Page 55 of Smoke and Mirrors
“I fucking hate it when you talk like that,” I snarled, lifting my head to glare at him. “If I deserve love, Connor, then so do you. I’m nothing. I’m nobody. And I found three of you that mean the world to me and you all make me better than what I was.”
“Now you know that’s not true,” he stroked my face and lowered his voice to a whisper. “You’re a shaman, maybe one of the last ones. The shifters need you. I need you too, but selfishly. They need you to survive.”
“Just because some guy gave me a coin when I was a kid!” I screeched. “He could have passed it on to anybody.”
“I don’t believe that,” Connor shook his head. “I think he saw something in you that was already there. The power he passed on just enhanced what you already had, Mel.”
Exhausted, I laid my head back down again. Round and round in circles we went, never getting anywhere. We’d already argued for too long and the nurses would burst in at any minute to kick me out. Not even Razvan could distract them forever.
When I heard the door open behind me, I squeezed my eyes shut and clutched Connor’s hospital gown in my fists. They wouldn’t take me away from him. I’d hold on for as long as I could. I wasnotsaying goodbye. I’d show them all just how stubborn I could be.
“Doc.” Connor’s voice registered surprise as he laid a hand on my back. “Something up?”
“Ah, hello, Connor. And miss Melody. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
Quickly wiping my face, I looked over my shoulder to see Dr. Harman looking unkempt but happy. His shirt was wrinkled and his hair stuck out in all directions like he’d been sleeping at a desk or something, but the smile on his face shone like the sun.
“I’m sorry, Doctor.” I cleared my throat, standing straight up. “I know visitors aren’t allowed this late but I—”
“Oh, no worries!” He held up a hand. “I have great news and came to deliver it straight away. It’s good that you’re here.”
“What is it?” Connor’s eyes narrowed, brows furrowing in skepticism.
“I got a call back from an old colleague of mine who is eager to meet you,” the doctor bounced excitedly on his feet. “He’s a brilliant guy running a non-profit for disabled vets much like yourself. He’ll fit you with brand new prosthetics featuring the latest technology. They also have counselors specializing in combat PTSD, resources for job placement, housing, and the like.”
My heart lifted as the room fell silent. Dr. Harman and I looked at Connor expectantly, who still wore a mask of distrust on his face.
“What’s the catch?” he muttered.
“The only catch,” the doctor inhaled, “is that he’s in Georgia.”
“Okay, but what’s all this gonna cost?”
“Connor,” the doctor laughed. “It’s a non-profit organization! There is no cost to you.”
“That’s great!” I squealed, squeezing Connor’s hand but he still looked unconvinced.
“That’s all good but after I get the hell out of here, I still can’t afford to make it to Georgia.”
“They have programs for covering medical expenses, too. But Connor, listen.” He approached the bedside, making sure to look directly at him. “I told my colleague a bit about you and he’s very personally interested in helping you. I don’t think he’ll have any issue covering costs or whatever else you need.”
Connor eyed him suspiciously. “Why? What’s he so interested in me for?”
“I’m not sure myself but when I told him your full name and a bit about your condition, he essentially said he would move mountains to get you the care you need.”
Connor’s eyes flickered away from him, focusing on nothing as he absorbed this new information like a sponge. Or as I knew, stubbornly trying to find a reason to refuse.
“It’s a lot to process so I’ll leave you two alone to discuss it,” Dr. Harman smiled, looking at both of us. “If you say yes to this Connor, we’ll be happy to discharge you in the morning and send you on your way.”
“What do you think?” I asked once the doctor left, giving him a teasing poke on the shoulder. “You’re all out of excuses now.”
Connor sighed, knowing I was right. “It sounds too good to be true,” he muttered, the best excuse he could give.
“Well, getting there won’t be easy. We still have to get all the way to fucking Georgia.”
“We?” he lifted an eyebrow.
“Well, yeah. There’s no way I’mnotcoming with you.” I crossed my arms and he knew better than to argue. “I’m sure Raz would be along for the ride. Hunter and the kids too, maybe.”
