“Not this time.” She held herself upright as if it took effort. “We tried to focus on the training. Next time we’ll try to see more of the school and my daily life there. It’s like there’s this heavy barrier holding all of my memories down. I can’t access them.”
“All right. I think that’s enough testing for today.” He tried to make it sound like a suggestion and not an order.
Both women shook their heads.
“It isn’t even lunchtime yet. I want this thing out of my brain,” Dessie said, her delicate jaw firming.
Emma took a tablet from her pocket. “We don’t have time to waste. Even though we triggered Dessie three times yesterday by looking at your marking, the tumor didn’t retract to the same degree as before. At best, we halted its progression for a few hours. It may start shutting down her systems at any time.”
Dessie rubbed her nose. “Plus, we only know of two triggers. What if there are more? What if eating an apple makes me suicidal or something crazy like that?”
The worry and pain in her eyes cut him deeply, and the hint of defeat there stoked his temper to a dangerous level. The woman hadn’t yet had a chance to deal with the fact that she’d fed Yvonne’s ass to some hellish creatures. He kept his voice gentle, albeit guttural. “We’ll figure this out, Destiny. Our doctors and scientists are the best.”
“I know,” she said hollowly.
Emma’s tablet dinged, and she read a message. “The surgical room is ready.” Then she looked at Dessie. “We could probably wait until this afternoon, if you wanted.”
Dessie shook her head. “No. I need to get it over with as soon as possible.” Determination crossed her face, sharpening her exhausted features.
“All right.” Emma turned toward the door. “Let’s do this.” She looked over her shoulder at Garrett. “Stay close in case we need your blood.”
He tugged Dessie close and kissed her forehead. “You’ll do great. I’ll be right here.”
She slid her arms around his waist and looked up at him. “No matter what happens, I’ve had a grand adventure with you, Garrett Kayrs. Thank you for that.” Rising up on her toes, she kissed his chin.
It took every ounce of willpower he’d ever had to let her go.
Then silence engulfed the waiting room with its plush green chairs. He sank into one and sent a text to the members of the Seven.
Need you here. Mate is in trouble and no time to explain. Come to Hope Kyllwood’s party.
He had to get the Keys and the Lock in the same place and draw their blood.
Then he was going hunting.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood sat with Dessie as she ate toast while recuperating from the final test. Hope’s aunt and mother bustled around, speaking medical jargon. She understood most of it, but her interests had always skewed to subterfuge and strategy. “How’s your brain?”
Dessie snorted, still looking pale in the hospital bed. She wore white scrubs, and her hair was piled on top of her head, letting tendrils frame her face. A plush blanket covered her to her waist, and she sat up, now sipping apple juice. “I feel all right, really. I’m still me and didn’t turn into somebody else, so I consider that a plus.”
Hope grinned. “A definite plus.” She’d never met anybody as good at deciphering old texts as Dessie was, and it had been fun scouring the ancient books with her. “When you’re feeling better, I’d like to know all about the incantations you found and how you opened those portals in Ulric’s hell world.” Hope had always done so instinctively but having Dessie’s knowledge would only help.
“Later.” Garrett stalked into the room, his eyes glowing a multitude of colors. “She needs to rest now. It’s after midnight.”
The procedure had taken all day and then well into the night. Emma hadn’t wanted to probe Dessie’s head until they tried multiple tests first, but in the end, there had been no choice. So far, Dessie seemed to have come through it well enough.
Hope patted Dessie’s arm and leaned over to whisper, “The immortal is in full alpha-male mode. You’re on your own.” She stood, punched her uncle in the arm, and swept out of the room. She paused as she reached the waiting room. “Pax? What are you doing here?” Instinctively, she twisted the silver butterfly ring he’d given her years ago for her birthday. The delicate design was always on her right ring finger, reminding her of their friendship.
He finished a text and unfolded his muscled body from the chair.
Man, he’d changed through the years. Gone was the chubby boy afraid of his shadow but determined to be brave. In his place was a warrior, battle experience and all. His eyes were the same. A silvery blue that focused completely and fully on her. “I heard about Destiny and her fight with Yvonne and wanted to make sure you weren’t about to do something stupid.”
She paused. He’d always been blunt, but lately he was getting that bossy edge inherent in all male demons. And vampires. They were friends, and although a part of her heart would always be his, the sacrifices she’d need to make, not only as the Lock but as a prophet, didn’t make a long life likely. He deserved peace and a calm home after his traumatic childhood. No matter how sexy and handsome and downright honorable he’d become. “I’m not planning anything stupid.” At least, she wasn’t planning to drop into Ulric’s world again.
“Good.” Pax slid an arm over her shoulders and escorted her out of the lodge. “I brought my bike, so I can give you a ride home.” Demon headquarters was a mile down the road.
They walked outside, and she paused, looking up at the millions of silver stars sparkling in the darkened sky. “Don’t forget you promised to help me move next week.” She’d built a house a few homes down from her parents and was so ready for even that small amount of independence.
