Bitten (Book 1 - Book 4)

Uri shifted so he was on his back.

He opened his eyes a few moments later.

“What?”

He barely spoke.

“Do you know about the KVV?”

It was another few moments before he answered.

"Yeah."

"Who are they?”

She waited patiently for his response.

"How do you know?"

“They painted what Mirren called flaming graffiti on the wall outside your door. The initials KVV. Mirren, I think, reported it to the Council.”

Uri took a deep breath.

“Isolationists,” he said.

“Who?”

"People who believe we shouldn't mingle with the Undents. That we would be safer staying within our own city.”

“That's the same as hiding.”

"Yeah."

She waited to see if he would say more.

“Drink?” he whispered.

She poured him a small bit of water and held it so he could drink.

“Thanks.”

He took another deep breath.

"We opted to integrate. Best thing we could have done. But some ideologies are hard to overcome.” “Like the belief in Specters?”

"Yeah."

He looked exhausted.

"You get some rest. I can hear they started a new card game out there.”

“Never play a face card in the first two rounds of play,” he said.

“What if all I have are face cards?”

"Always play the highest.”

His advice seemed counter intuitive to the goal of the game.

“Okay,” she said, not pressing the issue that his advice seemed off.

She watched him breathe for a long time before she left.

“Joining the next hand?” Mirren said

“No, I'll just watch.”

Sophie was still in her room, but everyone else was back in the game. However, without Natalia playing, the game went fast. The players threw down their cards as soon as it was their turn. It reminded her of the dart tournaments where the players threw as fast as they could. It was also hard to figure out their strategies when they played that fast.

“Damn,” Moralis said.

Zena laughed.

"When did you get so good?” he said.

"We play almost every night,” Bonnie said. “Three person Pikers is a lot tougher than with four or more.”

"We can't always get Kate to play,” Mag said. “It's supposed to be at least a four person game.” “We can add Nattie, now,” Zena said.

A nurse walked through and went into Francie's room. Morals rose and followed.

“Do you think they'll let Uri go home tomorrow?” Natalia said.

“They'll check him over and see. I don’t see him doing too much running around for a few days. To knock him down this much, it had to be quite a blow,” Bonnie said. “If he had been an Undent, he would probably be dead.”

Mag and Zena nodded.

Natalia swallowed hard.

“Until he's fully recovered, I think construction will come to a screeching halt,” Natalia said in a hoarse voice. “And he will now experience the wrath of a mother and a wife.”

Bonnie grinned.

“This I want to see,” she said.

“Uri will recover just fine,” Mag said in a comforting tone.

Natalia nodded, but she still felt concerned. She almost felt some rage to the point where she wanted to turn the table over and scream at them. How could they play cards in a time like this? But she knew it was stupid irrational emotions. They were whiling away the time and being very supportive.

“I think I should go rest for awhile,” she said rising, suddenly feeling exhausted.

“Take the sofa in there. We're camping out here,” Bonnie said. “It should already be made up. Feel free to shut the door.”

“Thanks.”

She hadn't even noticed. The sofa was made up with two pillows and blankets. It looked rather inviting. With the door shut, it was very quiet. She sat and felt the tears, overwhelmed with the events of the day.

“The shock just wore off,” she said, realizing.

She let the tears flow until Victoria fidgeted. There were tear drops glistening in her hair.

“Sorry, little girl."

Natalia rose to wipe the tears, dry her eyes, and blow her nose. On the way back to the sofa, she stopped to watch Uri. His fingers moved and she took his hand.

“I'll be okay,” he said in a whisper. “Rest.”

She nodded, then felt silly. His eyes were closed and he couldn't see.

“Good night,” she said, kissing his cheek.

She settled on the sofa with Victoria nestled at her side. The sofa was surprisingly comfortable. Natalia bolted upright. Victoria was fussing. She paused long enough to catch her breath, realize where she was, and to figure out Victoria was hungry.

“Sorry, little girl."

The clock on the wall showed it was just after midnight. There was the quiet murmur of voices outside.

She exposed a breast and positioned Victoria.

“My hungry little girl."

Victoria latched on and sucked hard.

Natalia looked over to check on Uri. He was in a slightly different position. He was still on his back, but his head was turned toward the door almost as if he was listening. His breathing showed he was sleeping.

It took her a moment to realize the conversation outside the door was in Viperian. She figured it was an attempt not to bother her, but her senses were so acute that she could still understand what was said if she concentrated hard enough. However, it was just Morals talking about his skill in cooking sausages just right over an open flame. The only other voice she heard was that of Zena, which seemed appropriate since she was the cook of the house. She was agreeing with some of his techniques.

“Any of those sausages left?” Natalia said in Viperian.

There were a couple of chuckles outside the door. Zena peeked in.

“Sorry. Morals ate them all. We do have hot dogs left.’

I'll have one of those."

Zena disappeared and seemed to be taking longer then expected. The reason why was evident when she stepped back in. She brought in a full plate.

“Here. Pick what you like."

She set it down on the sofa.

“Thanks.

