by Vella Day
“Ronan Laramie, you will not die. Do you hear me?” Her blood pressure skyrocketed. “Please, Ronan, don’t you want to hold your son or daughter?”
Though after what she’d been through, it would be a miracle if the baby survived. Damn it. There had to be more she could do.
Missy. She could help. Only Blair had left her phone in the car. As much as she didn’t want to leave him, she had to call for help. She’d done all she could for him.
Blair quickly dressed, located his keys in his pants pocket, and took off. At the Jeep, she called Missy and explained what happened and then begged her to come to the lake.
“I’ll call Zane. We’ll be there as fast as we can,” Missy promised.
“Thank you.”
Blair wasn’t sure who else could help, so she called Jackson. Her brother answered. “Ronan! You ever coming back to work?” His cheer made it hard to respond.
Blair almost broke down. “It’s me, Jackson. Ronan is injured.” Just retelling what happened traumatized her further. “I already called Missy, and she’s on her way.”
“Good. I’ll be right there. Stay with him.”
Blair disconnected and hurried back to the lake. Her back ached, and her headache was worsening by the minute, but she ran as fast as she could. Slamming against the tree trunk after being tossed backward by Darinda’s powers might have given her a concussion, but right now she couldn’t even remember if she’d lost consciousness. It didn’t matter. What was important was saving Ronan.
When she returned, he hadn’t moved, though his bandages were soaked, which was both good and bad. It was bad because he was losing blood, but good that it meant he was still alive.
She sat next to him. “Ronan? Can you hear me?”
Sweat beaded on his forehead. When his fingers twitched, she sucked in a breath, hoping he was arousing. She placed a hand on his wrist, one of the few areas that hadn’t been injured and squeezed gently. “Wake up, please. I need you.”
His leg twitched, and then his head lolled from side to side. While nothing she said seemed to wake him, at least he was breathing. Every few seconds, Blair glanced to the path, hoping to see Missy and Zane. After what seemed like hours had passed, leaves rustled and then two figures appeared.
Missy and Zane rushed toward them. “How is he?” Zane asked, clearly fearful for his friend’s life.
“Not good.”
“Blair, I need some room to work,” Missy said.
“Of course.”
Zane helped Blair up and walked her over to the shade. “Tell me what happened. You said you killed the goddess?”
If she hadn’t been so upset, she would have found some pride in his disbelief. “Yes.”
She’d just finished detailing the fight, from the lookalike animal to the actual battle with Darinda, when Jackson arrived. She’d never been so happy to see him.
He hugged her. “How are you?”
Blair wasn’t up for discussing her injuries. “I’m okay.”
“I’ll see how Missy is fairing,” Zane said. “You can bring Jackson up to speed.”
Her brother gathered her in his arms. “It sounds like it was such a terrible ordeal, but Ronan will be okay.”
He couldn’t know that, but she appreciated his optimism. By the time she detailed the events again, Zane and Missy returned.
“I’ve done all I can,” Missy said. “What he needs now is to rest.”
“Should we call a doctor?” It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Missy, but Blair didn’t want to leave any stone unturned.
Jackson wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “When he wakes up, we’ll see what his wolf can do. You know as well as I do that explaining where the claw marks came from would be difficult if we take him to a hospital.”
She knew of a few shifter doctors she could ask for help. “I’ll wait two days and no longer.”
Jackson nodded. She and Missy picked up what was left of the picnic, along with Ronan’s clothes, and then followed Zane and Jackson, who were carrying Ronan, back to the car. Zane was so large he probably could have carried Ronan all by himself.
Because Zane insisted he drive Ronan’s Jeep, Blair went with Jackson who made an unconscious Ronan comfortable in the back of his vehicle. Missy followed so she could then drive Zane home from Blair’s.
Once there, the men carried Ronan into the bedroom. Missy placed her hands on Ronan’s forehead and said some chant designed, she’d claimed, to draw out Darinda’s evil.
