protected]>;

Amara<[email protected]>

DATE: Sep 3, 2081 at 11.17 a.m.

SUBJECT: re: Patient A

As you all know, earlier today, Lara injected Patient A with a chemical agent Amara and I suggested. It may lead to a rise in the patient’s level of consciousness. I think it’s reasonable to assume that will only make her more receptive to Sascha’s empathy. I can’t see any harm in it, in any case. Amara agrees.

FROM: Lara<[email protected]>

TO: Sascha<[email protected]>

CC: Tammy<[email protected]>;

Ashaya<[email protected]>;

Amara<[email protected]>

DATE: Sep 3, 2081 at 11.58 a.m.

SUBJECT: re: re: Patient A

I’m open to anything that might help her. Sascha—I’ll give you a call and we’ll arrange a time for you to drive up. It might be better to wait till we can see if Ashaya and Amara’s formula is having any effect.

One of the senior techs has been in this week and recalibrated the equipment we’re using to monitor the patient, so we’ll see even the slightest blip of consciousness.

FROM: Tammy<[email protected]>

TO: Lara<[email protected]>

DATE: Sep 3, 2081 at 2.02 p.m.

SUBJECT: Life

I didn’t get a chance to talk to you about this while I was at the den, but I hope you’re not letting this situation with Patient A consume you, Lara. I know how hard it is not to get emotionally invested—most of the time pack healers have no choice—but we both know that’s not healthy, especially with this patient, given her prognosis.

I’m worried about you. Call me.

FROM: Lara<[email protected]>

TO: Tammy<[email protected]>

DATE: Sep 3, 2081 at 3.15 p.m.

SUBJECT: re: Life

I just tried to call, but your phone went to voice mail. I think you must be at the boys’ hockey practice. (Lord, how adorable do they look in those miniature uniforms?! I don’t know how you bear it.)

I’m okay, really. Walker and the kids keep me grounded, and Walker’s so protective, he literally carries me out of the infirmary if I’m being stubborn about resting. I’m not joking—he threw me over his shoulder the other night! Said I’d already gotten my warning.

I have to admit I might have snarled (okay, yes, I did), but I figure that’s healthy when my rational Psy mate suddenly turns into a caveman. And here I thought I’d have it easier than all of you mated to dominant changelings. Shows what I know.

Lara

p.s. The snarling didn’t last long. I have no willpower when he goes all strong, silent, and possessive. Just call me Woman of Goo.

FROM: Tammy<[email protected]>

TO: Lara<[email protected]>

DATE: Sep 3, 2081 at 3.27 p.m.

SUBJECT: re: re: Life

You are so crazy for your Psy, I can see the silly smile on your face right now. :-)

Nate mentioned to me the other day how he and Walker agree completely when it comes to “taking care of” their healers, even if we’re “totally unreasonable” about it, and—when I got over the urge to smack him—I decided to kiss him instead. We lucked out, babe.

Apparently they’re bonding. Nate dropped by the practice to see the boys, and I’ve been informed we’re all having dinner tomorrow night. I’m not sure if we should be scared about this development, but I can’t wait to see you so we can talk properly.