Page 53 of Shattered Fears

“Try to keep still, Kingsley,” Ethern ordered. “We’ve fixed the skin as best we can, but your body is fighting an infection.”

Kingsley's eyes sprung open.

“My finger?”

Isobel swallowed.

“It couldn’t be saved.” She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her brother’s cheek. “I’m sorry we didn’t get there sooner.”

Kingsley went quiet.

“It’s ok, sis. It’ll be a talking point with the ladies.” Her brother closed his eyes again as though just keeping them open exhausted him. “Is he still alive?”

“Yes.” She didn’t need to ask who he meant. She could tell just by the strained expression on her brother’s face.

“Shame, mind you now I can kill him myself.”

“No, no more violence. You’re to stay away from him. I’ve made it perfectly clear we want nothing to do with him anymore.”

“I’ll not argue with you over it, at the moment. I’m too weak. Is everyone else alright? Zain?”

“I’m here.” The bear placed his hands on her shoulders.

Kingsley’s eyes fluttered open again.

“Wish I had your super shifter healing powers.”

“Jessica and Ethern are helping you along. You’ll be fine tomorrow.”

“Promise.” Kingsley laughed then groaned. “You should’ve let him take more fingers. You shouldn’t have told him anything.”

“That wasn’t ever going to happen. I’m just sorry you lost one.”

“I’ll adjust.” Her brother closed his eyes again.

“I think we need to let Mr. Ross rest.” Jessica placed her hand on his head.

“No Mr. Ross, please, just Kingsley,” her brother cut in.

“Sorry,” Jessica offered. “Zain, you need to rest as well. Your body’s been through a lot. Why don’t you and Isobel get a few hours sleep.”

“I want to stay with Kingsley,” Isobel replied without thinking about her answer.

“Sis, I just want to sleep. I’m sure there are enough people who will sit with me. I’m liking the idea of the witches staying here with their magic mumbo-jumbo. It’s better than a morphine high. Go take that man of yours and sleep. No offense, but from the little I’ve been able to see, you look like shit.”

She snorted. “Thanks.”

“Honestly. Any change and we’ll come and get you. I don’t expect to have to, though. I’ll sit and listen to him snoring,” Jessica reassured her.

“Hey, I don’t snore.” Kingsley frowned.

“You’re a man. In my experience, they all snore.” The witch laughed.

“Go and rest.” Ethern stepped up this time. His skin had returned back to its normal color, and she knew it meant he was in his human form. “If he tries to do anything he shouldn’t, I’ll turn into an elephant and sit on him.”

“You can do that?” she exclaimed.

Ethern wiggled his nose, and it started to grow longer and longer and turned into a trunk.

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