A half hour later, Missy and Zane left. Jackson said he would stay, but Blair insisted on being alone with the man she loved.
“Call me if you need me,” Jackson said.
“I will.” After a quick hug, he left.
Blair dragged one of the dining room chairs into the bedroom and sat, ready for the vigil. Her own body needed rest, but Ronan needed her more.
After three hours, Ronan didn’t seem to be any better, and she wondered if his wounds should be cleaned a little better. If only his wolf would take over, he’d improve quickly.
Before she had the chance to check, someone knocked on her front door, and Blair debated not answering. If she had to go through the story once more, she might be scarred for life.
“Blair, it’s Ainsley!”
Ainsley. Just hearing her best friend’s voice perked her up. Pushing on her knees to stand, her back screamed, but she stood anyway. Every muscle craved rest. When her stomach grumbled, she realized she had to eat, if only for the baby’s sake.
Blair opened the door to find more than just her friend. Ainsley had brought the twins! Without thinking, her hand shot to her stomach. Jackson was there along with Dr. Bill Hardy, a bear shifter physician. Relief that Ronan would get some medical help filled her. “Come in.”
As much as Blair wanted to spend time with the newborns, she needed to consult with Dr. Hardy first.
He lifted a black leather bag. “I don’t normally make house calls, but Jackson told me Ronan is in bad shape.”
“Yes. Come with me.” She glanced over at her brother and his mate.
Ainsley held up a hand. “Go. We’ll be fine.”
They headed into the bedroom. “Has he shown any signs of improvement?” the doctor asked.
“Not really. His hands and legs twitch every now and again, but he hasn’t opened his eyes, and he doesn’t respond to me talking to him.”
“I’ll want to take a look at the wounds. You said it was a wolf that attacked him?”
“Yes.” She doubted Jackson had mentioned the goddess.
“I may be awhile.” Dr. Hardy didn’t move, clearly wanting to be alone with Ronan.
“Of course.” She returned to the living room just as Jackson was bringing in a folding cot. “What’s that for?” she asked.
Ainsley led her over to the sofa. “Sit down. We need to talk.”
Blair knew that tone. “About what?”
Her best friend clasped her hands. She then turned back to Jackson who was unfolding the cot. “Can you get the food out of the truck too?” Ainsley asked him.
“Sure.”
“Food? Cot? What’s going on?”
“I can see the signs,” Ainsley said.
“Signs?” Blair could figure out where this was headed.
“How far along are you?”
Her pulse fluttered. “I don’t know how you knew, but I’m about six weeks pregnant.”
“I’ve happy for you, but that’s all the more reason why you need to rest and eat. You know what happened the last time you let stress get to you?”
She didn’t need the reminder. Blair lived with it every day. “I know.”
“Did I hear someone is expecting?” Jackson asked, his cheer evident.
“Yes, but don’t tell Ronan. I want to surprise him.” Assuming the baby survives.
Jackson rushed over and hugged her. “Congrats and my lips are sealed.”
She had the best family in the world.
“When the doc fin
ishes up with Ronan, we need to ask him to check you out,” Ainsley said.
“I actually would feel better if he made sure the baby is okay.”
Ainsley pulled a piece of paper from her purse and handed it to Blair. “I’ve made a few calls and set up a schedule. I know you want to watch Ronan twenty-four seven, but it won’t do either of you any good if you collapse, so members of both families will be taking turns standing watch. Of course, Sam and Lexi will take shifts too, as will the rest of the firm.”
The support and love overwhelmed her, bringing her to tears. Damn hormones. She hugged Ainsley. “Did I tell you how much I love you?”
Ainsley leaned back, her cheeks red. “You can prove it by doing as I ask. The cot is going to be for you when you need your rest. And I don’t want to hear any arguments.”
Blair didn’t know what to say. “Thank you. I hope Ronan is back to normal in a few days.”
Jackson came in again bearing a box from Nathan’s pizza. “From the looks of the picnic, you didn’t have a chance to eat.”
