Page 63 of Shifting Winds
Ben’s lips thinned.
“Sorry,” I whispered.
“You aren’t in pain?” Caelan asked.
I shook my head. “Not anymore.”
“And that’s why I’m concerned,” Ben murmured.
“It’s bad, isn’t it?” I asked.
Caelan met my eyes. “Yes. And your natural healing ability isn’t kicking in.”
“Because she’s drained,” Ben said. “Whatever that thing did, it sucked every bit of power from you.”
I sucked in a breath and reached deep within. There. A flicker of power.
“Temporary,” Ben said. “You’ll need a large meal and a couple of days’ bed rest at least.”
“You’ll stay here.” Caelan’s jaw tightened in that mutinous expression I’d come to love.
But it also annoyed the hell out of me.
“No. I’ll stay at home. All my things are there, and the land has always helped me heal.”
Anger flashed in his eyes. “And who will take care of you?”
“I’ll stay with her,” Ben said.
My jaw dropped with shock.
“The hell you will,” Caelan snarled.
Ben lifted his gaze. “You called me the best healer in the country. I’m not trying to steal your Lady. But this wound will require attention I can’t give her if I’m not close.” He lifted his palms and shook the residual magic off his fingers.
“Evie?” Caelan inquired.
I watched Ben. There was nothing in his expression that made me think this was anything other than what it was—a simple request from a Healer concerned about his patient. “You don’t think I’ll be fine on my own?”
I asked because Ben did not like me when we last parted. “There’s really no reason for you to go to all the trouble. Caelan has Pack Healers he can send.”
Cernunnos walked into the clearing stirring up the smell of pine and fresh air. “Take the big man with you. He has a profound gift.”
My father bent and studied my wound. “I’m sorry, Evie. I can’t heal you completely. The magic is ancient and will not respond to my call.”
“Where’s the seed?” I asked.
A faint smile. “Attracting attention.”
Garrett let out a soft exhalation before turning and running in the same direction he came from.
“It grew?”
Ben’s warm hands gently probed my stomach, his touch giving me goosebumps. My shirt and pants were soaked with blood, and I was freezing.
“She’ll need a ride home—an easy one. I’ve done the best I can with the wound, but her magic is unstable right now. She’s healing like a human, and I don’t have the right tools to stitch her up.” Ben sat back on his haunches, his face drawn.
I reached over and patted his knee. “Thanks for trying.”
