Krevan's hand pressed against his abdomen, dark fluid seeping between his fingers."Laser shot.Clean through."
"God, no—" Her hands hovered over the wound, afraid to touch.
"Coti clinic."Each word seemed to cost him."They have what I need.A protein compound.But you'll have to drive."He sagged against her shoulder, his weight nearly buckling her knees.
"How did you even fight like that?With this—"
"You."His eyes locked on hers."The need to protect you was more powerful than pain."
Wind howled through the shattered kitchen windows as they staggered toward the garage.The garage door was open.Snow swirled around their ankles, melting into crimson puddles where he stepped.She eased him into the passenger seat, his breath hissing through clenched teeth.
Inside the vehicle, Krevan's bloodstained fingers activated a glowing display."SatView.Follow it to Coti.Signal might fail."His eyelids drooped."Just need to rest..."
"No!"Ancelin clutched his arm."Stay with me.Please."Her whisper fogged in the cold air."You might not wake up."
"My physiology is resilient.The protein compound will accelerate cellular regeneration," Krevan said, his voice strained but steady."Triaxen bodies endure what would kill others."
The journey to Coti stretched into a nightmare of white.Twice the SatView flickered out completely, leaving Ancelin blind in the swirling snow.She gripped the controls with white knuckles, inching forward as wind rocked the vehicle.Each minute felt like ten.
When the blue glow of the clinic sign finally pierced the darkness, Ancelin nearly wept with relief.
"Krevan?"She touched his arm, finding it unnaturally cool."We've arrived."
His eyes opened, revealing pinpricks of silver light."I've been monitoring our progress, beloved.Give me a moment."With visible effort, he hauled himself from the seat.His movements were precise but painfully slow, as though each muscle was being individually commanded.
At the clinic entrance, his fist struck the door with surprising force.The portal swung open to reveal a silver-haired man whose eyes widened in recognition.
"Dr.Vallex," the man said, ushering them inside."What brings you to my door?"
"Jared," Krevan gasped, clutching his abdomen, "I need the Triaxen compound.Laser shot.Clean through."
"Sit before you fall."The doctor ushered them inside, his movements efficient despite his age."I've fresh stock—your father's latest shipment arrived just before the storm stopped all transport.Your home supply run out?"
Krevan nodded, teeth clenched against another wave of pain."Used the last after a shoulder hit.Projectile weapon.Never restocked."
Ancelin's eyes widened."You were shot before?When?"
"A few days before we met."Krevan's voice strained."Exit wound sealed before I reached you.The compound works quickly on minor injuries."
Krevan's body convulsed, a guttural noise tearing from his throat.
"He'll pull through," Dr.Canvel said, the glass rod clinking against the beaker as he stirred the amber liquid."I've seen him survive worse.Four projectiles in his gut his first month on Verrian.Made it for three weeks with no compound access."He slid the vial across to Krevan with practiced precision."Jared Canvel—family physician to the Vallex clan since before your mate was born.They didn't ship me to this frozen wasteland for my health."Something softened in his weathered face."Those people would move stars from their orbits for this one."Krevan tipped his head back, emptying the vial.
"Appreciate it, Jared.I'll need two for the road.Even Hellgate Prison couldn't kill me without proper supplies, though nobody there had energy or projectile weapons.Order more—Ancelin might need it someday."
"You're heading back?In this tempest?"Canvel's eyebrows shot up.
"The SatView's operational for now.Atmosphere's clearing temporarily.Better move while we can."
Canvel reluctantly handed Ancelin two sealed bottles.
"Already feeling the effects," Krevan murmured, brushing his lips against her cheek."We'll be fine."
"Laser damage is worse than ballistic—burns through internal tissue.Triaxen physiology struggles with that."Canvel's tone turned clinical."Take another dose if symptoms return.Your color's improving, but you need complete rest.Minimal movement.No sex—conserve your venom and energy.Young lady," he turned to Ancelin, "ensure he rests.High-protein diet—meat especially.Less caffeine.No biting until he's fully recovered—his venom accelerates healing.Two weeks minimum downtime."He wagged a finger at them both.
Krevan's face darkened at the doctor's instructions."Fourteen days without intimacy?"His jaw clenched."Impossible.I'll recover long before then."He glanced at Ancelin, then back to the physician with narrowed eyes."I refuse to not be with my mate for that long."
Dr.Canvel sighed, adjusting his spectacles."Your recovery depends on proper rest.Minimize exposure to cold temperatures and allow your body to heal naturally."He leaned forward, his voice firm but patient."Listen to me as your doctor, Krevan.Your stubborn nature won't accelerate healing.You know your physiology better than most—respect its limitations."Turning his attention away from Krevan, the doctor looked directly at Ancelin."Now, young lady," he began.
