Blood Revenge

Chapter 19

Later, Marl was escorted to thegates and refused Weston's offer to help him home. "I can find myown way, twit," were his exact words.

I was sitting by the side of thebed where we'd transported Stefan, staring at him lying sopeacefully, when Beri came up beside me. She joined my vigil and Istayed quiet, allowing her the time to build up her nerve to speak."I want to apologize, commander," she said, standing stiffly.

I uncrossed my legs and stood,vacating the place for her. She stared at the chair, torn betweenwhat she wanted and what needed to be done. I sighed. "It's okayto love someone, Beri."

"I dropped my shields and itrisked us all," she winced at her own weakness.

"We all make mistakes. Anderstook care of your aura, everything will be fine." I almost reachedout to touch her, but remembered who I was dealing with.

She still stared at Stefan. "Willhe wake up?" she asked, a hint of fear marring her usualuntouchable demeanor.

I shrugged. "As best as we cantell, Balthazar locked him up pretty tightly. We're setting outtomorrow for Summersville to see if there is anything left ofLúthiel's body. It's a slim chance, but Stephanie did say 'theblood of the bonded will save him'. I think it's worth a shot."

She reached out tentatively totouch him, her thin fingers lightly brushing hair from his face. "Iwish to accompany you," she said distractedly.

"Of course," I said without athought. I'd never mistrusted Beriima. I never would.

"Even after all I've donesince Stefan's return?" she asked, turning and finally looking atme.

"You forget, Beri, I know whatit's like to be under a spirit possession. I'm not going to stoptrusting my captain because she fell in love." I shrugged again.

The corner of Beri's liptwitched in what I thought may have turned into a smile if Daeronhadn't burst in. "Wen's gone into labor!" he practicallydanced from one foot to the other in his excitement. "Come onBeriima, you're going to be an aunt!" He grabbed her hand andtugged, dragging her away from Stefan's side.

"I'm already an aunt," shegrumbled, but allowed him to pull her with him.

I sighed, giving Stefan one lastlook, then following them out. Before I headed in the oppositedirection, I made sure the guards I had posted outside the doors knewthe rules. When they nodded, I walked down the hallway, alone,hugging myself. I'd had a chill I couldn't shake since Balthazarhad departed. I felt a tug at my mind and I let Reif in. Canwe talk? He asked,sounding remorseful.

I sighed. Meetme in the gardens.

I started out toward the gardens,feeling him disconnect. I shuddered and continued. I knew what hewanted to talk about already. I was surprised when I beat him to thefountain. I sat on the edge, crossing my legs and bobbing my foot upand down nervously.

"I thought you might needthis," Reif said, approaching shortly and fluttering my cloak overmy shoulders.

"Thanks," I said pulling itgratefully around me as he sat next to me.

We sat quietly for a moment and Igazed into the rippling water of the fountain. My reflection lookedpale and worried. "Stasia, I... I wanted to apologize. I was unfairto you. I accused you so easily of something I knew you would neverdo."

I stopped him. "To be honest,it stung a little, but I understand."

"No," he insisted. "I'vetold Stephanie I wish to slow down our relationship."

"You what?!" I asked insurprise.

He took my hand in his. "Stasia,you mean more to me in this world than anything. I've found myself,recently, craving your touch as I do when I go for extended periodsto Lunda. Something is wrong if I feel that yearning when we sharethe same space. I love Stephanie. I do, but until I can learn tojuggle our relationship and the bond I share with you, I need to slowdown." I cannot loseyou.