“No, I didn’t. Thank you,” Blair said.
When the doctor emerged from the bedroom, his face appeared grim. “I’ve changed his bandages, and the wounds appear to be healing, so I’m not sure what is causing his lack of response.”
Blair jumped up. “What can I do?”
“Keep doing what you’re doing. Talk to him to see if you can get him to respond. If he’s not improved in a few days, call me. I’ll give you some antibiotics for him to take once he wakes, though if he can shift into his wolf form that should cure him faster than any pills will. Because he will need to stay hydrated, I’ll stop by tomorrow with some saline solution.”
She didn’t like the prognosis. “Thank you.”
Ainsley stood. “Blair?”
She nodded. “Do you think you could take a look at my injuries?” She explained how she’d slammed against a rock.
“What Blair hasn’t mentioned is that she is six weeks pregnant.”
The doctor’s eyes widened. “Of course. Come back to the bedroom and I’ll check you out.”
After a thorough exam—or as thorough as was possible given the lack of equipment, he said that with rest, both she and the baby should be okay. Relief washed through her.
Once she thanked him for everything, the doctor left. Blair turned her attention to the twins—one boy and one girl. Ainsley was so lucky.
“Would you like to hold Sarah?” she asked. “Or Jake? You should practice, you know.”
As if the last few weeks never existed, she held out her arms and Ainsley handed her Sarah, and every motherly instinct she had soared. The baby smelled of talcum powder and pure sweetness. When Sarah cooed and then smiled, Blair’s heart sang.
As if Jackson lived there, he brought over some plates for the pizza, along with bottles for the babies, “Time to eat.”
Blair wanted to check on Ronan again, but she’d hear him if he awakened. For the next half hour, they ate and chatted about the twins—their eating habits, how much they slept, and how little sleep Ainsley and Jackson had each night. Blair yawned.
“You need to rest, sis.” Jackson rolled the bed down the hallway, where Blair was instructed to rest.
While he watched the kids, she and Ainsley changed the sheets on the cot. Blair didn’t think she’d be able to sleep, but as soon as Ainsley returned to the living room, it was lights out for her.
To her surprise, she awoke rather refreshed. When she stepped into the living room, the babies were sound asleep and so was Ainsley.
“You should take Ainsley and the kids, home,” she whispered. “They could use the rest too.”
Jackson nodded. “I will.”
Ainsley opened her eyes and sat up. “Hey, did you sleep?” she asked Blair.
She managed a smile. “Yes, thanks to you. I’m good to watch Ronan now.”
“Okay. Your father will be stopping in tomorrow at nine to watch Ronan for a bit,” Ainsley said.
“Thanks for everything. It means so much to me.” She wanted to say it wasn’t necessary for everyone to pitch in, but arguing would fall on deaf ears.
Once they left, she turned on one of Ronan’s favorite shows, pretending he was awake and sitting next to her. He was going to wake up. He had to.
Chapter Twenty
‡
The next week was a total blur. People came and people went, but Ronan didn’t improve much. Yes, his wounds looked better, but no matter how much Blair talked to him, he never responded.
She finally had to call Dr. Hardy, who said he’d stop by after he finished with his patients. After checking on Ronan, the doctor shook his head. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. His wolf seems to be dormant. The wounds are almost healed, so I see no reason why he’s not up and around. I’ll leave you a few more bags of saline, but you might consider contacting a witch.”
“A witch?”
“You need help beyond my expertise.”
Blair’s legs weakened, and her stomach churned, but she was determined to find answers. “Thank you.”
As soon as he left, she called Izzy who answered immediately. “Is Ronan awake?”
“No.” She explained about the doctor’s visit and what he suggested. “He has no idea why Ronan hasn’t responded. Darinda must have done something to him during the fight. That’s why I really need to speak with Ophelia.”
“She returned last night. I’ll try to convince her to make a house call.”
Relief washed through her. “That would be fantastic.”
