Taming a Healer: 3 (Galactic Lust) Read Online Free PDF

replied.
    “What’s happening to her?”
    She tried forming the words to tell him nothing was wrong.
Her throat closed tighter and her eyes rolled back.
    Nolan’s warm hand swiped stray hairs from her cheeks. “It
appears to be an attack. The same as when she was young.”
    “Her matron said she’d outgrow them.” Gabriel sounded
closer. “When she’s rescued, they’ll fix her.”
    She wanted to laugh but couldn’t because of the numbness in
her lips and tongue. No amount of technology could take away the cold and
tingling creeping from her fingers and toes, through her hands and feet, and
steadily climbed up her neck. Actually, she was surprised the terror reaction
hadn’t happened sooner. After watching most of her people die, the memory of
Gabriel’s rejection simply pushed her one step too far.
    “Lay her down. She’s nearly unconscious.”

Chapter Two
     
    Nolan dozed, waking frequently to check on both Sadie and
Gabriel. Gabriel’s sleep remained troubled and fitful. The chore of watching
his health decline became increasingly distasteful. Nolan would rather have his
spine broken than listen to each moan his partner tried to stifle. They’d been
told the pain would increase until he’d uncontrollably lash out. That’s when
Nolan would end his suffering. If Governance soldiers reached them before that
time, they’d die swiftly, mercifully and together. It hadn’t taken any
consideration at all to accompany Gabriel on his quest to help Sadie. She was
worth the lives of many hunters.
    Gabriel thrashed, which brought Sadie awake. She sat up and
rubbed her eyes. Nolan situated her close to his partner so her scent would
drift. He’d hoped having her near again would settle Gabriel’s mind. All things
considered, he’d slept a bit better than normal.
    “Are you hungry, shae-shondah ?”
    She stretched and shivered before taking one of the blankets
to drape over her shoulders. Of all the females they’d come in contact with
throughout the universe, in his estimation, Sadie’s nation produced the most
appealing women.
    Unwelcomed and inappropriate musings stirred his blood. He
settled himself by recalling how surprising and beautiful she’d been as a
child. On some level, each of the men who’d been privileged enough to watch her
grow, marveled and admired her. Nine short years ago, she’d been more than
their hope of overcoming the curse of an untimely death. She’d been a blazing
radiance in a black-and-white existence.
    “ Shae-shondah? ”
    “Please, Nolan,” she said, turning toward him, “the title’s
unnecessary.”
    “On the contrary,” he replied, rising to his feet and
walking to the large pot. After scooping out a bowl of stew, he handed it to
her. “Careful, it’s very hot.”
    She took the offering and he sat close, but not near enough
to crowd her. His presence obviously bothered her. He said, “And on the matter
of what to call you, you’ve earned the title many times over.”
    She poked a spoon around in the bowl before glancing at him.
“What is this?”
    “ Darine stew.”
    “How? You’ve no weapon to kill a darine and the malicitors have to know we’re here because of the fire you’ve kept burning.”
    “I have my knives. I made the kill just after we arrived in
full light. I dressed it out and found the store of vegetables in one of the
antechambers as you and Gabriel slept. There should be enough to feed us until
soldiers arrive.”
    Her gaze scanned the surrounding area. “And when did you
have time to gather all the wood?”
    “You slept a long time. You must’ve been very tired.”
    It would settle the tightness in his chest if she’d smile,
just once, slightly. Nine years ago he’d seen the desolate look in her
expression and eyes. She’d been so dazzling and full of life prior to Handler
Markum’s abuse. He’d hoped over the years, she’d grown past a single eve of
horror to regain her vibrancy.
    Each bite appeared to be an effort.
    “How long