“Because we are in front of the infirmary doors and have anaudience. I would rather not discuss how I lost control of my vines and how much I enjoyed your taste in front of others. That discussion should wait until we are alone... unless you would rather continue?”
Shocked, I spun to the infirmary door. We had indeed arrived. The Ulax who’d broken in on me in the wash facilities last night stood by the door, flanked by two more Circuli. All three stared at us.
I hissed, knees flexing as I assumed a defensive stance.
All three Circuli leaned away in surprise.
I gasped and stepped back, covering my mouth with both hands. My silver hair veiled my face as I stared at the ground. Perhaps it would’ve been better if Kaede hadn’t left to meet the princes on the bridge. Was I suddenly feeling unsafe without him here to watch my back? No, he’d only just arrived. And I still had Xylo. Perhaps it was a reaction to the Senior Healer? We hadn’t precisely gotten off to a good start last night.
“What in the stars was that?”
Cautiously peering through the strands of my hair, I studied the group surrounding me. They were as stunned as I was.
“Have you ever done that before?” Xylo asked, voice awed.
“Never.”
“Let us get you checked out then.”
I tucked my hair back behind my ears as Xylo turned toward the group in the doorway.
“Selena needs her communicator activated, and I would like to use the infirmary’s equipment. I want to show her the images of her offspring. Perhaps we will be able to figure out what species the sire is.”
The group parted as Xylo walked past them into the infirmary. I scrambled to catch up to him.
As we neared an examination table surrounded by equipment, I halted in my tracks. My heart raced as fear poundedthrough me. My fingers trembled and I began hyperventilating. I closed my eyes, fisting my hands in my gown.
“Selena?” Xylo whispered.
Movement sounded behind me, and I flinched. A low, rolling growl vibrated through me.
“Chyox. Stop. She is scared,” Xylo ordered.
The room stilled, only my growl and the soft beep of machinery to punctuate the silence.
“Selena. Everything will be all right. Open your eyes. We are not going to hurt you. I promised, remember?”Xylo’s mental voice was comforting.
Shuddering as tears leaked from my tightly closed eyes, I forced myself to get my breathing under control. The growling gradually ceased.
I opened my eyes.
Xylo’s hands reached out as if he wanted to reassure me but was uncertain of my reaction to his touch.
I turned to survey the room, backing up until I ran into something hard. Not wanting to take my eyes from the others, I reached down to see what I’d run into—the examination table.
“Everything will be fine, Selena. We are not the Yaarkins. I will not allow anything you do not want to happen to you,” Xylo’s deep voice soothed.
I eyed the other three Circuli and winced as another loud hiss escaped.
I shook my head to clear it. What was with these weird noises? Why was I reacting like this? I turned and looked at Xylo. Okay, so maybe there were things we really needed to figure out.
“I just want to figure out what’s going on. Make sure that we are all healthy...” My hand crept up to cover my belly protectively.
Xylo glanced at the other three, then met my gaze withreassurance in his teal eyes. “Would it be all right if I had assistance? They are the medical specialists and would be a great help.”
Taking in a deep breath, then releasing it slowly, I nodded as I came decision. “Yes. I want the best for my children—but I want you in charge. I only trust you.”
A dazzling smile appeared on Xylo’s face. I stared, entranced.
