Page 18 of Dark Awakening: Hidden Currents

"I did, and they are all very nice. Sari is in Scotland, so she's not coming, but Amanda and Alena are both great, each in her own way."

"Tell me a little about them."

"I will, but you need to eat first. I will tell you about them over lunch." She glanced at her watch. "Actually, it's dinner time already."

"Are the others here?" Ell-rom asked.

"They are all gone. We are alone in the penthouse."

"That's good." He peeled off the blanket. "I like their company, but I like yours more. I'm looking forward to a quiet dinner with just the two of us."

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, and for a long moment, they just held each other.

Finally, Jasmine pulled back. "Your belly is rumbling. We should get some food in you, and then we can practice shrouding before visiting Morelle."

13

ELL-ROM

Ell-rom walked down the long hallway toward the clinic with his back straight, and his head held high. His hands were resting lightly on the walker's handles, and he was proud of the fact that he was basically walking without its help.

It seemed like every time he woke up, he was markedly better than before rest. He would have considered taking more naps, but he was already resting too much for his liking. His body seemed to need it, though, and it was just shutting down on him after exertion without leaving room for negotiation.

"You are doing great," Jasmine said. "In a day or two, you might be able to discard the walker altogether."

"That would be a cause for celebration." He waited for her to open the door to the clinic. "Tomorrow, I'll try to do without when I meet the rest of the family." His chest expanded just from saying that.

He had a family. A nephew, three nieces, their mates, and many cousins, as all other more distant relations were called on Earth. Or was it only in English?

There was still so much to learn. If only there was a way to just pour it into his brain instead of having to learn everything over time.

"Hello," Julian called out from his office. "Had a nice nap?"

"The best." Ell-rom smiled at the medic. "I'm going to see my sister."

"Of course. I'm here if you need me."

Bridget was seen less and less in the clinic, and Julian had taken over most of the care for Ell-rom and Morelle.

Ell-rom didn't mind for himself, but Morelle was still fragile, and he would have preferred the more senior medic to supervise her recovery.

Today, though, he was happy that Julian was there and not Bridget. He needed to talk to him about his blood aversion and what could be done about it, but the problem was that he didn't want to have that conversation in front of Jasmine.

Jasmine hadn't realized what had happened last night, and he wanted to keep it that way, at least for now. Ell-rom preferred to find a solution before he had to confess his disability.

Jasmine pushed the door to Morelle's room open all the way, and as he stepped inside, she followed.

"Hello, sister," he said, moving to her bedside. "I'm sorry I couldn't visit earlier. The therapy sessions take a lot out of me."

He settled into the chair beside her bed, reaching for her hand. It was warm and somehow vibrant despite her unresponsive state. He studied her features, so similar to his own. The curve of hercheekbones, the shape of her eyes. It was like looking at a softer, more delicate version of himself.

When a buzzing sound disturbed the moment, he turned to look at Jasmine. "What was that?"

"My phone." She pulled it out and read what was on the screen. "It's Margo. She's back in the penthouse and asking if I want to have a coffee with her. Are you okay here on your own for a little bit?"

It was perfect. "Of course. Go and enjoy some time alone with your friend. I feel bad enough about taking up all of your time."

"I love being with you." She leaned and kissed his cheek. "Tell Morelle about the family lunch tomorrow."