Page 1 of Hainn

CHAPTER ONE

One year ago…

Jezari floated in a bitter ocean of acid, the taste foul in her mouth and the feel of the fluid on her skin irritating. She wasn’t truly conscious but her mind functioned at a low level, aware enough to realize the Khagrish were draining her of energy and of her Badari gifts, in order to make more of their own immortality serum. There wasn’t anything she could do to thwart them in this plan except to die and Jezari begged the goddess for that fate every time her conscious mind surfaced even fractionally. But the Great Mother wasn’t listening or else she had other plans for Jezari.

Then came a day when the ocean evaporated, the lid of her prison was flung open and she heard the beloved voices of her sisters. The women were excited and talked so fast she couldn’t process the words, although she got the impression they were begging her to live. She was languid and uncaring but the relief from the draining of her essence gave her a tiny spurt of energy and she hung onto life with the tip of one finger.

There was a man’s voice mixed in with those of her sisters. She didn’t recognize the tones and wondered idly who he was to them.

A sensation of being placed on a litter and rushed through corridors she used to stride confidently on her own two feet.

Was she in a flyer now? Where were the Khagrish? And the Director?

It was all too much for her and she relinquished her tenuous hold on awareness.

Nine months ago…

She floatedin a sweet cloud now, as if bathed by cool waters and surrounded by fragrant flowers. Jezari didn’t care to bestir herself to acknowledge any of it but there were a few voices which could summon her from her sleep. Keshara, her beloved sister and best friend, could always pull her to consciousness for a few moments. Raeblinn, her annoying sister, who seemed to be caring for her constantly and who wouldn’t go away and stop pestering her to do things she had no desire to attempt. Ah yes, she’d respond to Raeblinn’s voice if only to protest and complain.

But then there washisvoice. Deep, melodious and meant for her ears alone, she was sure. When he spoke to her she grew happy and confident and perfectly willing to do anything he asked, although all he ever requested were more of the tiresome medical things, meant to build her strength and pry her from the semi-comatose state she preferred. When he was in the room, he brought with him the healing energy and she bathed in it and felt as if she was dancing in a gentle rain. To ensure more of his visits she made the effort she wouldn’t put forth for any other Badari—and certainly not for a human healer, severalof whom she knew came in and out of her room at times. For this man she would awaken and rise from the bed and then they would be together…

Six months ago…

Jezari threwthe dinner tray at Raeblinn, screaming for her to get out. “And take that useless South Seas soldier with you! He’s not my healer, Timtur is my healer and I insist on seeing him at once, do you hear me? Why are you keeping him from me?”

“I’m in charge of your case now,” Hainn said as he and Raeblinn picked up the food and dishes Jezari had scattered across the room in her fury. “I’ve explained this to you any number of times. Timtur is a busy man, in charge of all the healing in the valley, as well as being the primary link to the Great Mother. He has many more patients than just you.”

She covered her ears in a childish gesture but her emotions were still all over the place since she’d climbed into full consciousness. She had lingering pain and weakness and mysterious outbreaks and setbacks from the terrible things the Khagrish had been doing to her. “And the only one who can help me is Timtur.” Now she was grabbing at everything in reach that wasn’t fastened down and hurling it at the two people she regarded as standing between her and the man whose attention she craved. A tiny part of Jezari’s mind whispered she was scarily out of control and she tried and failed to stop herself. She heard the infernal medical devices beeping and sounding alarms as her body broke down under the power of her distress and anger.

The door opened and Aydarr, the Badari Supreme Alpha strode in, followed by Keshara, who tried to rush to the bed toembrace Jezari but was held back by the others. Aydarr fixed his glowing golden eyes on Jezari and like a fool she met his gaze, intending to be defiant, but his power and dominance were so overwhelming she couldn’t avert her eyes.Rest, little sister. Calm yourself, seek the peace of the goddess and find your way to us in a better mind tomorrow.

His words rang in her head and Jezari grew sleepy, her eyes closing despite her best intentions to stay awake and keep fighting until she got what she wanted. What she deserved after the horrors she’d endured.

Timtur. At her bedside with his kind face and healing energy.

She drifted away thinking of him…surely he’d be here soon,

When she awakenedRaeblinn was in her room as usual, cheerful and upbeat as if nothing had happened. Jezari apologized sincerely for screaming at her and throwing things and the two women exchanged a stiff hug.

“Is Timtur coming today?” Jezari asked. “I should wash my face and get my hair combed first. Have to appear at my best for him, you know, show him I’m making progress as he wishes.”

Raeblinn was oddly reserved and avoided Jezari’s eyes as she said, “Keshara and her mate are coming actually. We let her know you were awake and calmer.”

“Oh, all right, that’s fine. They can step outside when he arrives.”

Her sister gave her an odd look, almost pitying, but didn’t say anything else.

Soon enough Keshara and her human mate Gabe knocked and came into the room. Raeblinn nodded at them and left immediately, taking the remnants of breakfast away.

Jezari knew Keshara had been designated as their tiny pack’s Alpha so she was respectful this morning. Gabe took upa position leaning on the wall beside the bed. If she didn’t know better, Jezari would have thought he was preparing to intervene if she attacked her sister, which would never happen. She had to admit she’d gotten worked up the day before but unless someone let that insufferable South Seas warrior who called himself a healer into the room she wouldn’t get into a snit today. Jezari hoped she’d made her point on the issue.

“How are you feeling today, sister?” Keshara asked.

“Much better. Eager to see the healer and do more work on regaining my strength so I can leave this place. He inspires me to make my best effort, you know. Such an incomparable man.” She sighed and twirled a lock of her hair around one finger.

“About that.” Her Alpha’s tone changed and immediately Jezari became wary. “Hainn will be your healer going forward. He’s perfectly capable of supporting your continuing recovery now.”

Anger flooded her system and the damn sensors began beeping more insistently. “I don’t understand why everyone is determined to make me endure the bumblings of a more junior healer when I’m doing so well with Timtur’s help.” There, she’d tried to be reasonable and not to scream her frustration. Her inner predator approved but continued to prowl.

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