by Melissa Haag
* * * *
The Compound was teeming with unMated when we pulled to a stop before the porch. Gabby slept in her seat. She hadn't stirred once during the long drive.
Men watched as I got out and circled to her side of the car. One made a move to stop me.
"She's not yours any longer."
I stopped walking and stared at the man. He had no hope to challenge me but there were many others behind him, still and watching.
"She's sick," I said, glancing at them all.
Sam, get out here, now.
A moment later, the door swung open; and Sam strode out. Counting on his presence to keep things peaceful, I ignored everyone and turned back to the car to open Gabby's door. She didn't move when I unbuckled her or when I lifted her, blanket and all, from the seat. When I straightened, Sam was right there to close the door.
He studied the dark circles under Gabby's eyes then looked at me. "What's wrong?"
"Sick."
His gaze drifted to the men watching us before settling back on her.
"How long has she been like this?"
"Last night. Took her three days to recover last time." Now that I knew we weren't here to help her, I didn't want her to try to go through an Introduction.
"Why did she call this morning?"
I shrugged, unwilling to answer something that should be so obvious given the number of men listening to us.
Sam's silence spiked my impatience.
"She needs a bed."
Sam nodded. "Yes. Right. You know the room."
He remained beside the car, looking at the unMated he'd called to the Compound, as I carried Gabby inside. I could give a damn about the men he'd called.
Those who passed me in the hall glanced at Gabby but let me continue without protest. I reached the room and shifted her weight to open the door. Once inside, I took her straight to the bed, lay her down, then went for a glass of water. She'd be thirsty again when she finally came out of whatever spell she was under.
Returning with the drink, I set it aside and sat beside her, gently smoothing back her hair.
I hated this helplessness. Though she'd explained what she thought had happened, I didn't know how she wanted me to handle the situation here. Sam would have more questions. What did she want me to tell him, if anything?
Sam came in a few minutes later.
"Thanks for bringing her. I'll care for her from here."
Dismissed? Not likely. Angry, I looked up at him.
Sam sighed.
"Having you here will cause problems she's in no condition to deal with. She's sleeping. I'll keep an eye on her. Go get something to eat."
I didn't like it, but he was right.