Page 3 of The Hummingbird’s Gift

“How are you feeling?”

“Still a bit dizzy. But that’s supposed to go away once I shift. The nurse just wants to observe me the first time.”

“Oh, um, I’m glad to hear that.” Tier wasn’t sure what to say after that. Rohahen usually guided their conversations. He always knew what to say.

“I heard that May got back safely. And Arella and Guyasuta are back with their parents. We found the tribes for fourteen of the nineteen other children?”

“Sixteen,” Tier corrected. “I made another call this morning.” Of course Rohahen would already know all of this, even sitting in the clinic too dizzy to stand. People came to him and he looked out for them.

“Oh, good. I was thinking of visiting May after I shift. I’m worried about her. And maybe Declan and Geir. I heard that Declan was almost shot. We’ll have to make sure that someone checks in on Nootau in the hospital.”

“Yes, I think Ahanu was taking care of that,” he said, trying to keep things professional. What he wanted to say was that Rohahen should come visit him. Stay in his office where he could see him every moment. Or better yet, his home. His bed.

“Ahanu asked me for advice.” Rohahen winked.

“Oh, right.” Tier grasped for something else to say, finding it hard to think when he wanted to trace over every inch of Rohahen’s large body, cataloguing every small bump and bruise to make sure he was alright. “There’s a celebration tomorrow. I think Declan and Geir will be there.”

“Perfect! I wasn’t sure if they would come. I mean, I know that Declan would, but it’s been hard to convince Geir.”

“He rescued four of the children. And he helped me find you.” Tier was going to pretend that his voice hadn’t cracked at the memory of calling out to Rohahen only to find him missing. His throat had burned for hours as all of that energy built up with nowhere to go.

He never wanted to experience that again.

“Yes, I think Declan was just what he needed.”

Tier smiled, “You were right. As always. Thank you for… checking on them.”

“Making friends, you mean.”

“Right.” That had been another of Rohahen’s ideas. Kayla had sent over sentries to ask Geir for help many times over the past decades. Then Rohahen had come over with a box of vegetables and befriended Geir’s boyfriend. As usual, it was Rohahen’s strategy that had worked.

Tier heard the clack of the nurse practitioner’s footsteps in the hall and turned as she poked her head in. “Ready to shift?”

“Very,” Rohahen replied. He sounded exhausted.

Tier stepped back to let the nurse do her work, but Rohahen stopped him with a word. “Chief, um, do you think you can help me up? I believe I can walk, but the support would be nice.”

“Of course.” He couldn’t deny him anything, especially when he looked so weak and tired. He wanted to protect him and keep him safe.

He also couldn’t help the little surge at the thought of putting his hands on Rohahen’s body, if only for a moment. He knew it could never lead to anything, so he would have to take the small opportunity that presented itself.

He positioned himself to the side of Rohahen’s chair, then arranged one of Rohahen’s arms over his leaner shoulders while he slid his own arm around his broad back.

He was embarrassed and delighted to discover that the hospital gown opened in the back. He knew that he should keep his arm completely outside that thin strip of fabric, but he couldn’t help himself.

Rohahen’s thick muscles were warm and the light coating of hair tickled against his hands. Tier’s own back was smooth, but he appreciated this masculine fuzz on Rohahen’s strong body. He gave a little caress, under the guise of helping him up, because this might be his only chance.

When they stood, Rohahen towered over him, resting his arm easily on Tier’s shoulders. His balance seemed to be just fine, but neither of them let go.

Tier thought about what he would do if their roles were reversed. He would have to be at death’s door before he would let anyone support him where people could see. He wouldn’t want to appear weak.

But Rohahen wasn’t a normal strength-sharer. He never had been.

He seemed perfectly gracious and calm as he leaned just the slightest bit on Tier’s shoulders while they walked outside and down the ramp.

They stood in the grass behind the clinic. Herbs and flowers were planted along the border, some for healing rituals and medicines, a few for their harmonious beauty.

Tier looked to the nurse, but she waved the two of them on. “I’m just here to observe and step in if you need me. His body should know how to heal itself.”