Nate’s head swam. He reclined in a comfortable bed. He smelled a familiar fragrance. Something sweet and very appealing. He opened his eyes and found himself in a stasis bed. On his right arm, an IV led to a metal container while his left arm sat in a sling. On his left side, RuAnn reclined in a chair. He knew she was not asleep, but she looked so peaceful. “Mornin’, sleepyhead,” she said, eyes still closed. “How long was I out?” he asked his voice hoarse. “Two days. That’s your fourth transfusion,” she said indicating the IV. “Transfusion?” “Yup. Two from High Command and two from Celia. They filled you with so much poison, LuHan was surprised you were still alive, again.” She sat up in the chair. “He thought it would kill me ‘cause my dad was dead. I guess he didn’t realize that a

