Page 41 of Healing Creek (Arena Dogs #3)

Chapter Thirty-Three

Creek crept up the west staircase of the two-level barracks, trying to keep his head in the fight.

It was only natural that he felt uncomfortable leaving Grace to fend for herself, especially when her scent had been a touch off.

He had to remember his butterfly was strong and he wouldn’t have to be away from her much longer.

They’d already secured the ground floor, but most of the guards had still been in their beds on the second floor after a long night.

Unfortunately, the shots fired below meant those men would no longer be sleeping.

No one could be sure how many weapons they’d face.

He heard the door to the stairway open above and waited for footsteps.

Before they came, he heard fighting from the other end of the building.

Whoever had opened the door above him was smart enough not to charge down, thinking they could escape easily in this direction.

It left him with only one option. He positioned himself carefully then leaped the rest of the way to the top of the stairs.

With one kick he was through the door and the two men who’d stood there were on their backs beneath the slab of broken wood.

A jab to the neck put down one man and a punch to the face left the other unconscious before either could get off a single shot.

The fighting continued at the other end of the barracks, and he was about to start clearing the rooms on his end when realization stopped him.

Grace had been shaky in his arms. She’d barely lifted the gun when he placed it in her hand.

Something was wrong. There was a feminine shout from below and in an instant his worry for Grace overwhelmed him.

He let out a howl to let the others know he was leaving and vaulted over the staircase railing, crashing onto the ground floor. He sprinted back toward the lab building and smashed through the door to find chaos. But it wasn’t the type of fight he’d been expecting.

Grace was on the floor. Her limbs thrashed and convulsed, as if she battled an invisible demon.

Jennifer and Feeona were on their knees beside her.

Their voices blurred into a frantic cacophony of concern.

Their hands reached out in a desperate attempt to anchor Grace to the floor.

Yet, their touch seemed to barely buffer the thrashing.

Confused, Creek dropped to the ground beside Grace. “What’s happening?”

Time stretched, each second feeling like an eternity. His woman had become a blur of frenetic motion. And through it all, she remained locked in place. She stared sightlessly as if weathering the tumult with quiet strength beyond his comprehension.

Jennifer lifted her head to meet his gaze. “She’s having a seizure!” She screamed it at him as if he’d caused it. Then it hit him. Maybe he had.

“She gave me her blood.”

Jennifer shook her head as if she could deny the truth. “Oh, God. How much?”

Then, as suddenly as it began, the storm in Grace’s body subsided. The convulsions ebbed away and she lay limp except for her heaving breath. Jennifer’s shoulders slumped as if exhaustion had caught her, too.

She and Feeona both released Grace and breathed out their relief.

Creek could not. He didn’t know if this was just a short reprieve or the prelude to something more.

She’d told him her medi-bots would rebuild in her body bringing her back to full strength, but what if that wasn’t true. What if he was going to lose her.

“Grace.” He didn’t know what to say. How could he ask her if she was dying. And if he did, how could he be sure she wouldn’t lie.

She reached for him and he took her hand. “It’s okay. I promise. I know it looks scary, but it’s over now.

He just stared at her, unable to speak. Her beautiful blond hair was a mess, and her cheeks were as pale as death.

“Can you at least carry her?” Jennifer’s voice dripped accusation and when he looked into her face, he could see the horror and blame written there, even more obvious and ugly than the bruises. This was his fault.

He lifted his chin and howled then listened for the answering howls. When he heard Mercury’s response, he scooped Grace into his arms.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “It’s not as bad as she’s making it sound. And it’s only temporary. I promise.”

Creek said nothing and she sighed. He couldn’t smell a lie, but what if he was wrong? He took in a deep breath and searched for the scent of danger.

Feeona had the gun and she appeared alert for trouble. A look of understanding passed between them and he let her clear the exterior door before he carried Grace out and into the jungle.

Following with Jennifer, Feeona whispered to her ship. “Alfred, we’re coming out. Rendezvous in ten.”

When they reached the clearing, the Hawley was coming in for a landing. They hung back in the trees until it was safely down.

Grace touched his face and he flinched. “You’re scowling.”

He heard her words through the blood rushing in his ears. She could die. That fact hadn’t left his mind. He’d believed in his butterfly’s strength, but it was all a lie.

The ship’s ramp came down and he carried her inside and directly to the cramped emergency med-bay.

He laid her carefully on the med-bed then stepped back.

Jennifer pulled the overhead monitors into position and snatched a hypo-injector from a neatly labeled compartment.

She pulled open another drawer and her hand hovered over the small cylinders.

“Damn it. There’re no anti-seizure meds.”

Grace grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Of course not. This is an emergency bay for trauma. Not neurological disorders. Stop panicking.” She sat up and swung her feet off the bed. She reached for Creek. “Help me stand up.”

“No.”

She opened and closed her hand, waiting for him to take it. “I’ll do it on my own if you don’t help.”

Feeona leaned in through the doorway. “Is she okay?”

“Yes,” said Grace.

“No,” said Creek.

Feeona’s eyebrows shot up. “Well, that clears it up.”

“She needs medical care,” said Jennifer.

Grace made a hmpf of frustration. “What’s happening?”

Feeona looked from one person to the other and shrugged. “The compound is secure, and the guys are on the way back because we’re about to have company.”

“Company?”

Why was Grace worrying about the mission when her sister was safe and she was…ill?

“Your mother and brother arrived with an Alliance patrol. We need to get out of here before the Enforcers arrive. Mercury, Diablo, Carn and I are all under warrant.”

“I should stay to talk to them,” said Jennifer. “And Grace should be transferred to our brother’s ship. He’ll have everything she needs.”

“I don’t need—”

Grace stopped when Creek swept her into his arms and started walking her toward the hatch, Jennifer trailing behind. When Grace spoke again her voice was far less certain. “You’re not leaving me behind.” Her voice shook and it was clearly a question. It hurt his heart to hear her pain.

“I’m not under warrant.” As his feet hit the ground, the others emerged from the trees and headed into the ship.

“No, Creek,” Grace protested. “It’s too dangerous. You’re not a citizen and I don’t need any care I can’t get on the Abundance .

Jupiter stopped in front of them, concern furrowing his brow. “You’re not coming with us?”

“Grace needs medical care only her family can provide.”

Jupiter squeezed his shoulder. “We’ll contact their ship after the patrollers are gone.”

Creek nodded. “Be safe, brother.”

“You called him brother.” She smiled up at him as if he’d gifted her a prize.

How was he to give her up?