Page 24 of The Healer (The Blood of Legends #2)

Chapter Twenty-Four

A MOUNTAIN

I f the accident didn’t torment Ilona’s dreams, images of Rhys left her breathless and unable to rest. The beating of Dad’s pulse under her fingertips, the burning of her scar, the phantom sensation of Rhys slipping his arms around her jerked her awake.

She lay still, staring at a familiar ceiling. The sun’s rays just kissed the horizon, but the city’s bustling pierced the morning’s calm. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and rested her elbows on her knees with her face in her hands. Exhaustion stung her nose and eyes. She sucked in a deep breath, trying to clear her head.

Pushing off the bed, she randomly chose jeans and a T-shirt, along with clean underwear. Clothed and while making coffee, she brushed her hair and planned the day. While cupping her mug until the heat warmed her fingers, she leaned against the windowsill and perused the street. From afar, people looked content, busy, and oblivious at how their lives could change in seconds.

After downing the coffee, she grabbed her phone, keys, and slipped a bank card in her back pocket. The drive to her parents’ house was opposite to traffic, and she arrived within minutes. Letting herself in, she strode to the kitchen, not losing her focus. If she could clear out one room, she would consider that a success.

On the dining room table, she placed the fridge photos and memorabilia she wanted to keep. A deep inhale of her father’s dark roast prickled tears behind her eyes, but she set the unopened bag aside, along with her mother’s variety of teas. When she missed them the most, she would make a cup and savor it, as if they shared the experience with her.

Their favorite mugs joined the small pile.

Then she emptied the food cabinets, stacking what she would donate, tossing what would expire soon. When her phone rang, a glance at the microwave showed the time was eight.

She blinked at the caller’s name and answered, “Gran?”

“Good morning, sweetheart. How are you feeling today?”

“Just like that? Like you didn’t toss me into the fire while you got it on with Amos? Or chose sides between me and Rhys?” She winced. Not what she had meant to say, but true, nonetheless.

“Don’t you take that tone with me, Ilona Strickland.” Gran huffed. “Do you truly resent my happiness?”

Ilona pinched the bridge of her nose, fighting the approaching headache. “No, of course not. That’s not… I didn’t…” Fuck. She gritted her teeth and tapped the sushi menu on the fridge. “Fine. I’m happy for you.”

“Now, answer my first question. I worry, y’know.”

What did Gran expect from her? “My parents died. I’m sure as shit not miraculously better.”

“Ilona. Stop it. This isn’t you, my girl.”

A tear slipped free, and she flicked it off her cheek. “I miss them, Gran. The house smells like Mom, and I keep expecting the front door to open to their usual banter.” She sucked in a shuddering breath. “I’m almost done with the kitchen. Rhys said I should call in an auctioneer. They’ll pack everything I don’t want.”

“That’s a brilliant idea. Are you taking care of yourself? Want me to come back for a while, to keep you company?” The tremor in Gran’s voice hinted at the deep emotion returning would summon within her.

Ilona shook her head. No, she had decided she would bear this. “I’m fine. Off to Amity today. I’m hoping to see a few familiar faces.” And test her blood. “I plan to call Indes to speak to Dr. Olson. So, don’t worry, Gran, I’ve got this.”

“Good. I’m proud of you, Ilona. Always have been.” She sniffed, which summoned another tear from Ilona. “Should I call tomorrow morning?”

“Please. It’s lovely hearing your voice.” What she wanted was a hug, engulfed in Gran’s spindly arms and lavender fragrance.

Ilona ran her fingertip down the sushi menu, forcing herself to focus on the individual letters. Having used the same technique during the long hours of studying, it helped ward off exhaustion or an anxiety attack. Her heartbeat calmed, and the vise around her chest eased, allowing her to breathe easier.

“I’ll call at the same time then. And please, eat something.”

Ilona chuckled. “Will do.” Rhys and now Gran knowing she wasn’t eating? Were they texting each other? She opened her mouth to ask, then bit her tongue. “Love you.”

“Love you too, my girl.”

After Gran ended the call, Ilona dialed the Chinese takeaway and ordered salmon sashimi. Her mouth salivated as her stomach gurgled. Not one for sushi, she opted for spring rolls when out with friends. Her craving for raw fish made no sense. Regardless, she asked for two portions and rattled off the address.

