Page 20 of Lost

Determined not to cry out, Kevin bit a bloody hole in his cheek as his grandma and Anastasia pressed strips of blanket against the weeping wound and then helped him sit so they could tie the bandages into place around his chest and upper arms.

“I feel weird,” Kevin said. “Kinda like I’m floating.”

“The cut is long and deep, but you will recover,” said Anastasia. “I will sew it closed as soon as we get you back with us.”

“You’re really pretty,” Kevin blurted.

“Hrumph,” said Dragon from where he stood close beside his wife, still watching Kevin warily.

“Thank you. And you are being a very good patient,” said Anastasia, ignoring her mate.

“There. That is as good as we can do here,” said Grandma Redbird. “I don’t think he should try to walk. The bleeding hasn’t actually stopped. The more he moves the worse it’s going to be.”

“Agreed.” Anastasia looked up at her mate and raised one arched blond brow. “Bryan?”

Dragon Bryan Lankford sighed. “Johnny B and Erik—get the rest of the supplies from the Polaris.”

“Erik?” Kevin turned his head so that he could see the tall, young vampyre. “Erik Night?”

Erik glanced his way. “Yeah, I’m Erik Night.”

“I loved you as Superman! But, uh, I thought you’d died. That’s the rumor in the Red Army.”

Erik snorted. “The only thing that’s dead about me is my acting career—killed by Neferet’s bullshit.”

“Hey! That’s enough chitchat. You two get the supplies like I said.” Dragon sent Kevin a dark look before turning to Grandma Redbird. “Sylvia, I assume you are coming with your grandson and not returning to Tina’s ranch tonight?”

“You assume correctly.”

Dragon sighed again. “Drew, hide the Polaris. The rest of you spread out down the ridge and be sure the Red Army isn’t following him. And I mean way down the ridge. Cover all the paths that lead from Lone Star Road especially.” He raised his voice and called, “Erik! On second thought, let Johnny B unload the supplies. You cut down the side of the ridge that faces Tina’s place and be sure she doesn’t light a warning fire.”

“Will do!”

“No one’s following me. They don’t know I’m here,” Kevin said.

“It’d be best if you don’t speak,” Dragon told him.

“It doesn’t hurt more or less if I speak,” Kevin said, attempting to smile at the scowling vampyre.

“I meant best for me.” In one movement Dragon bent and hooked his arms around Kevin, lifting him in a fireman’s carry and draping him over his broad back. Then the Warrior turned to his mate. “I’ll follow you.”

“Of course you will, my love,” Anastasia said.

The last thing Kevin heard before he slipped into blissful unconsciousness was Anastasia Lankford’s musical laughter and her raven’s call as he circled above them.