Cloak & Silence Read Online Free PDF Page A

laughed while Syn started examining the cuts and bruises on Ture’s face.
    Ture wasn’t sure what to make of the newcomer. Not until he reached into a drawer by the bed and pulled out a biotec tablet. “I’m Syn,” he said in an even, calm tone as he turned the tablet on and entered a medical code. “And I really am a fully licensed doctor...graduated number one in my class.” He glanced up at Ture. “I’m assuming you’re purely Caronese?”
    “I am.”
    Syn narrowed his gaze on him. “One hundred percent? I don’t want to give you something and have a nasty surprise over it.”
    Since Ture had only gone to local doctors on his home planet, he’d never thought about how hard a job it must be should a hybrid life form come in for treatment. “Yeah. As pure-blooded as anyone can be.”
    “Okay.” Syn reached down into the pocket on the left leg of his battlesuit. “I’m giving you something for pain then I’m going to start a drip. I’m sure you’re more than aware of the fact that you’re badly dehydrated and malnourished.” Once he’d injected Ture, he looked over at Maris. “What about you, bud? Is that your blood all over your uniform?”
    “Unfortunately. Bastards ruined it.”
    Syn ground his teeth. “I can stop the bleeding, but you know I have nothing to give you, right?”
    “I wouldn’t take it even if you did. Just clean it out and I’ll heal.” Too tired to move anymore, Maris sat down in the corner chair. “How’s Zarya?”
    “Better now that I peeled Darling off the ceiling. I swear, I almost tranqed his ass. I would definitely not want to be in your brother’s shoes right now. We’ll have to ride herd on Darling...hard. Otherwise, he’s going to do something else really stupid to get to Kyr. But back to your question, they busted her up pretty good. Luckily, she’ll be fine in a few days, and the baby she’s carrying looks to be unaffected by it all. Gods willing.” Syn started the IV.
    Ture blinked hard as his vision dimmed. Syn hadn’t just given him a painkiller. He’d put something in it to knock him out. He wanted to stay awake, but it was a losing battle. In a matter of seconds, he was sound asleep.
    Maris frowned as he saw Ture go limp. “Did you—”
    “Yeah. He needed it. Besides, I didn’t think you wanted him to witness what I’m about to do to treat you.”
    Good point. Humans often had a hard time dealing with the oddities of the Phrixians. Darling was one of the few who could understand and tolerate Maris’s special health needs.
    Syn moved toward the sink. “Take your top off.”
    Maris purred at his command. “You know, I’ve been waiting for years to hear that come out of your mouth, baby. Should I remove my pants, too? I’m sure I could muster something down there that might require your immediate, personal attention.”
    Syn laughed at his teasing invitation. “You’re the only man who could say that to me and still keep his best friend attached to his body. You’re lucky I love you, Mari.”
    “I know, brother.” Maris opened his battlesuit while Syn ran a bowl of water.
    When Syn turned back to face him, he froze. His eyes widened in horror.
    Maris started to cover himself then stopped. What was the use? Syn had already seen the horrendous scars that marred his flesh. Why cover up now?
    “I had no idea,” Syn breathed.
    Maris shrugged. “You don’t grow up gay in a fiercely heterosexual warrior culture without taking a lot of damage.” Not to mention his lovely stint as a political prisoner with their enemies for a full decade. Thanks, Dad and League, for those atrocious nightmares . “In spite of what my family says, I’m pretty sure they knew all along, and they went out of their way to beat it out of me.”
    “Does Darling know?”
    Maris shook his head. “I don’t get naked around Darling.” It was why he always kept himself covered from head to foot. Many times, he even wore gloves. Only his lovers had ever seen his