While she waited, choosing not to think how odd it was to eat sushi for breakfast, she went through the dining room. Mom’s expensive china, as beautiful as the pieces were, didn’t suit Ilona’s non-existent social life, but she would ask Gran tomorrow if she wanted the set. Ilona removed the family photos from the one wall without focusing on the smiling faces. In a few years, then she could chance a proper look. For now, on the dining table they went.

The front doorbell chimed, and she swung it wide open, sliding the delivery man the cash she had taken from Mom’s cookie jar. Her fingers trembled when she tore open the packaging and bit into a sliver of salmon. She groaned and swallowed on a delighted hum. The salty, soft texture of the fish was heaven-sent.

Licking her fingers, she tossed the empty container, then washed her hands in the kitchen sink. A glance at the time drove her out the door. Amity wasn’t too far, just a little past her apartment. She parked in visiting, then strolled through the swing doors with a forced smile when she nodded at nurses and doctors with whom she had done her residency. Her pace was brisk, and she waved with an air of haste, hoping no one stopped her.

She headed for the labs, needing to speak to Evie. As she pushed the glass door open, the cooler temperatures summoned a sigh when it chilled her sweat-dewed skin. Soon she would acclimate to Fenneg’s weather. She rubbed her hands with sanitizer before lunging to the left and right of the aisles, searching for a familiar face.

“Ilona, what are you doing here?” With cornrows and thick bottle-top glasses, her friend beamed, her smile bright against her toffee skin. “Holy shit, girl, your scar looks months old.”

With a wince at the reminder, Ilona tucked her face into Evie’s hair. “Hey, Evie, I need a favor.” She returned the hug, craving it more than she realized. Tightening her arms, she held on for a tad too long. “I suspect my blood is tainted, and I worry I’ll lose it before we can study it.”

“What?” Evie gasped, shooting her eyebrows to her hairline.

Ilona spilled everything, from the moment Edison injured her to Dane slicing his palm, to Dimitri licking her scar. She tugged her shirt collar to the side, showing healed slashes.

Evie ran her fingers along the faded scars. “You think you could nail down a healing gene?” Around the lab, she hurried to gather alcohol, a tourniquet, tubes, a tube holder, needles, tape, and gauze.

“I’d like to find out, Evie. What if we could heal cancer or mend bones in days?”

Evie popped her head around the cupboard door. “Oh, babe, I know you too well. You’re hoping it could heal brain injuries.”

Ilona dipped her chin to her chest to hide the sting of tears. “I’m sorry I didn’t return your calls or texts.”

Evie shrugged as she patted a stool. “I figured you needed time. So much happened to you.” While she fastened the tourniquet, she met Ilona’s gaze. “How are you doing?”

Ilona’s breath caught as a flood of overwhelming emotion threatened to shred her control. “I’ve been better. Despite my parents…dying, I almost fell in love in Coedwig.”

“Oh?” Evie drew blood, so good at it Ilona barely felt the pinch.

The barrel filled with normal-looking blood. She sagged, having hoped there would be a visible change.

“Yeah, but that didn’t end so well.” By end, she meant her running away like a coward. Her mother used to say running solved nothing. Talking was the only way to resolution, so Rhys calling her was a start.

Hell, the thought of dating him scattered butterflies in the pit of her stomach.

“Shit, Ilona.” Evie raised her head from the microscope, having placed a drop of Ilona’s blood on the glass slide. “Your blood is like a newborn’s.”

“What?” Ilona hopped off the stool, and when Evie shifted aside, she peered into the microscope. Her red blood cell count was off the charts. “That makes so much sense. Red blood cells help create collagen for new tissue.”

“But not this fast, and all from one man’s blood?” Evie frowned. “This happened days ago, right?”

Ilona lifted her head to nod before peering into the microscope again. As a medical student, she knew her blood well. What she saw on the slide wasn’t familiar.

“So, if you cut yourself now, you’ll heal supernaturally?”

Ilona met her friend’s dark-coffee gaze. “What are you thinking, Evie? Another test?” She tapped her chin. “The scientific community will need photographic evidence and regular blood results.”

“Something like that.” Evie beamed, rubbing her palms together.

“I’m off to see Dr. Fernandez and run a few errands. I’ll slice my palm later today and document it.”

