The Healing
Hermione ran another diagnostic spell and - with a small sigh of satisfaction - gave Carlisle a nod. The doctor gave her shoulder a soft squeeze before he left the room to search out the boy's father to tell Billy the good news. The witch in the meantime prepared a glass of water and the next dose of healing potion.
When Billy came in, followed by Carlisle, Hermione gave him a smile of encouragement. "He'll awaken soon."
Billy inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly with obvious relief, "Thank you. I know you're not overly happy with the Elders, but you still saved my son and his friends."
The battle was fought and ended four days ago. Jacob had been in a lot of pain. There was no question of her helping. She did her job and she did it well. Unfortunately, Jacob needed care that an invalid couldn't provide. Therefore, the healer didn't leave La Push during his recovery time. Every evening after his work at the hospital ended, Carlisle went to the Black home - with permission extended only to him - to give Hermione a break, bring dinner - courtesy of Esme - and bring them any other supplies they needed.
Hermione sighed softly. The Elders had taken advantage of her time in La Push and made a number of attempts to sway her decision not to stay. Until that moment, Billy refrained from mentioning the Elders or their first encounter. She was tired.
The coven had fared well. Their scrapes and bruising healed over night, with the exception of any bites from the newborns. Thankfully there were only two bites suffered and Rosalie was mortified at the blemishes on her husband's perfect porcelain skin. Emmett, on the other hand, wore them like a badge of honor.
All of the pack members were hurt to some extent: each were bruised and sore, scratched and clawed, but thankfully less than half had broken or cracked bones. Two had been more seriously injured: Paul - with his gash, cracked ribs, and broken arm - and Jacob - who had a concussion, internal injuries and a collapsed lung.
"Jacob is a good boy, they all are. They fought well and they fought bravely. I may not like everything the Elders do, say or believe in, but I would never neglect someone in need of healing. It isn't in my nature."
Billy gave a tired smile and a nod of understanding, "It's what makes you a good healer."
"Thank you," Hermione turned her attention back to Jacob who stirred with a grunt. The witch kept her voice low and even, "Not too quickly, Jacob. You're going to be a bit tender, but you've healed well."
Jacob blinked and squinted before he turned his head to see who spoke to him. Recognition lit in his eyes and he gave her a sleepy, lopsided grin. His voice was rough when he tried to speak, "Hey, Her… Hermin… Hermine…"
"Close enough." The witch shook her head and laughed softly. Hermione helped Jacob sit forward by magically enlarging the pillows. She brought a cup to his lips so he could take a sip of water to soothe his parched throat. She then had him drink another healing potion. Once he was done coughing at the disgusting taste, he sipped more water. Hermione asked, "Can you to tell me your name?"
"You just said it."
"Yes, I did." Hermione set the glass aside while continuing, "Your full name, please." She ran another diagnostic scan and was pleased with the results.
"Jacob…" The shapeshifter peered at her and continued, "Black," as if daring her to contradict him.
"Are you sure?" Hermione cocked an eyebrow at the hesitation from the shapeshifter.
"Yes," Jacob growled.
Hermione simply hummed in amusement. "Hmm, fine. You don't have to tell me your middle name."
Billy's low chuckle caught Jacob's attention. He turned his head to look at the man and gave his father a huge grin. "Hey, Dad."
"Hello, son." Billy reached out his hand and Jacob breached the distance with his own. He held his son's hand for a brief moment before giving it a squeeze and releasing it. The relief at seeing his son healthy again was evident and he turned to the two healers: the witch and a cold one. "I owe you both my apologies."
"No-"
"Yes, I do." Billy interrupted Carlisle. "Hermione is right. We boycotted the hospital because you started working there. It was petty. Even if we felt justified at the time. You proved yourself a good man by keeping to our treaty all these years. You helped our boys after the battle and not once held a grudge against the Elders."
Carlisle fidgeted at the apology. He actually fidgeted which earned him a startled laugh from Hermione. The vampire sire looked at the witch in surprise and she waved him off, "You've been around humans too long."
