"Ed is a wreck. Allan is only marginally better. I don't think Ed has shifted since he was injured, and we can't talk him into it. Allan still runs, but not as much. I'd tell you we were all fine, but you wouldn't believe me." He tightened his grip on me. He laughed bitterly. "And it would be the biggest lie I've ever told."
"Okay, so as soon as we're on the road back to Nebraska, the demon and I try to integrate without fully integrating so I can interact enough to fool my parents? And we hope Nikolai fixes this before the Andersons find out."
"Yes."
"Okay."
You must know, even if the mage frees me in time, I do not know how this will affect you, Sofia. It will change you. Also, it will make it harder for me to leave your body intact. I warned you of this already.
"It's worth the risk. It's the only thing we can do."
Very well. Be warned. I do not share well. It will be difficult for both of us.
"This is already difficult."
She nodded in agreement.
"Okay, I need to go. Hang in there, Sofia." Doc kissed me again before releasing me and fading away.
Your vampire is lucky your mage knows healing spells.
"I'm surprised Ed and Allan aren't helping out." They usually shared blood with him, too.
Your werewolves have exhausted themselves sharing their energy with you, as has your vampire. You see your mage less because he is trying to stay rested so he can perform the necessary healings on himself and the werewolves, and of course, soon he will be performing a complicated piece of magic he has never done before under extremely stressful circumstances. It is wise of him to conserve himself. He does not like it.
"How long before we do this?"
Tomorrow, by your days.
"Okay. I'm looking forward to another real taste of the world. I hope it won't be the last."
This is also my hope. I wish to go home.
The demon left me, and I sank back down to the ground to wait.
Chapter 24
Doc
The demon was right, Doc came closer to actually hurting Nikolai than either of them cared to admit after giving Sofia so much energy. He barely felt recovered as he lay there, holding Nikolai while the mage slept. He stared at the ceiling and tried to convince himself that the next week wasn't going to be a complete disaster.
Nikolai snored lightly, head resting on Doc's shoulder. He didn't normally snore.
Someone knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," Doc whispered just loud enough for a werewolf to hear.
Allan pushed open the door.
Nikolai didn't stir.
"Are you two okay?" Allan's eyes trailed over Nikolai's muscled back.
Doc gestured for Allan to come over, but didn't move, not wanting to disturb the mage.
"We're fine."
Allan sank down on the bed, and Doc held his arm out, inviting Allan to lay down with them. He squeezed onto the small bed and pressed his back into Doc's side. "We're going to fix this, right?"
"Yeah, Allan. Nikolai will find the last bit of information he needs. I'll keep her safe this week."
"You sure you can deal with her dad for a week?"
Doc groaned. "Don't remind me."
"Room for one more?" Ed whispered from the doorway, sounding uncertain but desperate to not be alone.
Without comment, Allan shifted until he was basically sprawled on top of Doc and pressed against Nikolai. Ed took the spot Allan had just occupied, and Doc counted himself lucky that he could still breathe.
Doc laughed quietly. "And I thought it was hard to fit three in a queen-sized bed."
"I'm looking forward to moving us back into your room," Ed admitted. "Pack should sleep together."
Nikolai didn't budge, and Doc worried he had injured the mage despite the healing spells he'd cast before passing out.
They finally all drifted off, and even Doc managed to get some sleep, despite the worries that kept his mind spinning.
∞ ∞ ∞
"Did I miss something?" Nikolai woke first the next morning.
Doc's eyes snapped open, but he was weighed down and couldn't move. It took him a minute to remember he was literally buried under werewolves. He took a few calming breaths.
"No."
"Ah, good." The mage ran his hand lightly over Allan's back, and the werewolf's eyes fluttered open.
Allan glanced at Doc before seeming to realize it was Nikolai rubbing his back. He shut his eyes again and lay there.
"That looks cozy."
Doc glanced over at the doorway. Ash and the demon stood there.
"I had wondered why breakfast was delayed."
Doc turned his attention to the ceiling and rolled his eyes. The demon really was easier to deal with inside Sofia's head. She made more of an effort to play nice there for some reason.
Or maybe it was just because Ash was present. Him having some form of command over her pissed her off to no end, and she took every opportunity to let everyone know she considered them all beneath her. And he used to think Nikolai was bad about acting like royalty.
Ed grumbled and got up. Allan did as soon as Ed was out of his way, and they all headed to the kitchen.
"Are you all right?" Nikolai pushed himself up on his arms and looked down on Doc.
"A little squished, but otherwise okay."
Nikolai smiled. "Not what I meant."
"It's going to be a very long week."
"How long can you go without blood?"
"If I'm not exerting myself, several days to a week before it gets uncomfortable."
"Take more of mine. You are still tired. I can see it in your eyes. I'll rest today and get one of the werewolves to borrow Ash's car and drop me off near the Andersons' place tonight."
"Are you sure, Nikolai? I can't imagine the last few weeks have been easy on you. Even with your healing spells."
"It is okay. I have all week to recover."
He took Nikolai's wrist and bit gently, trying not to overpower the mage with pleasure. Though
