I tilted my head to the side in concession, and he inhaled sharply. He was correct. Wyn was a skilled fighter who could protect himself when needed, and it was likely he didn’t require my assistance in walking. But that hardly mattered to the possessive instincts coursing through me.
“I understand,” I said, “but in all honor, I cannot leave you until I know you’re well. I hurt you, Wyn, and I feel impossibly guilty about that. Not to mention that Qinlin ordered me to watch you. At least allow me to escort you to the medbay. Please.”
“Fine.”
I fought and won the battle against the smile wanting to spread. Spending time with Wyn was so difficult—it was hard to control myself around him—but I would take whatever time I managed to secure. Also, in regards to this moment, my instincts demanded I make sure he was on his way to recovery.
We stood, and Wyn swayed. I placed my hands on his narrow hips to steady him, and he leaned back, his back resting against my front, and held his head. Unable to help myself, I leaned down to subtly inhale his light, sweet scent. An urge to nuzzle him, scent mark him, swept through me, but I resisted. It was a rather new instinct. I’d never had it with someone else, aside from family, and what I felt for Wyn was hardly familial. Thinking about Wyn’s fingers on my forehead when I’d woken up was enough to make a needy growl rumble in my chest.
“Thank you,” Wyn said, stepping out of my embrace.
My hands fisted at my sides as I gave him a bland smile. “You are more than welcome.”
Chapter 12
Maybe a walk is in order?
I was sitting on Seth’s couch as he rocked Bobbinvoxlyn, who was fussy today. I’d offered to hold him for a while so Seth could do other things, but he’d declined. He was still struggling after the scratch incident, which I hadn’t been conscious for. No, I’d been in Monqilcolnen’s arms.
The mere thought was enough to make my mouth go dry and my pulse speed up. Monqilcolnen had carried me. That thought aroused and terrified me at the exact same time, sending a heady rush of emotions through me.
“I’m so glad you’re alright,” Seth commented. “I should’ve been the one to watch over you, not Monty, though I’m happy he was available.”
“Yes,” I replied, my voice a tad higher, but Seth didn’t notice.
Edith did, though.
She was on the massive screen across from the couch. Her tower of curls slid to the side as she tilted her head, watching me with narrowed eyes. I refused to meet her gaze. Not only was Edith smart, she was exceedingly insightful at times, not to mention opinionated all the time. I didn’t want to hear whatever her opinions were about Monqilcolnen carrying me.
“I reviewed your medical records, and Doctor Qinlin’s prescribing such a long light duty period seems excessive for your hand injury, much like this head injury. Two days off when she healed you perfectly,” she said. “It strikes me as odd.”
My tail flicked. I certainly agreed, but no one could countermand what she’d ordered.
“It’s odd,” Seth remarked, patting Bobbinvoxlyn’s butt as the baby cried, thrashing his tail and waving his arms around. “Perhaps Monty said something to her.”
“Why would he?” I asked, my tail starting to writhe.
Seth lifted and lowered his shoulders. “I don’t know.”
“He did carry you,” Edith said, smirking. “You were tucked against him, all snuggled up.”
I swallowed. “What? How do you know that? Were you spying?”
“No, but Monqilcolnen first brought you to Seth, and he caught me where I wasn’t supposed to be.”
I winced. “He wasn’t happy about you infiltrating theAdmiral Ven’ssystems, was he?”
“The commander didn’t say anything at that moment, but you’re correct. He was less than pleased,” she replied. “He has since lectured me quite soundly and quoted protocol as well as the navy standards, which I have perfect recall of, thank you very much.”
A telling flush surged into Seth’s cheeks, making me believe he’d also been on the receiving end of Monqilcolnen’s ire. That made me frown. I didn’t like the thought of him, or anyone for that matter, getting upset at Seth. Yes, my friend could take care of himself, and yet I felt the need to protect him, which was unusual for me. I wasn’t a protective person, except in regards to Seth.
“So Monty carried you,” Seth said as he stood and transferred the kit to his shoulder, bouncing him, and just as effectively changed the subject.
I ran a hand down Lucy’s back, and she kneaded my thigh, pulling up threads from the black casual trousers I wore. Her hair was already liberally coating them, so what were a few threads? “I wasn’t awake at the time. I don’t remember anything.”
“He did,” Edith said, head bobbing. It looked so odd to see her disembodied head move independently like that. Even without a neck, the human motion of nodding appeared like she was conceding to my dominance. Much like Monqilcolenen had. His deep gold eyes appeared in my thoughts and made me fidget, eliciting a squeak from Lucy.
Edith continued, “It was quite a sight. Almost romantic.” She wiggled her eyebrows, and I frowned. “Wyn’s head was tucked against Monqilcolnen’s neck, and the commander was holding him so tightly.” She released a happy little gust of air. “It was so lovely.”
