AllFreeNovel
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“Bear attacks will do that,” Hamid interjected. “Skin care isn’t a priority over wound care, and absent very strict protocols, after hypovolemic shock and such severe injuries, being in a shared space, especially one like a sauna or spa, could be a major infection risk. Losing large blood volume is not just a matter of replacing blood. Serious systemic trauma results that requires months of recovery.”
I had no idea if that was bullshit or not, but it satisfied Mint that I had been some combination of mortified, sent off to the convent, and legitimately in need of reduced social contact. Mint placed one hand over mine. “I’m always here to help you.”
“Thank you.” I didn’t sayI’m fine, because I was not fine. And I wished Mint hadn’t gotten dragged back into this.
“Is there a reason we’re going to Tennessee first?”
“Flight crew and plane scheduling. Jet share logistics, Hamid tells me. I won’t pretend to understand.” Time to change the topic. “So what are you going to do to my hair?”
“We’re going to take you to the spa—” Mint looked at Hamid.
“I have approved of the one you selected,” Hamid said flatly. “But absolutely no full body work. Above the neck, hands and feet only.”
“—and then get this cut and strip that awful dye out. But if you’re going to just put it back in, I won’t bother having them try to correct it.” Mint did not hide his disapproval.
“Well, that, and this entire trip is to do a tour of the everglades. We’re going camping, fishing, and frogging.”
Mint blinked several times, then sighed. “I’ll find you some sunblock. And bug spray.”
Dead To Them
From the airport, Mint promptly dragged me into West Palm Beach proper—before I even got to see Sterling—and deposited me in a salon, where I was quickly hosed off and groomed. My hair was stripped of its brown dye using (of all things) cheap dish soap and baking soda paste, which, after a few very intense applications, left my hairalmostits original shade of red.
“That worked well,” Mint said, surprised.
“Is this her natural color?” the man cutting my hair inquired, holding up handfuls.
Mint nodded. “Almost.”
“Odd. What crappy dye have you been using?”
I shrugged. “Whatever cheap stuff comes off the shelf in rural Virginia.”
Mint and his friend exchanged knowing looks.
“Cheap garbage,” the man muttered.
Mint bumped him with his shoulder. “Ruiningthathair.”
They exchanged another set of knowing looks.
Mint (being Mint) also provided several garment bags of clothes, along with several pairs of swamp-appropriate shorts and shirts, and another bag that smelled of the flat in Manhattan and my packmates.
Myexpackmates.
Had to remember that: I wasn’t a SnowFang anymore. I couldn’t be. I had to keep them safe.
“I convinced your roommates to let me get some of your things,” Mint said by way of explanation. He’d brought some of my dresses and tops and jeans. “Other things I procured for you for this time of year.”
“You didn’t have to,” I said softly.
“I know I didn’t.” Mint looked down at my hand. I wasn’t wearing my wedding rings.
I closed the bag.
“Are things complicated?” Mint asked.
“My rings got lost in the chaos.” I still had no idea where my rings were, and no one would tell me.
