“That sounds like his mistake.”
“She kissed him.”
Rhen showed no reaction.
“Then his judgment is worse than I thought.”
Cole stared at him.
“That is all you have to say?”
“What exactly would satisfy you? She is not my mate, lover, or responsibility beyond the value of what was attached to her when I found her.”
“You made her.”
“I kept her from dying.”
“Because she was useful.”
“Yes.”
The immediate answer stripped the last ambiguity from the room.
Rhen approached the foot of the bed but did not touch it.
Veya appeared pale beneath the remaining flush. Her body had finally become still enough for the medical staff to begin closing their case.
Rhen watched only long enough to confirm that she remained alive.
“If Dax wants to babysit her, let him. It changes nothing about what she is here for.”
Cole’s voice dropped.
“She is not an object.”
“To you, perhaps.”
The lead medic paused while fastening the case.
“If the symptoms return when the sedative wears off, she will likely require more of your blood.”
Rhen looked at the medic.
“Call me if stored blood fails.”
“She may deteriorate quickly.”
“Then call once, and make certain the interruption is necessary.”
The medic’s expression tightened, but professionalism kept the response neutral.
“Understood.”
Rhen turned toward the door.
Cole moved into his path.
“You do not care whether she survives.”
