Page 37 of The Safest Place She Knows

Ford nodded.“Right. Well, your phone works, so I will be in touch. Feelbetter.”

“Well, feelingworse isn’t an option.”

He steppedtoward her and said, “How new is your union?”

“Agreed to, butin negotiations about details.”

“Okay. Nohugs.” Ford smiled. “I will be in touch.”

“Great. If youralpha is doing the designing, make sure it is concealing and remindhim I am a tall lady.”

Ford nodded.“Of course.”

“Maybesomething with a hood. Remember that.”

“Yes, ma’am.Take care. See you Friday.”

She nodded, andFord left.

She looked toTamara. “What day is today?”

“StillSaturday, Mom.”

Lya blinkedaway tears. “You don’t have to call me that.”

“I want to. Ihave sarcastically wanted to for a while. Now I have anexcuse.”

“Okay, but weare gonna get looks.”

Tamara smiled.“Venka says that families are complicated and that what you did wasbest for the family at the time. You and Grandma.”

“Right. Keep meposted as to how I am doing.”

“I will.”

Noh held thestraw for her again, and when she finished the small cup of water,she asked, “When can we leave?”

“When we getyour pain medication. You aren’t able to pull from us yet, so medsare your best bet.”

“Right, and Iam in no condition to lock with you, so that makes sense.” Shepaused. “What is a delta?”

He chuckled.“He’s looking forward to meeting you. Apparently, he has seen youdance.”

She blinked.“Where?”

“At the exoticnight at the Shattered Diamond.”

“Oh. That was aniche clientele. Uh, is the delta human or Elite?”

“You willfigure it out. He’s very friendly and is good with snakes.”

The doctor camein, and a nurse came in behind him. He cleared his throat. “Thebreak has been reset. The bones are now lined up, and the customcast is holding everything comfortably. You will need to have a newone made in a few days.”

Noh nodded. “Wehave talked to ortho. Arrangements have been made.”

“Good. Good.Right. Well, here are the meds.” He took the bottles out andexplained them to the alphas. There was even one in liquid formthat would give relief while she waited for the pills to takehold.

The doctorpaused. “You are sure she isn’t pregnant?”

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