Page 191 of Fangs
“I just said your name about six times,” he grumbled. “I asked if you wanted to go to breakfast.”
“Oh, sure.”
“First, have someone put some salve on your back,” Sable said, his expression firm.
I swallowed hard. “It doesn’t?—”
“I can tell when it hurts,” he interrupted me. “You walk differently.”
I took a deep breath, unreasonably angry that he could tell, and lied, “It really doesn’t hurt.”
Sable’s eyes narrowed, his entire expression darkening. Wolf glanced at him, and a corner of his mouth lifted, which irritated me even further.
“Now you’ve done it,” Kai said, quietly sing-song, and Tuck snorted.
“You’ve been the only healer here, so the others have deferred to your judgment about your health.” Sable’s voice was so stern it reminded me of Pa. “But you’re not the only healer here now, and I can see through your bullshit.”
Everyone looked amused, as if this was entertaining, and I bristled. “I don’t?—”
“I’ve seen you put your own health at risk about two dozen times since I met you, and it’s clear you’ve been abusing your role as a healer to avoid being examined by anyone. I cannot, in good faith, let that continue.”
I gaped at him, at a loss for words. Howdarehe?—
“I’m not trying to antagonize you. I’m trying to domy job.” Sable crossed his arms over his chest, staring at me. “You should know that since you’re also a healer.”
I glanced at Wolf, but he shook his head. “I agree with Sable, Em. You can’t keep treating your body like it’s invulnerable.”
“I’m not!” I snapped.
“You are.”
I sputtered for a moment. “I don’t have to listen to any of you. This ismyclinic?—”
“You do, actually,” Kai cut in from where he was leaning against one of the wooden braces holding the loft up. When I met his gaze, he smirked like he was enjoying this, which made my blood boil. “You’re Wolf’s ward for these two months,” he said.
“I am not a child!” I seethed.
“Then stop acting like one,” Kai shot back.
Well, fuck my good morning. I thought we were on better terms now. Why were they pulling this bullshit now?
“Is this just because of the fucking bruises?” I asked Wolf, my voice sharp with irritation.
“Em, this isn’t a punishment,” he said, and I hated that the gentle tone of his voice made my eyes prickle.
“This is not a punishment,” Sable agreed, his voice softening slightly. “You said you’re used to hurting, and I believe you. I believe you didn’t notice the pain in your arm because you were forced to learn how to ignore pain, but now you need to re-learn how to recognize your body’s limits. We’re going to help you do that.”
“I don’t want your help,” I ground out, hating how exposed I felt.
“I know,” Sable replied, “but it’s not up to you.”
I turned to Wolf again, trying to calm myself down. “Wolf, I really don’t?—”
“Emmy, all we’re asking is that you get some salve on your back,” he cut me off. “Do you want me to help you? Or maybe Scar? When your crew returns, you can have one of them do it if you want.”
My eyes found Lee. He was hovering near the sink in the kitchen, his face grave. He was the only one who didn’t seem amused by this. When he met my gaze, he grimaced.
“Lee can help me,” I said, pretending not to see the shock and suspicion in my brother’s face.