“Tea or a soda?’

“Tea would be fine, thanks.

Zena disappeared, but returned shortly with a bottle of tea.

“Still ice cold,” she said while she twisted open the cap.

“Ginger.’

They both turned.

Uri's eyes were open.

“Can I get a ginger?’ he said.

Zena nodded and left.

“How do you feel?” Natalia said.

“Head still sore. Getting better.’

Zena returned and handed him the can which was already open.

“Thanks, Zena."

Uri sipped his soda in slow motion.

Natalia found she had to keep the plate of food on the sofa in order to keep Victoria in position and hold her tea. She didn’t have enough hands, so she resigned herself to sipping her tea while she waited for Victoria to finish.

"You first, then mom.’

When Victoria finished, Natalia leaned back to savor the food in between sips of tea. She was almost finished with her plate of food when Uri finally finished his soda. She rose to take his can and her plate out to the hall.

Bonnie and Mag were in sleeping bags, sleeping against the wall. Zena was playing solitaire. “Everyone else went to bed?’ she said, setting down the dishes.

'Yes,’ Zena said. “I'm on watch until two."

“Stacia in with Moralis and Francie?"

'Yeah.'

“I'm surprised Sophie didn’t go home this evening.’

“Everyone wanted to stay. Safety in numbers,’ Zena said.

“Nice of everyone,” Natalia said.

“Friends and family stay tight. Go back to bed."

“Thanks.

Natalia gave Victoria a change of diaper before settling back on the sofa.

When Victoria fussed again, it was almost four am.

“Nattie."

She turned. Uri was facing her. His eyes were open.

“How are you doing?’ she said while she exposed a breast for Victoria.

“Pee,’ he said.

“Can you wait until she’s fed or do you want to buzz the nurse?

'I can wait.

'She’s a hungry girl and power sucks through her milk."

Uri smiled.

That's my girl.’

"Yeah, your girl gets me a little tender.”

“Come here, I'll kiss it and make it better.’

'Yep, you're definitely feeling better,” she said, feeling some relief.

I'll survive,” he said.

"You better. I'm not raising this girl alone.’

She rose and moved over by him. He reached out and touched Victoria's cheek. She seemed to suck harder and reached out to grab the breast she was nursing on.

“Protective of her milk,’ she said.

Uri smiled.

“Good feeder,” he said.

They both stared at Victoria until she stopped sucking and her hand dropped.

“She's asleep,’ Natalia said, covering herself.

She fetched the bedpan and helped Uri position himself.

"You hungry?’

“No."

He sighed and looked much more comfortable. Natalia emptied and rinsed the pan before settling back on the sofa. She couldnt sleep and listened to the noises in the hospital. A few minutes later, a nurse crept in.

“He just peed,’ Natalia said.

The nurse nodded, then paused, looking somewhat startled.

“What?’ Natalia said.

“Nothing,” the nurse said, leaving

Natalia didn’t know if it was because she spoke Viperian or because of Victoria.

Mag stepped in.

“Diaper change?’

Natalia handed Victoria over.

Victoria didn’t even wake since Mag was so quick.

“Come on out. We have pastries,’ Mag said.

Natalia stepped out to find everyone but Francie. There was an assortment of pastries on a table with a pot of tea

“Nice,’ she said.

“We'll be heading out in a few hours,” Mirren said. “Hope to hear by then when they are releasing Uri."

She nodded.

“Francie’s not so sure yet,’ Moralis said. “I have to get her up walking more."

It was a few hours before doctors came through. Sophie was released. Francie was also released, but they decided to stay until the doctor decided on Uri.

Dr. Spire was the last doctor through.

“Pain?’ he said while he checked the wound.

“Some,’ Uri said. “Manageable.’

'l want a scan before I release you.

“Okay.’

Technicians arrived and Uri was wheeled out while still in his bed. Natalia couldn't follow. She felt frustrated.

“Walk with us,” Bonnie said. “We're loading Stacia’s car.’

It wasn't long before the hall was restored to its bare decor and no longer looked like there was a party.

It was an hour before Uri was wheeled back.

“I'll release him, but you be sure he doesn’t do much. At least another day of very low activity,’ Dr. Spire said. “If you see any confused behavior... Bonnie will know... then you bring him back to the hospital in haste.’

Natalia nodded.

“Ill come to check him on Monday at your house,’ Dr. Spire said.

Uri was helped into a wheelchair and everyone went together as a group down the elevator and to the lobby.

While they gathered outside, waiting for Bonnie to get the limo, Natalia felt Moralis brush against her and put something in her hand. He didn't say a word.

She glanced down to see a flask, which she quickly pocketed. Moralis was giving her some more of the pure tea.

The limo pulled up, and Mag wheeled Uri out.

'I can walk," he said, but no one let him.

He seemed a little slow to get into the limo.

They said their goodbyes to Moralis, Francie, and Stacia.

Natalia let out a sigh of relief when they pulled away from the hospital. She felt some anxiety while they headed home, wondering what condition the house was in, however, the house looked undisturbed when they pulled up into the laneway.

