Absolution (Delroi Prophecy Book 4) (15 page)

“Okay,”
she said. “Delroi it is. For now.”

Was
it her imagination or did Roarr heave a sigh of relief? She didn’t imagine her
own. They all needed time and space to recover, Zola most of all.

“What
about the drug they gave us?” Zola asked the healer. “Do you know what it is or
how long it will last?”

“We’ve
analyzed it. We haven’t seen anything like it before, but I think it should
begin to wear off in twenty-four to thirty-six hours. It will vary by
individual. There may be some effects that last a few days, but I think you’ll
all be fine.”

Kareena
was relieved. They’d been on the drug so long she was afraid it might have
permanent side effects. She tried to hide a yawn behind her hand, but no one
could miss it. Damn, would she ever feel strong and rested again?

“Roarr
will show you to your quarters when you get released,” Falkor said. “He can
also show you the mess hall. If no one’s on duty feel free to help yourselves.”

“Thank
you,” Kareena spoke for all of them.

Falkor
nodded, moved back to Janice, cradled her in his arms and left the medical bay
with her. Kareena blinked, not quite sure what she was witnessing, but the
tender way he handled her was so at odds with his severe expression, she
couldn’t help but stare. He’d called her mate. Weird.

The
healer spoke to Roarr and she tried to clear her head and pay attention.
“They’ll be here several hours. Probably overnight.”

He
nodded. “Of course. I’ll have a meal brought.”

She
hadn’t been the least bit hungry until they mentioned food. Now her stomach
growled and cramped, and she tried to remember the last time they’d been fed.

“Just
broth for now,” the healer said. “I have that here.”

She
sighed. There went her dream of real food, but the doctor was probably right.
Better give her stomach time to adjust. She was feeling queasy enough with all
the recent activity. An hour later, one IV bag down, and the rich thick broth
drunk, she curled on her side and let exhaustion take her.

She
was the only patient left when she woke, but in the dimmed lights she could see
a large man slumped in the chair across from her. He was instantly alert when
she sat up.

“Feeling
better?” Roarr asked.

She
pushed the light blanket away, grimacing at a smudge of dirt when she did. “I
will once I get a shower and clean clothes.”

He
stood and gestured her to join him. “All arranged. This way.”

He
led her through a series of corridors to what he called Section A, the guest
quarters she guessed. They finally ended in what looked like a large living
room kitchenette combo she’d see in any city apartment on Earth. Except for the
long glass wall that looked out over the planet below them. It was a mind
boggling view and she stood a long time looking at it. It was so surreal. She’d
gone from being a prisoner to a guest on a spaceship in a handful of hours.

“Kareena?”
he asked softly. “You’re the first door on the left.”

She
shook her head, trying to banish her awe, gave him a slight smile and went on
her way. She was disappointed when he didn’t follow but shrugged it off. Why
had she thought he would? She’d apparently lost her marbles in that prison. She
took a long hot shower. When she got out, she pulled on the clean sweats
someone had left for her, then she searched for scissors. What several months
ago had been a cute pixie cut was now a shaggy mop. It had to go. Looking into
the mirror she set to work. When she was satisfied, she cleaned up the mess and
went back into the bedroom. Suddenly weary, she collapsed on the comfortable
looking bed. And dreamt of a silent sexy warrior, who had no business invading
her subconscious, and the decadent, wicked things he could do to her.