knock it out with antibiotics. Viktor wasn’t hurt, just drugged. He’s awake now. So you pulled it off. The three of you saved Viktor’s life. And I can’t thank you enough. Sheila’s on her way to take him home, but he wants to talk to you and Raven.”
Wearily, we all trooped to the elevator and Talia locked it as we headed down to the first floor. Kipa helped prop Raven up, who was as exhausted as I was, and I leaned against Herne.
As we entered the urgent care clinic, the nurse led us back to the exam room where Angel was lying on the table and Viktor was sitting in a chair, looking groggy. I hurried over to Angel’s side, taking her hand as she gazed up at me weakly.
“I hear you helped stop that thing from eating its way inside me.” Her eyes were dilated, and she sounded slightly disoriented.
I glanced over at the nurse.
“Talk fast. We gave her something for the pain, so she’ll be out of it for a while.”
Turning back to Angel, I cupped her hand in mine, bringing it to my lips where I kissed it. “Oh, hon, I’d do anything to help you, even cut a freaking beetle off of you.”
She smiled. “I guess it’s my turn to take it easy for a while?”
“And you know I’m going to make sure you toe the line.” I paused as Rafé entered the room. The expression on his face gave away his feelings. He crossed to my side and I slowly gave way, stepping back so he could take my place. Her face lit up when she saw him and he leaned over, kissing her gently.
As he murmured something to her, it hit me—Angel and I would always be best friends, but we were moving in different directions. I was engaged and she was in love. We’d always be important in each other’s lives, but we were expanding, and other people had come into the picture. After I married Herne and moved in with him, Angel would be okay, because Rafé would be there for her. I could feel that, as clearly as I could see them there in front of me.
I turned away and Herne caught me to his side. “Are you all right?” he whispered. “You look teary eyed.”
I shook my head. “Just tired,” I said, gazing up at him. “I love you, you know. I love that you let us go after Viktor without trying to stop us. And I love that you’re here, now, that you care about every single person that we work with.”
“Oh love, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be much of a boss, now would I? We’re all family.” He rested his forehead against mine, gazing into my eyes. “Come on, let’s get the two of you home.”
As he turned to the nurse to discuss moving Angel, Sheila bustled into the room, hurrying over to Viktor. Yutani, Talia, and I stepped out into the waiting room to give everyone room to work. I dropped onto one of the sofas, leaning my head back. Images of the last few minutes of rescuing Viktor flashed through my head.
“Gyell is going to be on the offense now. He was so angry. He’ll be back, and he’ll probably bring reinforcements. We can’t let down our guard,” I said.
“We’ll be ready for him,” Talia said. “I have exciting news. While you were gone, I think I found out where Echidna is. Herne contacted Cernunnos, and Cernunnos is sending his right-hand military man down to talk to her.”
I jerked my head up. “You found her? Is she in Death Valley?”
Talia nodded. “Yeah, we think so.”
“I didn’t know Cernunnos had a military force,” I said, frowning.
“All the gods have warriors,” Yutani said. “Well, most.”
Before I could say anything else, Herne came out of the exam room.
“I’ll go get my car. I’ll drive Angel to your place. I’m taking you, too. Kipa will drive Raven home. Yutani can drive your car, then I’ll bring him back to the office. Talia, can you drive Viktor home? Sheila will follow you in her own car, and then she’ll drive you back to get your own.”
Talia nodded, standing as Viktor slowly entered the waiting room, Sheila beside him. The half-ogre looked exhausted, but his eyes were clear and when he saw me, he gave me a huge smile that warmed my heart.
“Thank you, Ember. You, Angel, and Raven…without you, chances are I’d be dead.”