Page 47 of No Harm No Howl

“Easy, Russ.” It was like Gerri had read his mind. “Marina is almost done. Gia will be fine. My wolf is not happy about the magic either. She hates it. But this is necessary in order to save her. You know it. I know it.”

Russ nodded, unable to say anything to refute Gerri. Instead, he concentrated on sending his energy into his mate in order to heal her.

The wind died down. Marina’s chants grew quieter and slower until they came to a stop.

“Pull the towel away,” Marina said.

Gerri did and saw nothing but a red stain.

“Use the wet towel to clean up the spot. It should be almost healed by now.” Marina motioned to the wound on Gia’s stomach.

Gerri gasped as she began gently cleaning what should have been a large bullet hole. When she got a good look at it, she was surprised to see that it was nothing more than a tiny line that looked as if it were mostly healed thanks to Russ’s energy and a whole lot of witch power.

“Gia, babe. Are you all right?” Russ gently rubbed her hands and arm, worried that something hadn’t worked quite right. “She should be waking up soon, right?” he asked, more worried than he had ever been.

“Give her a minute. Her body is still healing. I promise she’ll be as good as new and none the wiser about any of this in just a little bit,” Marina said, reassuring him.

“I don’t know how to thank you,” he said.

“Easy. Just say thank you,” she said, smiling at him.

“Thank you, Marina. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please let me know. Or if you need a job. I could always use someone with your talents,” he said.

“I may just take you up on that offer. I hate all the gig work I’ve been doing. A 401(k) and health insurance would be great.” She laughed.

“Consider it yours,” he replied, serious as a heart attack.

* * *

“What happened?”Gia asked as she opened her eyes and saw everyone standing over her.

“You were nearly killed,” Russ said, brushing the hair out of her face. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel fine.” Gia tried to sit up, but Russ kept his hand on her, blocking her from moving.

“Maybe you should stay put for another minute or two. Just to be sure.”

“Really, I’m fine. Let me up. I feel like I need air.” Gia had no idea why he was so freaked out, but surely if she almost died, she’d feel it. Right?

“If she wants to get up, let her up,” Marina said with a nod. “She’s probably freaked out with everyone hovering over her.”

“You got that right,” Gia said, pushing her way to a sitting position. “What happened?”

“You don’t remember?” Russ asked.

“No. I just remember you calling out my name. Oh!” she gasped. “That fucker shot me! But how am I okay?” None of it made sense. She should be writhing in pain or, worse, dead.

“A whole lotta magic and the healing power of your mate,” Marina smiled.

“Let’s just call it good old-fashion teamwork.” Gerri laughed. “You scared the hell out of all of us.”

“What happened to Damon and his people?” Gia wanted to make sure they were as good as dead because if not, she was going to take care of the issue herself. She was tired of being attacked.

“He’s gone, and he will never be a threat to anyone ever again,” Russ growled.

“Good.” At least Gia could have peace of mind when it came to that.

“I don’t know what I would have done if anything had happened to you.” Russ pulled her into his arms.

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