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“Aslan...” Neri’s soft fingers landed on my wrist, tugging my hand down. “I’d tell you if I wasn’t feeling well. I’ll admit it hurt like a bitch when it first touched me. It really packed a punch for such a tiny little nudibranch, but the effects are fading now. I’m even feeling a little hungry, which is a good sign after all the throwing up I’ve done.”
“Ah, I see there’s a party going on in here.” A female doctor appeared behind me, smiling at Neri and nodding at me and Griffen. Her brown eyes scanned all of us, her dark hair in a neat bun. “You family?”
“Friend of the family.” Griffen pointed at himself. “Fiancé.” He pointed at me.
I stiffened as she looked my way.
It’d been a while since I’d been in a place of authority. In a place where they could legally ask for identification and report me to whoever they felt like. I’d had my hackles up since stalking through the hospital searching for Neri. My instincts prickled, and my urge to stay unseen drained me, but I’d gotten this far. I gave them no reason to suspect me. They didn’t need to know a single thing about me.
But what would I do if they started asking questions?
Calm the fuck down.
It was Neri they cared about. Not me.
“Hello.” I nodded politely. “Thank you for taking care of her so well.”
“My colleague first tended to her, but I’m glad she’s doing okay.” She pulled out an e-tablet from her white coat pockets. Scanning whatever notes were on Neri, she said, “Wow, you’re the second person this month to get stung by a blue dragon. No sightings for ages, then boom, they’re back in town.”
“Think they’ve been hunting jellyfish.” Neri grinned. “Rising ocean temperatures threaten their food source and screw up their usual locations.”
“I’ll keep that in mind next time someone asks why we had to have a refresher on venomous creatures and protocols.” The doctor laughed kindly. “For now, how are you feeling?”
Neri shot me a look before licking her lips and admitting, “I’m a little weak and still feel a bit sick, but I’m much better.”
“Least the antihistamines have kicked in, and it sounds as if the paracetamol has as well.” Consulting the notes, the doctor added, “We can keep you overnight if you feel like you’re getting worse, or you can go home with the strict proviso that you’ll come back if you get light-headed, feverish, struggle to breathe, or—”
“She’s staying here,” I snapped. “In case any of the above happens.”
“No.” Neri crossed her arms. “I want to go home.” Her eyes flashed blue fire. “I’m not spending a night here. I’m fine.”
“I can’t be responsible if you get worse, Neri.” Rocks tumbled into my stomach. “What if you can’t breathe in the middle of the night? What if I can’t get you here in time? What if you—”
Sour sickness splashed on my tongue.
I couldn’t even say the word.
Her name and the mere mention of dying was as forbidden as the word fatal.
“I understand your fear, Mr...” The doctor raised her eyebrow in my direction.
“Taylor,” Neri said quickly, shooting a look at Griffen before she took my hand and squeezed. “Aslan Taylor.”
“Oh, so you’re already married? He’s not your fiancé but your husband?” The doctor frowned at Neri’s notes. I assumed your maiden name was Taylor.”
I froze.
Fuck.
My tone was thick as I struggled to do damage control. “I—”
“My mistake,” Griffen said quietly. “I’m going senile in my old age. They got hitched last month. I missed the wedding, hence why I keep calling him her fiancé.”
The doctor chewed on her cheek for a moment before shrugging and slipping the e-tablet back into her pocket. “No problem. I’ve confirmed your discharge papers and will have a script for you to collect on the way out for some more antihistamines and a topical cream for the rash.”
“How long will the rash last?” Neri asked. “Can I go swimming?”
“I’d stay out of the ocean for a week at least. If the blisters become open wounds, it’s best not to swim in water that could be contaminated. Hopefully, the redness will fade within a few days, but it’s not uncommon for it to reoccur as the venom leaves your system.”
“Is it painful?” I winced, hating that she was hurting, and I couldn’t do a damn thing about it.
“It won’t feel nice.” The doctor winced in commiseration. “How does it feel, Mrs Taylor?”
Neri flashed me a look as if she didn’t want to be entirely honest. “It’s just prickly and sore. It’s fine.”
Bullshit.
She flinched each time the sheets touched her.
“It will most likely start to itch in a week or so. Use ice to numb it or one precent hydrocortisone cream. Try not to scratch.” Nodding at all of us, the doctor smiled. “If that’s everything, I’ll go. But please don’t hesitate to return to the emergency department if your symptoms worsen.”
