Page 62 of Havik: Warlord Brides
“Why don’t I feel more upset? I shot a person,” she said, her voice muffled.
“You defended yourself.” He took her red hand in his, turning it over to study the injuries she had accumulated. He needed to inspect every part of her, but she needed reassurance from his first. “You gave her the opportunity to flee. You did well.”
“It doesn’t feel like it. This sucks.” Moisture appeared at the corners of her eyes. “It’s like Sue wanted to die.”
“The female had a blade pressed to the throat of my mate. She flirted with more than death.”
If Thalia noticed he claimed her as his mate, she made no comment. Instead, her lashes grew heavy as she blinked away tears. She wiped the back of her hand across her cheeks to mop up the moisture, leaving a red trail.
“You require a medic.” He rose to his feet and lifted her in his arms.
“Just take me home, please.”
He noticed she did not demand to be put down. “Medic first. Then home.”
Thalia
The medic approached cautiously. Havik set Thalia down on her feet and then stepped in front of her, blocking her with his body like a great red wall.
“The female is injured,” the medic said.
Thalia inspected her hands and scrapes on her arm. None of the cuts seemed deep. “I’m fine. I look worse than I am,” she said.
Havik spun and glared down at her. “You are covered in blood. You are not fine.” He took the kit from the medic. “I will clean her wounds. You are not required.”
The medic opened his mouth as if he wanted to argue, then scanned the room. “Fine. I am too busy to deal with your posturing. Contact me if the wounds are deep or she faints.”
Havik crouched down to her eye level. “Are you going to faint?”
“I’m cold.” With adrenaline leaving her system, she shivered.
Havik looked around the room and pointed to a man with a purple complexion and horns. He wore a blue robe of obvious quality with silver embroidery on the sleeves and sash. Havik pointed a finger and said, “You.”
The man jumped.
“Give me your garment.”
The man paled but stripped off the outer robe. Underneath, he wore a navy-blue tank and pants. With a shaking hand, he held it out to Havik, who snatched it quickly. Carefully he placed it over Thalia’s shoulders. The owner looked like he would protest but closed his mouth with a squeak when Havik glared at him.
“This is too nice. I’ll ruin it,” Thalia said.
“That male had been apprehended in the raid. He was here to purchase a sentient being. It has already been ruined by contact with him,” Havik said.
Thalia stroked the silken sleeve, leaving the blue fabric grungy. “Not its fault it was owned by a creep, but I see your point. Thank you.”
“Are you still cold? Require fluid? Sustenance? Are you in shock?”
Maybe. She wanted a shower and then she’d look at her injuries. “I want to go home. Do we have to stay here?”
“No. Your medical condition is not critical. You do not have to be attended to here.” Without warning, Havik scooped her up and carried her through the crowd.
Chapter 17
Havik
Havik ran on instinct. He stripped Thalia and washed away the evidence of her capture. Under the warm water, her trembling ceased, and she relaxed. He focused on lathering and rinsing, keeping his touch clinical, even as she leaned into him and hummed with contentment.
The water plastered her hair to her head, and she looked up at him with such a sly smile.
