Page 240 of Screwged for Christmas

“I’ve lost two brothers tonight.”

“I am so sorry, Reaper.” How could people do this to one another? Wasn’t it a time of peace?

She studied him for less than half a second when Damon stepped up beside her. While she talked with Reaper, she felt him as a solid support there to cut down anyone that dared show an ounce of menace toward her. At least it was what she felt. She couldn’t quite describe it but the thoughts settled in her mind as if they were her own. She shifted just enough to where she could look at him and Reaper.

“Don’t be sorry. Help us.”

She pushed her glasses up and raised her chin. “I can't. I don't have any supplies and I don't have a license to practice in Alaska. I still need to take my final exam.”

“Fuck your red tape. Can you save their lives or not?”

“Yes.”

“Then I don't fucking care what a piece of paper says about you. If your man agrees, let's go. They don't have much time; I left several very wounded.”

“He’s not my man and I can speak for myself.”

“Really?” He turned his gaze on Damon “Maybe your debt should become hers? Would that get me the help I need?”

Something passed between them.

“Ivy,” Damon pulled her to the side. “Please. Do this for me. Reaper is right about one thing. I owe his family a favor from a long time ago. His brother saved my life once when the traffickers would have liked to use me for hunting sport. Will you help?”

Ivy absorbed the fraction of history between the two she’d wondered about from her first night. She straightened her shoulders and stared out over the hurt.

“Damon, I don't want to be the one that can't save a mother, a son, a daughter from the horrors of reality. I can’t.”

Darkness clung to them and she caught a glimpse of the disappointment he tried to hide as he turned to Reaper. “It’s okay, angel. I understand.”

From in front of her one of the men collapsed. Shit.

Her heart raced.

“Wait,” she threw her hand out and caught Damon’s arm as she spoke to Reaper. “I need ten minutes to gather supplies and then Damon can take me to your place.”

“Fair enough. I trust you, friend.”

Ivy almost snorted. Reaper offered his hand and she clasped it.

“Hurry. Please,” Reaper pleaded and it didn't sound like the word passed his lips often. She gave a faint smile in return and turned on her heel, already shoving the bar door open and calling out for Damon to help.

“I need bags. Anything that can carry alcohol, clean towels, fishing line and anything I can make a hook out of.” Damon fished out a bag from under the bar and started filling it with everything she ticked off.

“Reaper, what kind of medicines or herbs, maybe healing ointments do you have?” This far off the grid everyone had something in their house given the nearest hospital was hours away. A local doctor's office only had so much.

“Anything you may need will be there. I made sure of it before winter set in.”

Man of few words. No wonder he and Damon got along. “Good.”

Between her and Damon they cut the time she needed down to five and the last item to go in the bag were several bottles of whiskey in case they ran out of alcohol for disinfectant. She took a quick restock of what she had and sighed heavily. They’d have to make due.

The bell over the front door rang out and all three turned to see Drake join the fun with Esmeralda hot on his heels along with Remy and Ethan.

“I’ll see you there.” Reaper excused himself and within seconds slipped out the back door as the Savage family moved in from the front.

“Smelled trouble in the air. What the hell is going on?”

“The traffickers. My past came back and bit Reaper and his family big time. We’re going to help,” Damon stated flatly.

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