Page 43 of Lycan and Lark
“We need to stitch up that stomach wound until he starts self-healing again, and he needs blood. Alpha, it may help to accelerate his progress if we use yours—”
“Whatever it takes. He submitted. He’s a member of our pack now, which means he’s under our care.” Gideon stuck his arm out. Leah joined them on the floor. “I’ll handle the transfusion. You focus on getting the gash closed.”
Dr. Sawyer nodded gratefully. Leah worked with quick, deft fingers and Aria wondered when and why Leah had medical training.
Aria watched red fill the long tube that connected Gideon to Lark’s wolf. Lycans didn’t have to worry about blood types or bloodborne diseases. Their blood was unique to their wolves, but if they needed blood at a human hospital, their human side would test a certain type, o-, ab+, whatever it may be. This allowed them to accept blood in emergencies. But within the complex walls, a lycan’s blood was a lycan’s blood, and an Alpha’s blood helped to accelerate healing. Aria had seen Gideon give his blood before when his pack members were in life-or-death situations.
Dr. Sawyer was quickly closing the gash that ran along the underside of Lark’s body. As soon as he finished with his underbelly, he moved to Lark’s hind leg. The doctor hadn’t even bothered to wash the blood off his hands. Aria had never seen him work with such a level of urgency. She flinched as Dr. Sawyer rearranged Lark’s mangled leg, setting the bones and then splinting it. Blood began to spill out from around the stitches. It was taking too long to heal.
“Why isn’t he shifting back? And why is he still not healing?”
“His magic reserves are drained and it’s slowing down all of his abilities, including healing and shifting.” A deep, unfamiliar voice spoke from over Aria’s shoulder. Red hair and an unruly red beard led to bright turquoise eyes.
“Bjorn?” What was Brona’s twin doing here?
“Brona and Matlena are away visiting another coven right now, but Brona called and mentioned you may need my help.” Of course Brona would have seen something through the power of Sight.
“We’ll take any help we can get,” Gideon said gratefully.
“What can you do?” Aria didn’t know much about the male witch. She knew he was a tracker, and had some version of the Sight himself. The only time she had seen him in action was when Brona astral-projected him to help find Nova.
“Magic sharing.” Bjorn placed a large hand on the unconscious wolf’s shoulder. “I will pass some of my magic onto him. It will be temporary, and not enough to fill his reserves completely, but it should help to get the process started again. The rest of his magic will return with rest and time.”
Aria watched in fascination as a soft glowing light spread from beneath his outstretched palm. The golden glow grew brighter and brighter until Aria had to shield her eyes. The light spread through the wolf, giving its body a luminescent shimmer.
Bjorn’s brow was furrowed in concentration as the light began to dim again and go out completely. “Shit!” Bjorn yanked his hand back. “Bastard electrocuted me.” He let out a deep chuckle. “I think he’ll be just fine, now.” Bjorn gave the wolf a soft pat and its eyes flew open.
Aria leaned close, running her hands along its white muzzle. “You’re okay. I’ve got you, but we need you to switch out with Lark now. I promise we will let you out again soon.” She stroked the fur as it began to recede.
“Needle out,” Dr. Sawyer called as he quickly unwrapped the splint on the wolf’s hind leg.
Lark’s muscular form and swirling ink-covered skin were the most beautiful sight. Dr. Sawyer was making adjustments to Lark’s now-human leg. Lark growled in pain as his color-changing eyes opened wide. “Last one,” the doctor said calmly. There was a loud crack as he finished setting the leg again and Lark took a sharp inhale.
“Aria?” His voice was so soft. Aria rubbed his hands.
“I’m here. I’ve got you.”
Lark’s eyes fell closed again and Aria started to panic.
“Look.” Gideon nodded toward the large wound on Lark’s abdomen. It was beginning to close up as the skin knit itself back together. The group let out a collective sigh of relief. Leah threw a blanket over Lark. Clothes weren’t a priority at the moment but Aria appreciated Leah’s thoughtfulness.
“The worst is over. Let’s get him into bed. He needs to rest now.” Dr. Sawyer helped Gideon lift Lark and move him into one of the hospital beds. As soon as Gideon had finished laying Lark down, Aria threw herself in her brother’s arms.
“Thank you.” She squeezed him tightly, inhaling his familiar scent.
“Of course. I would do anything to see you happy.”
* * *
Aria waited by Lark’s bed for two days. He was so still and quiet. She rubbed her fingers along his hand, talking sweetly to him. Nova and Laurie had come to visit her the first night. They brought take-out and spent a few hours catching up in hushed voices. Aria learned all about Nova’s time away, and Laurie helped fill her in on all the craziness at the complex. So much had taken place in the month she had spent in Scotland. She asked about Graham. Laurie said he was fitting in great and the girls were practically stalking the poor foreigner. Aria rolled her eyes. “I’m sure he is loving that.” Graham was a good guy, but he was cocky and too handsome for his own good. He was about as girl crazy as Aria had been boy crazy before she met Lark.
The twins brought breakfast from their dad’s restaurant the following morning. The Coop had the best homecooked breakfast. Aria made a mental note to take Lark there after he woke up. Ginger seemed nervous around Lark, despite the fact that he was still unconscious. Clove was more intrigued. She studied his tattoos and asked Aria all kinds of questions. Gideon had been in too, of course. He mainly came alone, checking on Aria several times throughout the day. Occasionally he brought Dahlia along. She was still working to tame her own wolf and Gideon had been extra protective of her and the babies recently.
Toward the middle of the second day the lights began to flicker periodically. Aria took it as a sign that Lark was getting stronger and hope trickled through her chest. Aria ate her evening meal in silence. Nova had brought her an excessive amount of Kitsune. It was comfort food for Aria. She savored the fresh dumplings with a contented sigh.
“That smells amazing.”
Aria dropped her food onto the table and scrambled toward Lark. “You’re awake?” She leaned over him. His eyes hadn’t opened yet, but he was beginning to move and stretch in bed.