“I think you’re right in asking her.”
“Thanks. Ronan is strong, and only something as powerful as a curse could keep him down.”
“I’ll call you back after I make contact,” Izzy said.
Tears welled up in her eyes at the support. “You are the best.”
“Back at you.”
Once they disconnected, Blair checked on Ronan again. She placed a palm on his forehead to check for a fever, but he didn’t have a temperature. His wounds looked good, his breathing appeared strong, and except for the saline drip, he looked healthy. Okay, his beard could use a trim, but other than that, he was her Ronan—or at least he would be as soon as he awoke.
Izzy called a few minutes later to say she’d contacted the powerful witch. Within an hour, Izzy arrived with the wonderful Ophelia in tow. Blair showed them in. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this, Ophelia.”
“Nonsense. I’ve been having this foreboding for the last few days, and I can see now it was because of Ronan.”
Blair wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. “Can you help him?”
She gave her a brief smile. “I’ll try.”
Blair and Izzy sat on the sofa while Ophelia did her thing alone in the bedroom. Fifteen minutes later, she stepped out of the bedroom. “I can feel the dark force inside him. I can’t even tell you what the curse is, but I need help to get rid of it.”
Blair grabbed Izzy’s hand and squeezed. “What are you saying—that he’ll never wake up?”
Ophelia held her gaze steady. “No, I need to join forces with someone else who has a particular kind of magical healing touch.”
“Do you have someone in mind?”
“Yes. I know a man. Declan Sinclair is a healer on Tarradon.”
Her breath caught. “Tarradon? Where Finn is?” She almost hyperventilated at the hopeless situation.
“Yes.” Ophelia moved to Blair’s other side and placed a hand on her leg, sending what felt like a healing warmth that flowed throughout her body, helping to calm her breathing. “I will contact him,” she said.
“You’re sure he can help?”
“Declan is very powerful. Together, we can heal him, assuming he is free to make the trip.”
“Can’t you make him come here?”
“My dear, I am but an old lady. He owes me a few favors however.” She winked. “I think I can convince him.”
A tric
kle of hope edged in like a root trying to gain purchase in a rock crevice. “Thank you.”
“It will take time to set this up.”
Blair grabbed Ophelia’s hand. “Please hurry.”
“Don’t worry. Now, if you will help me up, I shall be on my way.” Blair stood and guided Ophelia to her feet and then hugged Izzy.
Once they left, Blair’s energy improved. Ophelia had been known to solve many problems in Silver Lake, but did her powers extend to other realms?
She wouldn’t be any good to Ronan or the baby if she didn’t eat. Blair was halfway through making lunch when Ronan’s sister arrived for her shift.
“How is he?” Lexi asked with her fingers laced together.
As much as Blair appreciated all of the concern, telling everyone that there had been no change depressed her. “The same, but there is some good news.”
“What is that?”
Blair could tell that Lexi was trying not to become too excited. “Ophelia stopped by and said she might know of someone who can help him.”
“Really, who?”
“Someone from a different realm,” She explained about what the witch had told her. “But keep it to yourself. I don’t want the others to expect a miracle.”
“That’s great. I’m going to check on him. Why don’t you finish eating and rest? I’ll stay with him for a while.”
*
The next four days were torture waiting for Ophelia to let her know whether this Declan healer could help out or not.
“Sit down, Blair, please. You’re driving me crazy. I’m betting Ronan can sense your nervousness too,” Chelsea McKinnon said.
She was right. “You know, if Declan does come, you could ask him how Finn is doing.”
Her eyes sparkled. “That would be amazing. After all, Declan is Finn’s mate’s brother.”
Finn’s departure to Tarradon might have hit his twin the hardest. Even Blair had seen the change in his sister. Chelsea had been so upbeat and happy until the day Finn left. Yes, Finn and his mate had returned once, but Chelsea said they’d only been able to stay a day.
“Can I refresh your drink?” Blair asked.