Page 47 of Homecoming

“She’s awfully weak. She lost a lot of blood.”

Loken chuckled. “She’s just tired from kicking so much ass.”

Aeryn smiled. “She made me take classes, too, but she always was intense with hers.”

Loken nodded. “It showed.”

“How long has it been?”

“She’s been there for four hours.”

There was a bright tingle that went through the link, and Aeryn sat up. “Someone is healing her.”

“Ligo doesn’t have that skill. Maybe her second mate?” Sohar frowned.

“Not unless it’s a woman. That is definitely feminine energy happening there.”

Orla sent her warm calm. She was feeling better.

* * * *

Orla sat up and watched her friend lower her hands, the glittering power fading. “Thank you, Jane.”

Jane was composed, and her clothing was the epitome of business formal. A crisp white shirt and thin, expensive pencil skirt with modest pumps made folks give way down any hallway. Her hair was in a precise bun. “I am glad I was here.”

“Travelling for business?”

“Yes, my boss was here to pitch some scanners to the hospital, and I felt you come in. Your mate is coming back, so I am going to say farewell, but you will heal fast now, so just shrug and say it’s a miracle. Or a wonder. We are heading to Wonder tomorrow.”

Orla smiled. “Thank you. See you soon, Jane.”

“Keep fighting, Orla.”

“I will.”

Jane clicked out of the room and walked down the hallway. Orla could hear her go.

She leaned back and took stock. Her body felt better. The raw, sunburned skin was recovering, and the scratches and gouges that had dug into her were no longer painful and were filling in.

She still had blood everywhere, but now, she had hope she could shower.

Ligo stepped into the room and blinked. “You are awake.”

“Yeah.”

He flared his nostrils. “Someone has been here.”

She rasped, “Nurses, doctors. People who cleaned up after me.”

Ligo scowled. “No, there is someone different. Perfume and ozone.” He snapped his fingers. “The woman in the hallway.”

“Good nose. She was near the ER when I came in. She wanted to see how I was.” She smiled. “She was very polite and encouraging.”

“Is that all?”

“What else could there be?” she muttered. “Ligo, why are you even here?”

“They rolled you over.”