Surral unlocked an expensive-looking laser-healer thing from a rolling cabinet and started patching me up with what I liked to call magic medicine. It worked, but I didn’t know how. Other than a slightly uncomfortable heat, it was much less painful than good old-fashioned stitches—and worked a lot faster, too. In mere minutes, I was as good as new.
“We pray for you daily,” Surral said, running a warm, wet cloth over my now-healed side to clean off the dried blood.
I smiled, despite my own lack of spirituality. I could just imagine those who chose to pray bending their little heads over their dinner plates and chanting out thanks to the Sky Mother, Her Powers, and to Tess.
“You’re giving me too much credit,” I said.
“You bring health, and no one here forgets that.”
“I haven’t brought much of anything lately, and I was almost too late.” For nine kids, Ihadbeen too late. I didn’t dare ask who we’d lost. Right now, I didn’t think I could deal with knowing. For some things, it was better to wait.
“You’ve always seen the bigger picture, Tess.” Surral trashed the bloody cloth. “Don’t lose that now, or every failure will drive you insane.”
I didn’t want any failures at all, especially where dying kids were concerned. “You know I think praying is just a comfort for your own ears.”
“So does Mareeka, but I don’t.” Surral moved her attention to the cold burn on my lower leg. “And the kids can decide whatever they want, just like you did.”
That was part of what I loved about this place. Diversity of opinion was celebrated. Beliefs were presented but never imposed.
“We pray for all our benefactors,” Surral added, flashing me a smile.
I chuckled. “The bees still getting a good mention, then?”
“Oh, yes.” She set down her medical instrument. “They keep us in food and clothes.”
Honey was pure gold. Too bad it reminded me of Shade’s light-brown eyes. I’d probably never want it again.
I sat up without a twinge of pain.
“Tess, maybe I shouldn’t ask, but…you’re sleeping with someone?”
Surral’s question snapped through me like an electrical shock.
I gaped at her, my heart pounding. “What?”
“There’s a bite mark on your neck, and the particular light from my instrument revealed recent…uh…evidence between your legs.”
My face flushed hot. “No one. Not anymore.” My voice came out rough. To my horror, my eyes brimmed with tears.
Gently, she asked, “Is he dead?”
I shook my head and jumped off the table, wanting to run. “No, but he’s a lying fuckhead.”
“Then I’m assuming it’s not Jax.”
“What? No!” I gaped at her in horror again.
She spread her hands, a small, helpless gesture that didn’t seem right coming from her. “I just thought for a moment…that maybe…”
Surral didn’t finish, but I knew what she was thinking. What she wanted to hear.Gabe.
I shook my head again. “No one you know.” As it turned out, I hadn’t known him, either.
I started to move, but Surral’s hand on my shoulder stopped me, lightly pushing me back. My butt hit the examination table, and I crossed my arms over my nearly naked chest. I wouldn’t have gotten very far anyway without any clothes besides my underthings. Probably only to the curtain before I realized and stopped.
I suddenly felt doubly exposed and looked around for a towel or something to cover myself up with.
“I know you’re fully vaccinated, but remind me, where are you on contraception?” she asked.
