Heart of a Centaur: A Sci-Fi Monster Romance (Monster Hearts) by Cara Wylde

Author:Cara Wylde [Wylde, Cara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-10-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Claire

“How did you get this bruise?” Dr. Evans asked as she gestured to a spot on my neck.

“Bruise?” I repeated, putting my hand where she pointed. Then I flushed as it all clicked. I had a hickey. Athos had given me a hickey.

Luckily, the tea that Athos had made for me did come with super-healing properties. The bruise had probably already faded enough to be unrecognizable.

“When the hunt went south, I ran. And I accidentally fell down a log chute. It didn’t end so well.”

Dr. Evan’s eyes went wide. I studied her expression, trying to decide if she was buying it. But she didn’t look skeptical at all, merely surprised.

“You’re lucky you didn’t break any bones,” she mused. “You’re sure everything feels okay?”

“Yes. Really, I’m fine.”

“Well, let me just go down my list then. It’s standard procedure,” she said.

All of this would be put into a report, limiting my ability to come back and accuse IMRA later of not taking care of my injuries. Of course, I had no plans on doing that, since I had no injuries or complaints. Still, it was all just part of the routine.

Dr. Evans attached a pulse oximeter to my finger. While she waited for the reading, she asked, “Did you eat anything after you became separated from your team?”

“Yes. He gave me food.”

She narrowed her eyes, looking suspicious. “What kind of food?” On her paper, she recorded the oximeter reading, and pulled the instrument off.

Instinctively, I knew that I needed to downplay my connection with Athos. Everyone here thought that he was a monster, without knowing him at all. They couldn’t imagine something as simple as us even sharing a snack.

I shrugged. “Human food. He survived by growing vegetables.”

She raised her eyebrows. Then she made a little scoffing noise and shook her head.

“Now I’ve heard it all.”

She gestured for me to lean forward, and then ran her hands down my spine.

“What about drinks? Liquids?”

I was glad that I was facing away from her, and she couldn’t see me blush.

“Just water,” I lied.

She made another note, then crossed the room to grab a thermometer.

“Did he do anything to you? I can make a recommendation for counseling. I know you said that you’re not hurt, but psychological harm is just as bad.”

I shook my head silently, stopping to hold still while she took my temperature. She saw my response, however.

“Are you sure?” she asked dubiously. “You don’t have to be brave, Claire.”

She pulled the thermometer away, recording the reading.

“No, really. He didn’t do anything to hurt me. He gave me food and water, and told me to stay in the hut. That’s all.”

“Well, you’re lucky that IMRA cares so much about its employees. Reinforcements got there before he had a chance. If I were you, I wouldn’t even want to think about what could’ve happened if you had stayed there any longer.”

I knew exactly what would’ve happened if I’d stayed. Plenty of hot sex. But I bit my tongue, doubting that admitting that would be in my best interest.

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