Page 110 of Siren in the Rain

Once she’s got everyone stabilized, Ruby races to our side and immediately uses her powers to assess Shae’s mother’s state.

The frown on her face isn’t encouraging.

“She’s severely malnourished.” Ruby gestures to her legs before covering her with a thermal trauma blanket that Emma, who now joins us, hands her. “I need to treat this skin infection fast.”

“The tank of water she was confined in hadn’t been cleaned for a very long time. If ever,” I reply softly.

Rage flashes in her eyes and her mouth sets in a grim line. “Give me a moment.” She places her hands on Tempest’s body, which is then bathed in the warm glow of Ruby’s magic at work.

After several long minutes, Ruby finally removes her hands and leans into Emma’s waiting arms. “I’ve managed to heal the infection and rehydrate her, for a start, but we’ll need some of Emma’s potions to work on her vitamin and electrolyte deficiencies.”

“I’m on it. I’ve got some stabilizing potions on me for emergencies that can be a bit of a stopgap treatment until we get her to a hospital.” Emma roots around in her backpack and pulls out two vials.

Tempest moans as she starts to regain consciousness.

Emma tilts her head back and gently coaxes her to swallow the liquid. It takes some time, but after she’s had both vials, Tempest’s eyes flutter open.

“You’re safe now,” she assures her.

Seeing her patient now out of danger, Ruby quickly returns to check on the other folks we rescued.

Anemone kneels down at her sister’s head and gently strokes her matted hair, tears streaming down her face. “We found you, Tempe. I’m so sorry it’s taken this long.”

“Mo?” Tempest manages to whisper. Her eyes are dull and unfocused.

“Yes, sister, it’s me,” Anemone chokes out.

“It’s okay, Mom,” Shae says, his voice hoarse with feeling. “We’ve got you now. I’m sorry I didn’t get to you sooner.”

His mother’s eyes seem to clear a bit and she reaches up a trembling hand to trace the scar on Shae’s throat and then her own. “Oh, my baby boy,” she whispers.

Shae takes hold of her hand and gently kisses her fingers. “You’re safe now. We’re going to get you to a hospital soon.”

“Shae… so… tired,” she mumbles.

“Drink this,” Emma says, bringing another potion to her lips.

Weakly, Tempest takes several small sips. Then her eyes close and her body goes slack.

Emma gives a small smile and a bit of tension eases from her shoulders. “She’s asleep and stabilized, but we need to get her and the others to the Otherkind hospital downtown.”

Harper rejoins us. “Emma, Ruby needs your help. We’ve got multiple ambulances en route. They should be here soon.”

Emma gets to her feet and squeezes Shae’s shoulder.

Scrubbing the wetness from his cheeks, Shae swallows thickly. “Thanks, Em.”

She nods and hurries to where Ruby’s busily working on the others in need of treatment.

The little my powers were able to sense from Tempest for the short time she was conscious was enough to make me queasy. While I’m thrilled we were able to rescue her, she has a long and difficult road ahead. I also anticipate that my mate will probably feel guilty and responsible for not realizing she was still alive and trying to help her sooner even though he was a victim being held captive, as well.

The LAPD connect with us before long and medics arrive to help move the rescued Otherkind to waiting ambulances outside.

Ruby takes charge, directing the medics. “All of them need to be taken to Otherkind Memorial. Do not take them to a human hospital.”

She has them rushing to do her bidding real damn fast.

When she’s in her element, Ruby is a no-nonsense force to be reckoned with.

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