Page 69 of Thicker than Blood

“Come sit in the dining room, darling.”

“Where is Enyo?”

“He’s coming down in a moment,” Jagger says.

Geordi nods, allowing me to sweep him out of the room and into the dining area where Benicio is already setting up water pitchers and glasses. I pour a glass for Geordi and push it toward him.

“Drink up.”

He nods, obediently lifting the glass to his lips and guzzling the water. I refill it, pleased to see him taking care of himself.

“Do you need natural light for your lab?”

“No.” Geordi shakes his head. “That’s the worst. I need good light though.”

“A lamp, perhaps?”

“A bright one.”

“What else?”

“A sturdy table.”

“I’ll get them for you.”

“Did you do anything while I was sleeping?”

“Like what?” I brush a lock of his hair behind his ear.

“Like hunt down Ronald Shaw for stealing my vaccine.”

His words rile the beast within me. I’d forgotten my previous mission in favor of watching over my mortal.

“No. I’ll go once you have your meal.”

Geordi watches me for a moment, searching my eyes. “You can’t kill him, okay? I need him alive to know why he did this and if he’s working with other people.”

I narrow my eyes. “I won’t kill him, but I may hurt him.”

“It would be better if you didn’t.” He puts his hand over mine on the table, and his touch instantly soothes me. “Please?”

“I cannot deny what pleases you. I’ll bring him to you unharmed.”

“Thank you.”

Enyo stumbles into the room, a dazed look in his bloodshot eyes. He looks around for a second, leaning into Jagger for support, until his gaze settles on Geordi.

“I’m so pissed at you.”

I wrinkle my nose, ready to scold him, but Geordi squeezes my hand.

“I’m really sorry, En. Can we try the antidote now?”

“Fuck yeah.” He slouches in a chair across from us. “At this point I’d do anything to feel better.”

“Great.” Geordi tries to stand, but I gently grip his shoulder and push him back down.

“I’ll bring it. You wait for your food.”

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