Page 62 of Royal Bite
The swooshing sound of Stormey’s flowing through her arteries filled Hegna’s ears. She turned her head away, trying to find something else to focus on. The scenery flew by as Cezar drove like a bat out of hell.
“Are you okay? Talk to me.” Stormey hiccupped. “I don’t think you should go to sleep.”
“I’m fine,” Hegna grunted out through her clenched teeth. She closed her eyes and tried to block out the sound of Stormey’s racing pulse.
“Is there something you need?” Stormy asked.
“Don’t ask me that,” Hegna breathed. She kept her face away from Stormey. She tried to think of anything but sinking her fangs into Stormey’s neck and taking what she truly needed to heal.
“Your healing should be farther along than this,” Ellanora grumbled.
Hegna grimaced at the tugging and pulling of her skin while the experienced healer sutured the wound on her shoulder.
“You need blood.”
“I’ll be fine.” Hegna groaned. She turned her head away, not wanting to see the older vampire’s judging eyes. Hegna had met the healer when she was young and foolish back in her seventies. She had a lot of respect for Ellanora and her talent. The vampire healer had sewn up Hegna more times than she could count.
Once they had arrived at the castle, Ellanora had met them at the back doors. They’d taken Hegna down to the infirmary. A couple of her warriors who had fought beside her were getting treated for minor injuries. Hegna had been brought over to a private area that was closed off by glass. Hegna could see the entire section which was bustling with activity. Stormey sat across the room near the doors. She had refused to leave and go get cleaned up. Hegna’s blood coated her clothing, her skin, and even a few spots on her face. Their eyes met, and Hegna held her gaze for a moment.
It was easy to see she wanted to come be by Hegna’s side, but Hegna didn’t want her near her, seeing how weakened she was.
“I heard through the whispers that you are not drinking from your mate, nor have you bonded to her yet,” Ellanora said, apparently catching Hegna staring at Stormey.
Another pierce of the needle greeted Hegna.
Ellanora continued, ignoring the fact that Hegna had turned away from her. “Blood would have had you completely healed by now, and there would probably be a slight scar until your body could continue to work on itself.”
“I don’t need a lesson right now,” Hegna snapped. “And people shouldn’t be gossiping.”
“Don’t go getting an attitude with me. Why didn’t you take from your mate? I’m sure she would have allowed you to.” Ellanora cut the nylon and tied a knot in it. She set her instruments down on the table beside them. “Have you been able to feed?”
“A little. I’ve been too busy trying to protect our people,” Hegna stated. She tore her gaze away from Stormey and stared at the ceiling. She tried to adjust herself on the uncomfortable infirmary bed.
Ellanora sighed and stepped away from Hegna and busied herself with the items on the table. She paused and glanced over at her.
“I can administer a small blood transfusion that should stimulate the healing process, but, Your Grace, you will need to feed.” Ellanora rested a hand on Hegna’s. She eased the other arm over, assessing the claw marks.
“Set up the infusion.” Hegna jerked her head in a nod. If she bit and drank from Stormey right now, she didn’t trust that she would be able to stop. Her mate’s blood would be too sweet for her to resist, and she sensed her body was in survival mode. Her fangs had yet to rescind up into her gums.
“Very well, Your Grace.” Disappointment filled Ellanora’s voice.
Hegna ignored it. She knew what was best for her. She would have to get blood into her, and the transfusion would help take the edge off her. It wasn’t the same as consuming the blood from a bite. What she needed was a warm body to draw from. She glanced back over at Stormey and refused to drink from her at the moment.
Not now.
“Do you want her in here with you?” Ellanora followed Hegna’s gaze. She moved around the small room gathering supplies.
An assistant peeked their head in at the beckoning of Ellanora. She lowered her voice and discussed the plan. The assistant bowed to Hegna before leaving the room.
“No. I want her to leave and go get cleaned up and rest,” Hegna said.
“Then you better tell her yourself. It’s already been suggested to her, but she refused to move until she can speak with you.” Ellanora leaned against the entrance of Hegna’s room.
“Bring her to me,” Hegna said.
Stormey was so damn stubborn, but Hegna had to admit it felt good to have someone worry about her. She hadn’t had that before. Others worried about her because of her position as the warden, or because she was the princess or even because of her being the future queen of the vampires. But no one truly worried about Hegna, the vampire, the woman.
“Very well.” Ellanora bowed her head and stepped outside the room and motioned to Stormey.
