Page 46 of Guardian of Shadows

Anthony squatted in front of his mate, placing his hands on her knees. “I’m sorry, Sweetheart. It’s either one of us helps you to the bathroom or you wear a diaper. If you were bedridden, you would need a catheter. I don’t think you want that.”

“What’s a catheter?”

“It’s a tube inserted into your body that allows pee to empty into a bag. If you have to poop, there’s a different procedure. I’m sure Connor could give you the details, but it’s basically your waste ending up in a bag too.”

“No diapers. I’d rather you carry me.”

Tessa, who’d been quietly listening, walked over and knelt next to Anthony. “I bet you’re saying this is embarrassing, right? But we’re family, Elle. Like the human vows say, for better or worse. With you being Tony’s mate, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for you. There’s nothing Gregor or I wouldn’t either. It might be embarrassing, but we won’t think anything of it.” Tessa touched one of Elle’s braids.

“Tell her thank you, and maybe we can change the subject before I start crying?” Elle blinked rapidly, and Anthony leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers.

“She said thanks, Mom, and asked if we could change the subject. Alyssa, maybe you can tell Elle about Chester?”

“Oh, my goddess, yes.” Alyssa dug in her purse and pulled out her phone. “I have pictures! Chester is my pet gecko, and Picasso is Connor’s bearded dragon. Look how cute they are.” While Alyssa went on about their pets, Anthony stood and motioned Connor to the kitchen.

“How long before we should start the PPN?”

Connor leaned against the counter and shoved his hands in the pockets of his khakis. “No more than a couple of days. Her body won’t start shutting down that quickly, but I’d rather keep her healthy since there’s no reason not to. All of this can be done here instead of at the clinic.”

Anthony blew out a breath. “That’s good. I want her as comfortable as possible, and that means in my bed.”

“I get it, Tony. If that were Alyssa, I’d keep her at home too.” Connor lowered his voice. “About the drawing, I get the sense that the male is something different. His strands were a grayish purple color. When I had my vision, his image flickered from man to bird.”

“Like a shifter?”

“That’s what it felt like, although I didn’t actually see him shifting. There were too many ravens flying about.”

“Let’s hope he’s one of the good guys.” Anthony ran a hand through his hair. “Other than giving Elle water, what else do I need to do for her?”

“Exercise her limbs. Massage her hands and feet. Don’t leave her in one position too long. I’ll send you a document that lists everything with a link to videos on how to properly manipulate the body when someone is immobile.”

“Thanks, Con.”

Connor clapped Anthony on the shoulder. “You were there with me during Alyssa’s ordeal. Even if you hadn’t been, we’re family. We’ll get through this together.”

After promising to call and check in later, Connor, Alyssa, and Gannon took off. Lilly made Elle some herb-infused tea to help with her headache, and she fed it to Elle with a spoon. Tessa made herself at home in the kitchen cooking supper, but Anthony didn’t want to eat, not when Elle couldn’t. His dad and Dominic returned with the Jeep, and Tessa filled them in on Connor’s visit while the two couples ate. Anthony carried Elle outside for some fresh air at her request. He bundled her in her parka before lifting her from the sofa and took her to the back deck where they sat on a glider. The furniture had been a gift from his parents, and they used it more than Anthony did when they visited. His mom had rocked Andy to sleep there more than she had inside.

“Your family’s awesome. I really like Alyssa.”

“Yeah, Ally’s perfect for Connor. Where he’s serious, she isn’t, so they balance each other out.” The sound of a motor alerted Anthony to Tabitha’s car coming down the driveway. He didn’t bother to inform her where he was. She would find out after saying hello to their parents. “Ready to meet Red Junior?”

“Tabitha’s here?”

“Yep. I know the sound of her car.”

“It must be nice to have shifter hearing.”

“It can be, unless one of my cousins or my sister decides screeching is preferable to talking at a normal level.”

The back door opened, and Tabitha strolled out wearing her protection clothing, meaning she was without her stilettos. “I’ll show you screeching, you heathen.” She eased down on the glider next to Anthony and placed a hand on Elle’s leg. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elle. Don’t listen to a word this one says about me. I’m the good twin.” She lifted the beer she’d snagged on her way outside in a salute before tipping it back and taking a sip.

Anthony could feel Elle’s mirth through the bond. He pressed a kiss to her temple before turning to his sister. “You didn’t really ask Cailín to take over your job, did you?”

“Only for tonight. Trista has meetings at the hotel, and Cailín knew I wanted to check in with you two.”

“When will they start filming?”

“In a couple of weeks. Trista has put in a lot of hours with Joey, and she’s really good. I’ve sparred with her a few times. It’s hard to remember I’m not fighting with one of the cousins. My adrenaline gets going, and I have to pull my punches and kicks.”

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