Therian Prize(65)
“She was half human, unable to shift.” A shudder tore through Heather as memories drove to the surface of her mind. Sunken eyes and ashen skin. Whimpers, moans and continual vomiting. And worst of all the never-ending, inescapable pain. “It took three years for her to die, three long, agonizing years.”
“I’m sorry. That must have been horrible.” His brow smoothed and she could no longer read his expression. “That sort of child is rare as hell. I’m surprised—”
“‘That sort of child’,” she snapped. “Do you mean half-breeds or bastards?”
He stood and crossed the room then pressed his hands against the wall on either side of her head. “I’m not the enemy, angel. Why are you so angry?”
She sighed and tore her gaze away from his handsome face. “I’m sorry. She was not just my best friend, she was my half sister.”
“Nate was her father?”
She nodded. “Her mother died and—much to my mother’s chagrin—Dad brought Danielle to live with us. We were instant friends and constant companions, even after Danny got sick. I was holding her hand when she…” Emotion closed her throat and tears escaped the corners of her eyes.
He caught her tears with his thumbs then tenderly kissed her. “Don’t fixate on her death. Remember the years you had together and how much you loved her.”
“Easier said than done in the current setting,” she grumbled, but the pain gripping her heart began to ease.
“If doctors upset you this badly, maybe this isn’t the direction you should go.” Warm with concern and affection, his gaze moved over her face. “Your head needs to be clear, your purpose firm, if you’re even going to consider doing this.”
He was right. She couldn’t go into this conflicted and emotional. Danielle’s death had been devastating but Heather wouldn’t be controlled by the loss. “I’m just checking out my options right now. I want enough information about each alternative to make an intelligent decision.”
He returned to his chair but his voice took on that silky quality that instantly curled her toes and sent heat cascading through her body. “Which alternatives are still in the running?”
“Traditional definition, you and me in sync and this.”
“Our being in sync won’t interfere with either of the other two.” His sexy smile made it obvious which strategy had his vote.
She’d started to admit that she wanted a true joining when Devon found them on the walkway. Even if their…affair? Alliance? Relationship? She couldn’t find a word that fit her feelings for Jake. It was more than a physical attraction and yet the external obstacles and complications seemed insurmountable. The only thing she knew for certain was that she wanted to enjoy an emotional connection as well as mind-blowing sex even if they only stayed together for three months.
Just as she started to explain what she wanted, someone knocked on the door.
“I don’t believe this,” she muttered, shaking her head.
“Derailed again.” Jake laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you forget that this is unresolved.”
A middle-aged man with shaggy gray hair and wire-rimmed glasses stepped into the office and smiled. “I’m Paul Garran.” He held out his hand toward Heather.
“Heather Fitzroy.” After shaking her hand, he motioned her toward the treatment table, so she reluctantly sat on the end.
“Devon told me you’re interested in taking the serum. Do you understand what it will allow you to do?”
“Basically, but what’s in it and how does it work?”
“The serum is a synthesized version of chemicals secreted by the Therian female’s endocrine system,” he began.
“Hormones?” she prompted, hoping he’d realize medical terminology was lost on her.
“Primarily.” He paused, probably searching for words simple enough for her to understand. “When a female is ready to be defined, her body goes through hormonal changes that prepare her for the metamorphosis. In nature, the hormone surge is counteracted as soon as one animal nature has been absorbed. This serum leaves the door open until we intentionally close it.”
“Why did it make my brother so sick?”
“The formula was designed for undefined females. Your brother has a defined animal nature and he is male. He’s lucky to be alive.”
“This is where things get tricky.” She folded her hands in her lap to keep from fidgeting. “I’m not sure if I’m defined or not. My definition was interrupted, but I have transformed into a wolf several times.”