35. Sirex

35

SIREX

S irex paced out in the hallway that ran the length of the med center. Sylvan watched him, a look of sympathy on his face.

"Relax, Sirex—she's in good hands," he said, as Sirex passed close to him and then paced back down towards the end of the hall. "Between Olivia and Nadia, they'll be able to help her."

"I'm sure they will," Sirex said shortly. He didn't express what he was really thinking—that he wanted to help Phoebe himself. That all of this was somehow his fault.

I should have stayed with her instead of going on that damn hunt! he told himself. If I had been there, she never would have snuck into the Emperor's room and found The Finger of the Goddess. She never would have touched it! She never ? —

The exam room door opened and Dr. Olivia appeared. She had her arm around Phoebe, who was taller than her but somehow still managed to look vulnerable and frail.

Sirex went to her at once.

"Phoebe? Are you well?" he asked anxiously.

"She will be—if you're willing to help her," Dr. Olivia said firmly.

"Help her? How? I'll do anything!" Sirex exclaimed. "Please, just tell me what to do!"

The blonde doctor gave him a little smile.

"I think Phoebe prefers to tell you herself. Phoebe?"

Phoebe looked up and Sirex could see that she was blushing—there was so much heat in her face that she was practically glowing. What in the universe could be making her so embarrassed?

"All right—let's hear it," he said. "Phoebe, what can I do to help you?"

But this only made her blush harder.

"Please—could we go someplace private to talk about it?" she asked in a low voice. "Like maybe your place or mine?"

Sirex frowned.

"Is it safe for you to leave the Med Center?"

"Yes, perfectly safe as long as you can help her," Dr. Olivia said. "If you feel like you can't, bring her back here. But I don't think it will be a problem," she added, smiling again.

"All right. My suite isn't far from here," Sirex said. He looked at Phoebe. "Should I carry you?"

"What? No! No, I'm fine—I can walk," she protested, straightening up with an obvious effort. "I just need to—" She took a step and nearly fell.

"Here!" Sirex caught her just in time and swung her into his arms.

"Hey, put me down! I can walk!" Phoebe protested.

"No, you can't, baby," Sirex said firmly. "Come on—I'm taking you to my suite."

"All right." Phoebe sighed and relaxed against him. She put her arms around his neck and pressed her face to the side of his neck, inhaling deeply. " Mmm , why does your scent make me feel so much better?" she murmured.

"I don't know, but I'm glad it does." From the corner of his eye, Sirex saw Dr. Olivia and Sylvan exchange a knowing look, but he ignored them both.

Right now his focus was entirely on Phoebe and helping her get better—no matter what he had to do to achieve that.