Bonnie stopped the limo at the door. Mag and Zena were quick to help Uri out and into the house. "Out on the patio,” Natalia said. “It's a nice day.”

They settled him in a chair.

“I'm not an invalid,” he said.

“Until I say otherwise, you are an invalid,” Natalia said with force.

She kept her face serious, and he seemed to sense it, staying in his seat.

Zena stood guard while Natalia went upstairs for a quick shower and to change. She took one swig of the tea from the flask that Moralis gave her, then hid it in a drawer. When she came down, Uri was in one of the lounge chairs that leaned back with his feet up. He almost looked like he was asleep. The usual pitcher of iced tea was on the table.

"What am I supposed to do?” he said.

He shifted his head in a careful manner, so he could look at her.

“Rest,” she said. “You're still not a hundred percent. I don't even think you could read a book.”

He paused and seemed to think for a long time.

“No,” he said.

He closed his eyes.

Natalia rose to get her tablet. She worked on her school assignments. A short while later, Mag and Zena went over to the new house, while Bonnie joined her on the patio.

"He's in a deeper sleep. That's a good sign,” Bonnie said.

“You have a lot of experience with head injuries?”

"Yes, the Drivers Guild teaches physics and medical triage methodologies.”

“It's amazing what you know, Bonnie.”

"Sometimes it's scary what I need to know.”

Mag and Zena crossed the yard and joined them.

“Everything looks good over there. House still smells fresh so the cleaners did a good job,” Mag said.

“You'll be painting in no time,” Natalia said.

"Kate should be coming over from her sister's pretty soon,” Mag said. “Sounds like they had a more relaxing weekend than we did.”

“I'm still surprised the house wasn't broken into or something,” Natalia said.

“We didn't find anything amiss,” Bonnie said

Uri stirred.

“Bathroom?” Natalia said, guessing.

“Yes,” he said.

Natalia noted he still didn’t nod or do any extraneous movement that would involved his head. She escorted him to the bathroom under the stairs. He seemed much steadier than when he first got home.

He was settled back in his chair when Zena served a light lunch, which they all enjoyed together on the patio.

Natalia watched Uri closely. He did eat, but said little. She could tell that Bonnie was also keeping a close eye on him.

“Now this is a nice lazy afternoon,” Mag said.

Everyone, except Uri, nodded in agreement.

“I'm bored,” he said.

“Tough shit,” Natalia said. “You're an accountant. Count the leaves in the tree overhead.”

“I already have,” he said. “There are over three million of them.”

She chucked.

“Yeah, right.”

He smiled.

"You're just giving me time to think of more ideas of what we can do out here,” he said.

"When you get to the pool, let me know,” she said. “Forget about an underground grubbie farm. I want the indoor pool.”

“An underground grubbie farm is cheaper than a pool,” he said.

“Well, if you're going to dig a hole, why not dig two?” she said, but she wasn't serious.

He eyed her, but she couldn't tell his mood. Soon after, he closed his eyes and seemed to nap again. “Almost normal,” Bonnie said.

They all spent the rest of the afternoon out there. Bonnie brought out cards and they played Pikers. Natalia couldn't win a hand, but she did get some points. She kept trying other strategies other than what Uri had told her because his advice seemed opposite of what the game called for.

At six, Zena served dinner on the patio.

“Raw dinner, yum,” Natalia said.

Uri changed to a different chair and sat at the table. He was quiet but ate with gusto.

The evening cooled enough that a short time afterwards, they moved into the house.

“Can I sit at my desk?” Uri said

“If I can sit in there with you?”

“You'll uncover all my secrets.”

"I already know the combination to the safe,” she said.

He shuffled through some paperwork and paged through a reference book, but he seemed unfocused.

They only spent an hour in his office before Mag came with tea and cookies.

"I think bed for you after this,” Natalia said.

Uri seemed to have a hard time eating just one cookie.

“Not that hungry,” he said, looking worn out.

He didn't complain when eight pm came around and Natalia helped him upstairs to undress and brush his teeth. He seemed to be sleeping moments after he had slid into bed.

Natalia stayed up longer, sitting in the nursery, before putting Victoria down to sleep. She fussed a little.

"You're home little girl. All safe.’

She went to bed, looking forward to some sleep. The windows were open, and a breeze was blowing through. She propped open the doors to their bedroom and Victoria's so the breeze wouldn’t shut them. The doors weren't kept open to allow her to hear when Victoria was fussing. She could do that through closed doors. It was so she wouldn't miss any other noise that could indicate trouble.

She was in a deep comfortable sleep when she woke. Victoria was fussing. Natalia rose, feeling confused, unable to tell if Victoria was hungry or needed a diaper change. Victoria was telling her she was uncomfortable.

Natalia paused in the hallway. There was a weird muted clicking and rustling noise downstairs. It almost sounded like water going over rocks.

Natalia looked over the railing. The floor below looked like it was moving. Water? They had a leak? Except there were small glowing dots. She stepped back and flipped the light switch.

The floor below was moving, but it wasn't water.

“Urit”