Page 12 of Wounded Mate
Bela’s lost so much blood already. He can’t afford to lose more.
Carefully I peel the fabric from the wound. It’s a nasty set of gouges where claws have raked through flesh, leaving open trenches in their wake. I’m not sure how stitches will help.
Rizpah stands next to me, also inspecting the injury. “Hmm, not good. Poor thing.”
“Can you save him?”
“’Course. Werewolves have recovered from worse. But it’s going to hurt.” Her gentle gaze lands on me. “You run along back to your room. Leonas and Jeno can hold him still for me.”
Bela whimpers. It’s the first peep he’s made. A sad little noise. I can’t leave him. “Please let me stay. I want to help.”
Rizpah narrows her gaze, lips pursed as she considers me.
Jeno chimes in. “They’re mates. I heard him say so.”
She glances at Leonas, who confirms. “I heard it too. Don’t know if I believe him. But if it’s true, they should stay together.”
I don’t know what we are. I only know I won’t let us be parted while he needs me.
“Well, then,” says Rizpah, “Valius, fetch a wooden stirring spoon with a thick handle. He can bite down on that while I sew.”
Grimacing, I do as she bids.
Rizpah speaks in her most soothing voice to Bela, “This is what’s going to happen. I have a numbing poultice I’ll apply first. It works quickly and should take the edge off the pain. Leonas and Jeno will hold on to you. If you squirm, they’ll keep you still. Don’t be alarmed. It’s for both our safety.”
I return with the spoon in one hand and take Bela’s into the other. It’s grown cold, which can’t be a good sign.
“I’m going to close the edges as best I can with stitches. The worst of it must stay open to heal from within. Honey should lessen the swelling and keep away any rot. When that’s done, we’ll bandage you up to rest. After you’ve slept, if you have the strength for it, shift. That should help you heal. Understand?”
“Yes,” he croaks. “Thank you.”
She smiles. “There’s a good lad. Strong lad. The worst will be over soon. I’ll be quick.”
I take her place by his head while she instructs Leonas and Jeno about their parts. We gaze into each other’s eyes. So many questions flit through my mind, but now isn’t the time to ask them. He looks exhausted, his golden irises dull.
He grunts as Leonas and Jeno help position him on his side instead of his back so Rizpah can get to the worst of it.
She explains as she works. “Bela, the poultice is first. Valius, give him the stick.”
Bela wets his lips. “Maybe I won’t need it?”
I’d feel odd about biting on a stick too. “In my years here, I’ve learned it’s always best to do as Rizpah says.” I offer him the cylindrical handle of the spoon, and reluctantly he opens his mouth.
Just in time too. He hisses and bites down, eyes squinting shut as Rizpah sets to work. My heart drops to my stomach. I don’t turn to her. Instead, I watch him.
Bringing my face close to his, I murmur into his ear. “It’ll be over soon. Try not to focus on it. Think about something good instead.” I rack my brain for examples that don’t involve sex. “Your favorite food. The sunlight through the leaves of an old oak. A cool swim on a hot summer’s day.”
I keep going, spouting nonsense while Rizpah works. Every decent thing I can remember outside of my work.
He squeezes my hand, and I squeeze back. His head lolls, rolling toward mine until our foreheads touch. Face-to-face, I keep talking as his desperate gaze finds mine.
It’s only a few minutes—Rizpah is true to her word—but they pass as slowly as molasses in winter. When it’s over, I take the damp stick from Bela’s teeth and dry his mouth with my cuff.
“You did well.” She wipes her hands on the cloth Jeno hands her, transferring red to the fabric. “Both of you. We only need to sit him up to be bandaged. Then he can sleep.”
Bela’s face is ghostly white. I don’t think he can take much more.
I back away to leave room for Leonas and Jeno to lift him. Even the distance of a few feet feels too far. And though both Leonas and Jeno are good friends of mine, I don’t like their hands on him, which is a bizarre feeling. I’m not one for jealousy.
