Part 40 (1/2)

295.

he was being discourteous in inviting the man inside.

Delgrotto bowed low. ”I must ask you for a gla.s.s of water. I have not traveled so fast, or so far, in years. My lungs are not what they used to be. Forgive me bothering you, when I have not properly greeted you in many years.” His gaze settled on Rachael.

There was a small silence. Rio stood very still. Rachael lifted her chin, her dark eyes alive with distaste.

”This is obviously your woman. You've found her. You must introduce me.”

”I'm sorry, Elder, forgive my lack of manners. I'm so surprised by your visit I've forgotten basic courtesy.” Rio handed the man a gla.s.s of water. ”This is Rachael. Rachael, Peter Delgrotto, an elder in our village.”

Rachael managed a smile but she didn't murmur pleasantries. She was pleased that Rio thought to protect her, that he hadn't given away her infamous last name.

Sensing how nervous Rio was, she stood up and casually crossed the room to stand just behind him, wanting to be close in case he needed her.

Delgrotto inclined his head, returning her smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. ”Very nice to meet you, Rachael.” He turned to look at Rio and the smile faded.

Rio felt the impact of the elder's stare. It had been many years since any other than his unit members had looked at him or spoken to him. He felt behind him for the sink, something to grip out of sight of the elder. Rachael slipped her hand into his. A show of solidarity and support. ”What is it, Elder? What is so important that you would break the law of our people?” There was little point in beating around the bush.

”I have no right to come to you, Rio. Not after the sentence handed down by the council.” Delgrotto met his gaze steadily. ”By me. I have removed myself as a council member and am prepared to pay the consequences of my actions. I told the Seat of Power what I intended and asked they withhold sentencing until it is done. They agreed.”

296.

Rachael could see the pride on the older man's face. Rio reached out and took his arm, led him to the most comfortable chair and seated him. ”What is it?”

Delgrotto suddenly looked every bit of his eighty years and then some.

”My grandson lies near death. No one can save him without your blood. None of us carry the rare blood you have. Without you he will die. I lost my firstborn son to poachers. He had no children. I lost my only other child and his mate to an accident. I have no other family left. I don't want to lose him. Not out of pride or stubbornness. Not for any antiquated law. I'm asking you to save him.”

”Where is he?”

”He lies in the village at the small hospital there.”

”I'll leave now, Elder. I can go faster alone. Will they allow my help?”

”Joshua said you would come.” Delgrotto nodded his head. ”They're waiting for you, keeping him alive with fluids. We used the blood you had stored for yourself.” He looked down at his shaking hands, tears glittering in his eyes.

”It was my decision to steal from you, no one else. Without it, he would have died. It isn't enough, only to prolong his life until you manage to arrive.”

”It was not stealing, Elder, I would have given it all freely to save the life of a child.” Rio caught Rachael by the shoulders. ”You'll be here when I return.” He made it a statement. A command.

”I'll be here.” She kissed the side of his mouth, his jaw. Her lips moved gently against his ear as she whispered to him. ”You're a good man, Rio.”

”I'll follow as soon as I've rested,” Delgrotto said.

”Sleep here, Elder. I'll return quickly,” Rio said and went out to the verandah, pulling off his s.h.i.+rt as he did so. Rachael hobbled after him. ”Do you want me to go with you?”

”No, I can travel much faster alone. I want you to stay off your leg for a couple of days and give it a rest. I'll be back as soon as possible.” He tucked the s.h.i.+rt and then his

jeans into a small pack that he secured around his neck.

297.

”Clever.” She realized they all had to travel with a small pack, the elder included. ”Good fortune, Rio.”

”Be safe, Rachael.” He caught her head and dragged her to him, kissing her with fierce possession, with tenderness. She felt the fur rus.h.i.+ng over his skin, felt his hands curl into huge paws and marveled at his ability to be so precise in his s.h.i.+fting.

She blinked and the black leopard melted into the forest. ”Great. Leave me to entertain the guests.” She took a deep breath and went back inside. To her relief, the old man had already sunk into a fitful sleep. She covered him with a thin blanket and went out to sit on the verandah with the small leopards.

The rhythm of the forest changed at various intervals during the day. Dawn activities were quite different from the lull in the afternoon. She read a book and listened to the continual chatter in the forest, trying hard to study which bird sang which song and what sounds emerged from the various species of monkeys.

She heard the old man stirring as the sun set, and she forced herself to go back inside to be as pleasant and accommodating as she was able. ”I trust you slept well.”