Minio growled in response and barreled toward K’kaen, slashing at his face with his claws. His wings pumped up and down, gaining him height off the ground as he prepared to divebomb the latil’e. But Minio had no combat experience, where it was clear K’kaen had spent years honing his fighting skills. K’kaen leaped high and grabbed Minio’s ankle, dragging him back down to the ground before he could get anywhere. Once grounded, Minio collapsed, the effects of the drug finally catching up with him.
“He’s on iridescence,” Eleri exhaled a tight breath as she offered an explanation to no one in particular for his behavior. Whatever damage was caused here, she’d have to patchup later, butstones below, she didn’t want to be alone in a room with Minio. Her hands trembled as she felt around the sizeable bald patch near her temple where her hair had been yanked out by the root. S’kasia was crouched beside her, saying something that didn’t quite come through the haze of shock. Voices raised, and the crowd parted as a second levibike careened around the corner. S’samph jumped off the vehicle before it even came to a proper stop.
“K’kaen. Status report. Do not kill the target.” His voice was low and commanding, and he kept his eyes focused with intent on the unfolding situation even as he knelt beside Eleri and scooped her off the ground. She was too surprised by his sudden arrival to protest against him using his injured shoulder so intensely.
“I’ve got him grounded.” K’kaen gritted out as he maintained a watchful eye on Minio’s still form.
“Hold position. I will evacuate the females.” S’samph carried her back away from the crowd as though she weighed nothing, while at the same time escorting S’kasia from the violence. Finally, Myla arrived on the scene. She emitted an ear-splitting screech when she saw her brother on the ground.
“He needs medical attention immediately,” her voice rose shrill through the crowd. Her attention pinpointed on Eleri. “Well? What are you doing? Get over here and help him.”
Eleri started to pull away from S’samph. Although it was the last thing she wanted to do, she had a responsibility. She was still the only medical professional available, and iridescence intoxication was still a medical situation. Besides, Minio was unconscious. He wouldn’t be able to harm her in his current state.
“No.” He tightened the grip around her.
“It’s my job.” Her job had almost gotten her killed, but she wasn’t about to let anything get in the way of her licensure. Not even Minio. “Denying a patient care would be a black mark on my record.”
“He tried to kill you. He’s not at risk of dying. You will take care of yourself first. I’ll speak to this licensing board myself if they have anything to say about it.”
Eleri stared up at him, her mouth working, but her mind unable to come up with an adequate response. S’samph’s grip loosened, but she remained where she was, pressed against his chest. He fixed his attention on Myla who had started shrieking again.
“Are you deaf? Come and help him now!”
“Your brother attacked my mate. The IA has very strict consequences for this.”
“Your mate?” Myla’s bark was harsh. “She doesn’t belong to you S’samph, as you made abundantly clear when she arrived.”
“I’ll restate the point to something you cannot argue with. Your brother attacked a female. We will understand why as soon as Eleri is well enough to examine him. But the reason is obvious enough.”
“You have no evidence.” Myla emitted an eerie, shrieking howl. Finally, Pyo came rushing over. From the confines of his office on the far end of town, he must have missed the commotion until someone went to fetch him.
“Someone, explain what’s happening here immediately. Myla? What has your brother done?”
K’kaen kept his grip on Minio’s limp form but turned his head up to answer Pyo. “He attacked Eleri in the clinic.”
“I’m okay,” Eleri piped up from the back, finally regaining control over her voice. “My injuries are minor. If someone can secure him to a bed in the clinic, I can examine him soon.”
Behind her, S’samph produced a sound of annoyance and gathered her closer to him. If she could see his frill, she imagined it would be flattened against his spine. “You’re not going anywhere near him,” he muttered against the back of her head.
“He doesn’t need to go to the clinic,” Myla interjected. “We’ll take him home, and I’ll make sure he stays out of trouble.” She looked to her mate, who was busy pacing up at the front of the crowd without saying a word. His wings were pinned tight to his back. When Pyo finally stopped, he turned to Myla.
“Clinic or the custody cell. You decide.”
“Pyo. He’s your brother.”
“He’syourbrother. I take no responsibility for the quality of his blood. Myla, I told you this would be the outcome. I told you, and you insisted things would work out.” Pyo ignored his mate’s persistent shrieky wails. “Make a decision. The clinic or the custody cell.”
Myla shook her head, refusing to answer. Pyo gestured to K’kaen. “Help me move him to the cell.” Pyo turned his attention to S’samph and Eleri. “Take care of her, S’samph. I’ll get a statement, and she can come examine him once we have him calm. We’ll send notice ahead to the IA agent arriving soon.”
Myla screeched unintelligibly as K’kaen and Pyo dragged Minio’s limp body down to Pyo’s office, whichhoused the holding cell. Eleri felt all the strength rush out of her knees. When Myla was able to gain enough composure, she came for Eleri. Though S’samph’s grip prevented her from turning, she felt him tense protectively around her.
“This is your fault! You should have just agreed to mate with him. If you’d just made his life easier, none of this would have happened. He was devastated after what happened on Brasnia Prime. Who are you to ruin things, you from a backwater nothing colony? You should be ashamed of yourself."
Eleri felt familiar heat build behind her eyes. She pulled away from S’samph and to her surprise, he let her go. This was her burden to bear. Again. This was happening again. She’d left Gaia specifically to avoid being scapegoated for an addict’s bad behavior, and now here she was again. Change the name. Change the species. Keep the results.
However, his relenting was short lived as S’samph made a solid step between Myla and herself. He pushed Eleri back away toward S’kasia, who also took a protective stance beside her. “Leave Myla. You’ve done enough damage bringing your brother to Laurus. The only shame is what you bring on yourself by placing your poor choices on Eleri.”
“How dare you lecture me on poor choices? You of all people. I know what you did, S’samph. Your planet burned, and you fled like a coward. You’re no better than anyone here.” Her wings unfurled with self-righteous rage as she advanced toward S’samph.
