Page 78 of Anders
And if we do nothing?Anders asked, though they all knew the answer.What does that ‘complete system failure’ look like?
The rejection process will continue to accelerate,Dr.Weiss said gently.The pain will increase beyond what neural blockers can manage.Eventually, the inflammation will cause irreversible damage to vital neural pathways.Death would follow, likely within the week.And it would be agonizing.
When could you perform the procedure?Etta asked, her decision already made.A 40 percent chance of full recovery was better than none at all.
I brought the necessary equipment with me,Dr.Weiss said.I could be ready by the day after tomorrow.But…He hesitated, his weathered face somber.You should understand that this is experimental, at best.I’ve removed similar devices, but never one so deeply integrated, and never from someone who’s had it for as long as you have.
I understand,Etta said with a nod.But I’d rather take the chance than wait for it to kill me.
Dr.Weiss studied her face, then Anders’s before nodding.In that case, I’ll begin preparations.I’ll need a few hours to calibrate the equipment and develop the exact surgical approach.
Thanks, Doctor,Anders said.We appreciate you coming in to do this.
Dr.Weiss stood, gathering his tablet, and spoke to Etta.Try to rest.Keep taking the neural blockers—they’ll help manage the pain and slow the inflammatory response until we’re ready.
He paused.And with your permission, I’d like to speak to your alphas about bringing in another shifter doctor and her nurses.You’re likely to have a better chance of recovery with a full medical team.
Etta nodded.You have my permission to talk to anyone who can help.
Whatever you need,Ander said, already sending out a text.After a moment, he added,Malcolm and Larissa are on their way over here to talk to you now.
Thanks.With a respectful nod to them both, Dr.Weiss left the examination room, closing the door softly behind him.
For a long moment, neither Etta nor Anders spoke.The only sounds were the soft beep of monitoring equipment and their own measured breathing.
It’s my choice,Etta said finally, breaking the silence.She turned to face Anders, needing him to understand.Whatever happens tomorrow, it’s my decision.Not something forced on me by Chimera or anyone else.
I know,he said softly.I wouldn’t try to take that from you.
Anders met her gaze, his hazel eyes turning dark as the truth of his words echoed through their mate bond—his respect for her autonomy, his understanding of how important this was to her after years of having no control over her own body.
But that doesn’t mean you have to face it alone,he continued, his voice gaining strength.I’ll be there.Every step.However you need me.
Etta leaned into him then, resting her forehead against his shoulder.Anders’s arms came around her, strong and steady, offering comfort without constraint.The mate bond hummed between them.
I’m scared,she said, the words muffled against his shirt.It was a confession she wouldn’t have made to anyone else—couldn’t have made to anyone else.But with Anders, the vulnerability felt right, necessary even.
I know,he said, his hand coming up to stroke her hair.I am too.
The admission surprised her enough that she pulled back to look at his face.Anders—always controlled, always planning three steps ahead—was acknowledging fear.For her.Because of her.
But fear doesn’t dictate our actions,he continued, his gaze steady on hers.We acknowledge it, then we move forward anyway.That’s courage.
Something warm unfurled in Etta’s chest at his words—not the mate bond this time, but something equally powerful.Trust.Faith.Perhaps even love, though neither of them had spoken that word yet.
How very tactical of you,she said, a small smile tugging at her lips.Turning fear into a strategic consideration.
A matching smile flickered across Anders’s face.Old habits.
Etta reached up to touch his cheek, her fingers tracing the strong line of his jaw.If this goes wrong…
It won’t,he interrupted, his voice fierce.
But if it does,she said, needing to say this now, while she still could.I want you to know that finding you—remembering myself—it was worth it.Even if we only had these few weeks, it was worth remembering who I really am.
Anders caught her hand, pressing it more firmly against his face before turning to place a kiss against her palm.The gesture was achingly tender, at odds with the guardian persona he presented to the world.
This was for her alone—this vulnerability, this raw emotion.