“Good. Got time for an early lunch?” Evie wiggled her eyebrows.

Ilona’s stomach twinged as if hollow, but she brushed it aside. “Sure, meet me in the reception in about fifteen?”

After striding to the nurse’s station, Ilona waited, drumming the counter’s surface. Switching from the irritation showing in her fingers to her toes, she beat out a steady rhythm, creating a tune she could almost shake her ass to.

“Ilona.” Kelly barreled toward her, her hair unraveling from her bun. With her cheeks pink and a slight shimmer at her temple, she looked flustered.

Ilona accepted the hug as air whooshed out of her lungs. Kelly was a great hugger, using her body and strength to engulf the victim with love.

“Oh, my word, look at your scar. How’s this possible?” With Ilona’s chin in hand, Kelly twisted her face from side-to-side. “It healed so well. I can barely see it.”

Overreaction on her part, but Ilona appreciated the enthusiasm anyway. “Testing a new product.” And she was, sort of, so not an outright lie. “Is Dr. Fernandez in?”

Kelly released her but rocked on her heels. The woman was never still, and often, Ilona had envied her boundless energy. “Nope, at a conference in Tillden.”

Ilona slumped, having wanted to discuss shifter blood and the endless possibilities. “When will he be back?”

“A week at the most. He mentioned seeing the sights.”

“Please let him know I stopped by. I’d love to touch base—”

“Ready?” Minus her lab coat, Evie danced beside Ilona. Her rainbow skirt suited her, along with the red-embroidered woven shirt. “What do you feel like? Bacon and eggs? Pizza? Sushi?”

At the mention of Chinese, Ilona expected her stomach to revolt, but it gurgled like she hadn’t just fed it a substantial portion of salmon. “You choose.”

Kelly squeezed Ilona’s forearm in farewell and hurried along the passage, disappearing into the oncology ward.

Evie looped her arm through Ilona’s and ushered her out the door. The sun’s heat was unforgiving, and a fine sweat dewed on her upper lip. A cool breeze stirred her hair, whipping the ends across her shoulders and collarbone, hinting that she needed a cut. The air was rich with exhaust fumes and the sweet fragrance of the white blossoms on a nearby hedge. Mom would have known their classification.

They strolled along the sidewalk to a nearby diner. Ilona’s steps faltered since the diner had the look of Mo’s. Memories of Dane biting into donut after donut, Aiden with his bubblegum milkshake, Mo’s delicious apple pie, and Rhys sitting opposite her, his forearms bare. Her eyes widened as she recalled the moment. Like a starving man, he had watched her lick cream off the fork. She shivered. The attraction had been there right from the start. He had said as much, but she hadn’t believed him.

Sliding into the booth, she smiled at the waitress—a young student. “Apple pie?”

“Sure thing, with cream or ice cream?”

Ilona sighed, her smile lingering. “A double serving of cream, please.”

“Straight to the dessert? Make that two.” Evie beamed. “And a double-thick chocolate milkshake.”

The waitress settled her expectant gaze on Ilona.

“Yeah, might as well.” She nodded, and as the waitress scurried off, Ilona studied the red and white décor, the steel-rimmed bar stools, the red booths, the black-and-white checkered flooring. Onions and burgers were on the fry, and she sucked in a deep breath, relishing the aroma.

“What’s on the cards for you today?” Evie fiddled with the condiments on the linoleum table. “Need anything?”

Ilona grabbed her friend’s hands for a quick squeeze. “I’m fine, and all I needed was a hug.”

Evie laughed. “I thought Kelly was going to pop you like a tube of toothpaste.”

“I love her hugs, but she’s damn strong. You wouldn’t think so with her petite frame.” Ilona sniffed. “I’ve missed Amity and the staff there.” She offered a weak shrug. “I just need to find my niche, my place in this changed world.”

“Your folks wouldn’t have wanted you to give up on your dreams, Ilona.”

“My folks wouldn’t have wanted to die either.” She bit her lip, then slumped. “Sorry, Evie, dealing with it has been tough.”

“Only time heals, so they say. What no one tells you, is that you never forget.” Her brown eyes shimmered, but she forced a smile, one wide enough to dimple her cheek. “I met someone, but that’s all I’m going to say.”

