Cat of a Different Color: Halle Pumas, Book 3 by Dana Marie Bell Page B

moments, sweetheart.”
    She couldn’t even nod. She sighed, and he seemed to understand.
    He left her for a moment. She could hear water running in the bathroom, and a moment later a cool washcloth was draped over her forehead and over her eyes. She moaned as the cold took some of the pain away.
    “I don’t want you to worry about anything, princess. I have it all under control. Relax and go to sleep.”
    “Jerry?”
    “The vet checked him out. He’s fine, just a little banged up. They kept him overnight for observation. He’s at my place now.”
    Her lips twitched up. It wasn’t a smile, she hurt too much for that, but it was the beginnings of one.
    “Belinda’s awake and talking. She’s in pain, and she’ll need physical therapy, but she’ll be okay.” His hand moved back to her hair, stroking softly. “Gabe’s looking into who hit her, and we’ve set up security measures for the both of you. Someone will be with you at all times.”
    She stirred, frowning. Just as she opened her mouth, his finger pressed against her lips.
    “No. I need this, sweetheart. Don’t fight me on it. I can’t be with you all the time, but I need to know you’re protected or I’ll lose my fucking mind.”
    She kissed his finger in answer.
    “Thank you.” His lips gently touched hers, a barely felt caress that didn’t jar her head. “I put the same security measures on Belle, just in case.”
    She bit her lip and tried not to cry. She knew it wasn’t her fault, but she couldn’t help feeling it was. The medicine the nurse had given her began to work, making her drowsy. She felt herself slipping away again as his lips brushed hers once more.
    “Sleep, princess. I’ll guard you.”
    She wasn’t sure, but just as she drifted off she thought she heard him whisper, “Love you.”
    That was good. Because she loved him, too.
     
    “Good morning, sleepyhead!”
    Sheri considered keeping her eyes closed just a little bit longer. Maybe four or five hours. Just until Mrs. Anderson left.
    “I know you’re awake, Missy McFaker! Open those eyes! It’s a beautiful day out!”
    Oh, dear God, please don’t let her have opened the blinds . Sheri cracked her eyes open and shut them with a squeak as ice picks in the form of sunlight jabbed themselves into her eyeballs. “ Please close the curtains !”
    “Dear, you need more sunlight. You’re way too pale.”
    Sheri groped the nightstand, trying to find her sunglasses. “Can you hand me my sunglasses, please, if you won’t shut the curtain?”
    “Those old things? They’re way too dark. You should try using blue blockers. You’ll see much better that way.”
    That would turn the ice picks into broadswords. No, thank you. “I have albinism, Mrs. Anderson. Sunlight is dangerous for me,” she explained as patiently as she could.
    “Oh? OH!” Sheri heard the rattling of the curtains being drawn. As the light dimmed she sighed in relief. She cautiously opened her eyes.
    The room was comfortably dim again. Mrs. Anderson stood at her bedside holding her sunglasses. “Sorry, dear. I didn’t realize.”
    Sheri stared at her, totally dumbfounded.
    “Yes, I know. I’m not the world’s most observant person. Are you hungry?”
    “Ah…yes?”
    Mrs. Anderson beamed down at her, dark blue eyes twinkling. “Good. I’ll just get you your lunch then.” She marched over to the door and pulled it open. “The young lady is awake and we’re hungry.” She shut the door and marched back over to the bed. “There. Your food should be here shortly.”
    Sheri tried, and failed, to stifle a giggle. “Door to door service, huh?”
    Mrs. Anderson nodded decisively. “Of course. It pays to be the grandmother of the sheriff and the mate of the Marshal, you know.” She plopped down into the chair next to the hospital bed, grinning. “So, what is it you want to know?”
    Sheri thought about it for a moment. “The secret of immortality?”
    One salt-and-pepper eyebrow rose into the air.