Tempest Unleashed by Tracy Deebs Read Free Book Online Page A

visible. “Thank you,” I told him sincerely. “I’m sorry I was such a pain.”
    Zarek grinned. “I’ve had much worse patients.” He looked meaningfully at Kona, who was suddenly very interested in the striped pattern of the wallpaper. Which totally piqued my curiosity …
    But before I could ask what Zarek meant, he continued. “Besides, I got my entertainment for the week. It does my old heart good to see Kona being led on such a merry chase.”
    Kona groaned. “Don’t encourage her. If she leads me on any more of a chase, I’ll end up lost somewhere in the darkest depths of the ocean.”
    I ignored him. “Can I leave now?”
    “After I go over the rules with you.” Zarek gave me a stern look.
    “What rules?”
    He went over to a cabinet and pulled out two pills. “You take these now, for pain.”
    “I feel fine—”
    “Because the numbing agent is still blocking the ache. These will take the edge off for the next twelve to fifteen hours, and by then you should be well on your way to healing. I did everything I could to speed the process along.”
    Which meant not only had he given me his blood, he’d also drained his reservoir of power trying to heal as much of the damage as he could. “Thank you,” I said again. “I really appreciate it.”
    “Well, show your gratitude by staying out of trouble, will you? I don’t want to have to stitch you up again anytime soon. Got it?”
    “Believe me, I’ve got it.”
    “Good. Now, no shifting for at least twenty-four hours and you should be good to go.”
    “No shifting?” I stared down at my tail. “How am I supposed to get back to the water?”
    Zarek actually winked at me. “Kona’s got a strong back. Use it. Somehow, I don’t think he’ll mind.”

    Fifteen minutes later, I was, indeed, back in the ocean, along with Kona and the largest contingent of guards I’d ever seen. To keep me from exhausting myself, he had me wrapped snugly in his arms and was using his legs to propel us quickly through the water.
    Not taking any chances, hmm? I asked him along our private telepathic link.
    Not with you , he answered grimly.
    I’m fine.
    I’m still not sure how that’s possible, by the way. And just so you know, I expect my ignorance to be remedied very soon.
    I didn’t argue with him. Not when I wanted answers as badly as he did. It was strange. I had been in the middle of the shark-men, thinking I didn’t stand a chance—
    His arms tightened around me, and I stroked his bicep in an effort to calm him down. I’m fine , I reminded him. Then I went on to explain everything that had happened, including the weird electric current I’d managed to pull from the water.
    You really did that? Kona demanded. Pulled electric energy from the ocean?
    I think so. That’s what it felt like, at least. Is that a bad thing?
    It’s a rare thing. I mean, through the years I’ve heard of some mer being able to do that, but I’ve never actually met one who could.
    Yeah, well, I’m not sure I ever want to do it again. Throughout the whole thing I was convinced I was going to electrocute myself.
    I bet. He paused. So nothing like that’s ever happened to you before?
    Never. I shook my head. I would have told you if it had.
    He relaxed imperceptibly. We need to tell Hailana. See what she says.
    I paused. Are you sure that’s a good idea?
    Of course. Why?
    When I didn’t immediately answer, I sensed his attention getting sharper, narrowing in on me exclusively. What’s wrong, Tempest?
    Nothing. I tried to shrug off the whole topic. Now wasn’t the time to tell him that things between Hailana and me weren’t quite like he assumed. I guess the painkillers are kicking in. My thinking’s going a little nuts.
    He didn’t say anything for so long that I thought he’d dropped it—at least until he replied softly, I thought you knew that you don’t have to do that with me.
    Do what?
    Front. You always deflect, like you don’t want to burden anyone with