Page 47 of Deck the Skulls
“They’re actually called bone knitters, although they can use their magic to heal any wounds, not just broken bones,” Anatoly explained.
“But their magic hurts like a bitch,” Zan said with an exaggerated shudder. “I’d rather heal at the normal rate than deal with the pain they cause.”
“As long as you heal,” she agreed and started cleaning the punctures. “If these get infected or something, then Anatoly is calling the knitter person.”
As Rissa worked, Zan watched Mason walk back in and gently guide Skyler up to the second floor. It was lucky Anatoly had bought more furniture for that apartment the first night Rissa slept there. Even though she’d never slept down there again, they’d wanted it ready in case she decided she needed more space.
Zan could only hope that after everything she’d seen, she wouldn’t suddenly decide she needed a continent of space between them.
***
Anatoly
During the fight, Anatoly was so busy ripping durmins apart over and over again that he hadn’t noticed Rissa salting them until she’d eliminated three durmins. At first, he’d been enraged at her being in the midst of danger, but then he noticed she was being careful and only getting close to the ones that were ripped in at least three pieces, if not more.
He didn’t know how she’d figured out to use the salt, but was grateful. Durmins could be vulnerable to salt, sage, water, iron, or any number of things. But only the maker knew what would cause them to dismember. Those being attacked were often forced to try things until something worked.
Or they were exhausted and defeated during the fighting.
It wasn’t a surprise to him that the magic would bring him a flock member who was smart, resourceful, and fearless.
“Looks like we missed the party!” Will and Jesse said as they walked in.
“About time you got here!” Luis said with a laugh.
“Oh damn, man, put that away,” Mikey said as he walked in behind Jesse. He tossed a handful of clothes to the naked shifters as everyone laughed. More wolves from the Lobo Gris pack walked in, some with tools and others carrying sheets of plywood.
“What’s going on?” Rissa asked.
“Lobos Gris helps their own,” Mikey said.
“I think you’ve forgotten that none of us are wolf shifters,” Anatoly responded dryly.
Will snorted. “Like that matters to Lobos Gris!”
Mikey made a shooing motion. “You guys go upstairs and talk. We’ll board everything up. I already called Misha; he’ll come out to fix the door tonight. You’ll have to figure out everything else on your own.”
Anatoly was touched by the alpha’s kindness. He wasn’t surprised to see him and the other wolves show up. One cardinal rule for wolves was that you protected and cared for your pack.
It seemed he, Zan, and Rissa were part of the pack now. Without a healthy flock vampires rarely developed ties to any communities. Before he could figure out how to thank the alpha, Zan spoke up.
“Only two rounds of free drinks each,” Zan shouted with a laugh. “Don’t guzzle all my stock!”
They laughed, and there was some good-natured teasing from the wolves.
“This is all amazing,” Rissa murmured next to him. “This is the type of community I’ve always wanted.”
The wistful note in her voice broke Anatoly’s heart. Lifting her up, he ignored her gasp and cradled her in his arms.
“Let’s go upstairs and talk about you becoming one of us,” he said. “We’re a community ready for you to join, my heart. All you have to do is say yes, and you’ll never be alone again.”
Chapter 16
Rissa
Although she was perfectly capable of climbing up the stairs herself, she let Anatoly carry her. She wasn’t ready to be separated from him yet but was scared about what she was going to find out.
As calm as she thought she was, the fear overwhelmed her the moment he stepped through the apartment door.