“Oh?” Ilona grasped the subject change, prepared to pretend to be a teenager without a care in the world. “So did I.”

Evie squealed, sending the ends of her braids flying. “Is this the almost-fell-in-love guy?”

Ilona waved a finger. “Oh, no, you don’t. Tit for tat.”

The waitress slid onto the table two small plates of apple pie drowned in whipped cream, and two sinfully large chocolate milkshakes. Ilona dove in, groaning at the first bite. When next she saw Mo, she would castigate the woman for turning Ilona into a cinnamon-and-baked-apple-pie addict.

“His name’s Eric, and he’s not in medicine.”

Ilona laughed. “I don’t know what Rhys does.”

Evie clapped with her fork in hand, splattering cream across the table. “Look at us, not pining for a surgeon.”

Ilona faked a gasp and placed four fingers across her lips for emphasis. “It’s an insult to the tradition.”

Content to shove pie into her mouth, Evie nodded with a hum.

“He’s in Inner City.”

Evie stopped chewing, then swallowed hard. “Oh, dear.”

“Not necessarily. Gran moved to Coedwig. I’d either have to do the same or choose a city close to her.” Ilona bit the inside of her cheek to smother her squeak. When had she decided on this? Sure, the idea had niggled, but it wasn’t concrete. Inner City wasn’t the only option. Glenfell had a hospital too.

“Makes sense.” Evie took a long drink from her milkshake. “I’ve heard good things about Heartstone Pediatrics.”

Ilona had heard the same, but that would put her firmly in Inner City. Her phoned buzzed in her back pocket. She licked her thumb and forefinger, then extracted it. Grinning, she flashed Evie the screen before answering.

“Dr. Olson, what a pleasure to hear from you.” She winced at sounding super happy and unauthentic.

“Good morning, Ilona. So glad to reach you.” He chuckled, bringing his appearance to mind—gray-dusted brown hair, wide smile filled with bright teeth, and ruddy cheeks.

“I planned to call you today. I’m in Fenneg sorting out my parents’ things. Could I come through to Indes to see you? Do you have time?”

“I’ll clear my schedule.” His voice settled on her like a thick and comforting blanket.

She glanced at her watch then smiled at Evie. “I’m at Amity. I can leave now and be there in an hour?”

“Perfect. I can’t wait to see you, Ilona.”

After hanging up, she stared at her phone. He had been at the funeral. She remembered that now. Many people had been. The day had passed in a daze for her, yet her mind had recorded it like any other, right down to the gray suit he had worn.

“Wow, just like that. He’s a legend, Ilona, and he called you.” Evie bounced in her chair.

“Still, he can’t keep the position for me forever. The start date looms.”

Evie waved her cake fork before placing it on the unused napkin. “Just remember to cut your hand afterward.” She swiped her thumb over the empty plate to gather the last crumbs. After sucking on the digit for a moment, she widened her eyes. “Go. I’ve got this.” She gestured to the disaster zone, mostly her fault, that was their finished meal. “And text me the details.”

Ilona lunged across the table to kiss her friend on the temple—the cleanest spot on her face. “I’ll chat later.”

She jogged out of the diner and along the sidewalk to her car. As soon as she started the engine, a blast of air cooled the sweat on her skin. The drive was relaxing, with blues playing from a radio station she had stumbled across. It belied the tension stiffening her muscles and her fingers gripping the steering wheel.

She was in turmoil, undecided, when she half-knew she was moving, just not to where. Gran would be ecstatic, and Rhys… Ilona’s breath caught. Sexy, gorgeous, irresistible Rhys would take her relocation as a sign she would date him. Tormenting her were images of herself dressing for dinner, sitting across from him at a candle-lit table, sipping white wine, with his heated gaze on her lips. Yes, she wanted that and all he made her feel.

Without Callie.

Ilona chose the closest parking spot outside the impressive blue, yellow, and white building. After hopping out, she hurried across the emergency bays to the front doors of Indes Pediatrics. The air conditioning chilled her as she strode across the white tiled floor, past the reception and multi-colored walls depicting superheroes, to the stairs spiraling up the first two levels. She took the steps two at a time, not wanting to waste Dr. Olson’s time.

His office door was open, with the delicious aroma of coffee wafting out.

