ChapterFive
“What do you say to a person you haven’t seen in years, especially one you thought was dead? How do you convey the sorrow you feel for not checking on them, or just not knowing? How do you make it up to them, if it’s even possible?” ~Kara
Kara fidgeted nervously with her phone as the pack crowded into Fane’s office. She was trying and failing to keep her nausea at bay. She knew what was going to be asked of her. Even with Nick hovering so protectively close by, she couldn’t help feeling exposed and vulnerable.
“You did nothing wrong, babe. Yeah?”Nick said in her mind.
“No, not yeah.”Kara immediately felt bad for how snotty she sounded.“Sorry, I’m just nervous.”
“I’ll be right here with you. You’re not alone, Kara.”
Fane settled behind his desk, Jacque perched on the edge beside him. “Let’s hear the full report on your contact with Alice. Any details could be useful.”
Sally nodded, leaning into Costin’s side. “I’ll start from the beginning.”
She summarized their mental contact with Alice, including Cain’s threatening presence and Peri’s surprise intervention. Kara chimed in with clarifications here and there from what she’d picked up, though she hadn’t let her presence be known while it was happening.
When Sally described Peri’s insistence that Alice wasn’t a vampire, Fane’s eyebrows shot up. “Perizada actually spoke to this woman directly? She showed up in her mind?”
“She did.” Sally nodded. “She said we needed Alice’s trust if we’re going to help her.”
Fane leaned back with a thoughtful expression on his face. “Where the heck has Perizada been?” The question seemed to be directed at himself. “If Peri has taken an interest, she must believe Alice is important. But why is she so sure that Alice isn’t a vampire?”
“Peri told us that Alice was where she was supposed to be,” Sally explained. “And like always, Peri was maddeningly vague and aloof. She also told Alice that Cain only had power over her mind because Alice allowed it.”
Decebel frowned. “Which means, on some level, the female has feelings for him.”
A rumble of displeasure went through the males. Kara felt Nick’s irritation at the idea of a vampire manipulating a vulnerable female, especially a healer. The thought made his wolf instincts bristle.
“But she woke up. She broke through his control,” Kara pointed out to Sally. “That has to count for something.”
Jen worriedly chewed her thumbnail. “As long as she’s stuck with him in that underground bunker, the bloodsucker is going to have the advantage. It will be easier to control her. She can’t stay there.”
“Maybe he can control her, but maybe not,” Jacque offered. “You and I both know that the rules of this world change all the dang time.”
“True,” Jen said. “Rules be changing like Bethany changes Hope’s diaper. I swear that kid pees more than any child I’ve ever seen.”
“You mean of the three infants you’ve been around?” Sally asked dryly.
Jen shrugged. “All I’m saying is maybe she’s got the bladder of a gnat, and it should be checked out.”
“Can we focus on the captive healer, please? We can talk about Hope’s urinary tract issues later.” Kara knew Jacque was trying to regain control before her two friends really got going. But Kara didn’t mind. They were quite entertaining when they got on a roll.
“Of course.” Jen nodded. “Weak bladders are for wusses. We’ve got a healer to save from her own stupidity. That takes a precedence. And there’s a new hybrid chick, who may or may not be just as stupid.”
“Lizzy isn’t stupid,” Kara blurted out, even as tears welled up in her eyes. “Damn pregnancy hormones,” she muttered, wiping the tears away.
“They’re a bitch,” Jen agreed. “You get lots of grace while you’re cooking your pup. But once that monster’s out, I will have to retaliate.”
“Bring it.” Kara chuckled through her stupid tears.
“Now that Alice is awake, we need to contact her again and see how things are between her and Cain. Jen is right,” Sally explained. “As long as he’s got her, he can manipulate her. I have a feeling she’ll need support. Her feelings toward Cain are complicated. She’ll need you”—Sally looked at Kara—“because you’re a healer, and you’ve been through hell. I’ve already shared my story with her. But now it’s your turn. Get ready to seewhyyou went through what you did.”
Kara’s breath caught. She knew Sally meant that she’d need to share the Ludcarab history of her life. She felt Nick’s warmth at her back and his love flowing through the bond.
“You know what it’s like to be held captive by something evil,” Sally said gently. “Your experience can help her heal.”
Trapped. Used.Kara suppressed a shudder at the dark memories creeping in. Maybe she could help Alice, if the woman was willing to accept it.