Tapping his door, she peeked inside.

“Ilona. You made good time.” He beamed, holding up a coffee mug.

She smiled and nodded, stepping farther into his office. His glass desk against a patchwork carpet was cheerful. Sunlight streamed in from the wide windows, and toys lined one wall. He had discarded his medical coat, which, along with his stethoscope, hung on a coat stand beside the door. In jeans, a pink T-shirt, and sneakers, he didn’t look like a doctor. The casual clothes put the kids at ease, and the non-surgical staff dressed for that purpose. Some days they wore pajamas, bunny slippers, and clown noses.

“So,” he gestured to the chair then faced the state-of-the-art coffee machine, “how have you been?”

Before she could answer, the machine whirred as it ground beans. He held up a finger, then pressed a button the moment the machine gurgled. Spinning, he rested his backside against the sideboard and folded his arms across his chest.

“I’m okay. Had to help my…grandfather in Coedwig.”

Olson arched a brow.

She scratched at a tear in her jeans. “I covered his clinic for a few days.”

“Coedwig’s north of Inner City, right?”

She accepted the coffee mug, helping herself to the cream and sugar he placed on his desk in front of her. He chose the chair beside her, twisting to face her, and studied her over the brim of his coffee.

“I’m not sure where to start.” When the mug almost slipped from her trembling fingers, she set it on the desk and clasped her hands on her lap. “I was unable to save them.” Clearing her throat might bolster her dwindling voice, might lessen the impact of his understanding gaze. “The people I loved the most I couldn’t save, Dr. Olson. It made me question whether I was capable of saving anyone, and the most precious of all, children.”

He opened his mouth to speak, but she shook her head, needing to share her thoughts.

“You know as well as I do, confidence is key. The patients, their family, need to believe I will do my utmost. But even if I sacrifice my soul, I’ll have no impact on the outcome.”

He released a long sigh. “It’s what we have to learn to live with, Ilona. The illusion of control. You might find the cancer early, you might throw the best medicine we have at it, but still, the patient dies.” After placing his cup beside hers, he grasped her hands. His were warm and soft, so unlike Rhys’s. “I’ll let your position go to the next candidate, but you’re making a mistake to give up on this, on you.” With a squeeze, he leaped to his feet and circled his desk to rummage in his top drawer.

He held out an orange business card.

She took it with trembling fingers and read the white cartoon lettering.

Dr. Sarah Olson

Pediatrician

Heartstone Pediatrics

“Olson?” Ilona arched a brow.

“Ex-wife.” He smiled. “Still damn good at what she does. I’ll send her your file, my interview notes, so expect a call.”

“But Heartstone’s in Inner City.” Ilona gaped, torn between the flood of relief softening the tension in her back and warming her heart against the stubborn determination not to succumb to Rhys’s offer.

He did have a laboratory, and if she shared her plans to research shifter blood, she might have access to an endless supply. How he reacted might be the deciding factor on their compatibility. If her boyfriend was researching human blood, would she react negatively? She hoped, with her medical background, she would be more open-minded. But Rhys wasn’t in a medical field.

“It’s close to Coedwig.”

She knew just how damn close it was. Shit, she wanted to see Rhys’s face when she told him about moving to Inner City and her research.

“I’ll call her tonight, and text you the details. Get your affairs in order, Ilona. The interview could be within the next three days.”

“Three days?” Could she have the house packed by then?

“Sarah’s impulsive, relies too much on her instincts. If she decides to see you, then you better be ready.”

Ilona released a held breath with a whoosh and rose, running her palms down her denim-encased thighs. “Okay, Dr. Olson. Thank you.”

“Don’t give up on your dream, on what the medical profession meant to your parents, Ilona. That’s all I ask.” He circled his desk and cupped her elbow for a squeeze.

“I’ll try. Might just follow my grandfather’s footsteps and open a clinic.” She shrugged. Coedwig had been quiet and undemanding except for the crazy scientists and hopeful suitors.

Dr. Olson grinned. “Or that.”

In a daze, she sat in the parking staring at Dr. Sarah Olson’s business card. Before she started the engine, a text message came through. True to his word, he had reached out to Sarah, and Ilona was to meet with her as soon as she could.

Shit. Now all she had to do was pack two homes and relocate. No biggie.