The man stilled when she said that and looked lost in thought for a moment, "I suppose. We've picked up many characteristics from humans in order to blend in: shifting our weight, shrugging, breathing, sitting, fidgeting. We must move to express ourselves in order to make up for the lack of proper emotional reactions that we cannot mimic such as crying or blushing.
"But you don't owe me a thing, Mr. Black. I did what any good physician would. I healed those who needed healing. Besides, I'm humbled by the aid given to my family by the pack. Helping in their healing was the least I could do."
Jacob interrupted what looked to be an uncomfortable discussion and asked, "How are the other guys?"
"They're all fine. All bruises, cuts and scrapes are healed as well as any sprained joints, strained muscles, cracked ribs and broken bones." Hermione informed him, "You were the worse off. You had four fractured ribs, pneumothorax of your left lung and hemothorax-" She stopped abruptly at the blank alarmed look on Jacob's face, "In layman's terms there was internal bleeding and a collapsed lung. Your torso took the brunt of your injuries. You're fine now. All injuries are mended. That doesn't mean you won't be tender and shouldn't move too quickly."
A loud knock came from the front door. The occupants in the room stilled. Billy frowned in thought.
"Were you not expecting anyone?" Carlisle asked.
"No." Billy gave a shrug, "But the boys are all out of school…"
"Would you like me to get the door?" Hermione offered.
Billy shook his head, "Thank you, no."
Carlisle stepped out of his way and stayed in the room as Billy wheeled himself to answer the door. In the meantime, Hermione spoke with Jacob about what he was expected to do to further his recovery. "I realize you're going to want to get up and move around sooner rather than later, but I need you to relax as much as possible for a day, preferably two. Esme has sent over enough food to last a month for a normal person, but for you it will probably last a week. Be sure to save something for Billy."
Jacob laughed and then cringed as the muscles in his stomach seized. Hissing he held his torso. "I see what you mean. But you gotta know, I have to get up. Now."
"I just -"
"Hermione," Carlisle placed a hand on her shoulder. "Allow me."
She motioned him forward in a 'be my guest' gesture and moved to the end of the bed. The doctor helped Jacob to sit up and the teen swung his legs off the bed. Carlisle reminded the shape shifter, "Not too quickly. You will feel a bit dizzy if you over do it too soon. If it becomes too much for you, just say so and I will be right in."
"Thanks." Jacob didn't have a problem blushing like a cold one did and he refused to look Hermione's way as he shuffled to his bedroom door.
Hermione closed her eyes and shook her head. "Oh. The loo. That makes perfect sense."
"Hey Jake," a familiar voice called from the hallway.
Jacob grunted, but didn't delay his progress forward, "Hermione is in my room."
Embry paused at bedroom door frame still watching Jacob's progress. "You move like an old man."
"Shut up," Jacob grumbled.
"It's just good seeing you up and moving." Embry grinned.
"Good to be moving," Jacob's response was followed by the bathroom door closing.
Once the door clicked shut, Embry looked into the bedroom at the two healers, "Hey."
"Good evening," Carlisle greeted.
Hermione gave him a smile and then straightened as a thought came to her. "Do you know where the clean linens are kept?"
"The what?" Embry asked. Only the witch hadn't waited for an answer and began stripping the bed. "Oh, you mean sheets."
Carlisle took the soiled bedding out of the room. Hermione opened the windows before she threw a number of cleaning charms around the room while she awaited Embry's return with the sheets. She heard his footsteps before she saw him and gave him a questioning look. Embry grinned sheepishly, "My mom complains that I keep sneaking up on her and scaring her half to death. I sort of learned to stomp a bit when I'm around anyone non-pack."
"Rather considerate of you," Hermione chuckled and then with a swish of her wand, she had the clean sheets from his arms onto the bed.
"I could have done that." Embry stated.
"I'm too tired to argue," Hermione sat in the only chair in the room and motioned Embry inside.
The boy gave her a lopsided grin and got busy throwing the blanket and pillows onto the bed. Carlisle entered the room and watched her quietly before he asked the teen, "How are you feeling, Embry? Any lingering soreness?"
"Nah," Embry sat on the bed and faced them. "You patched me up just fine, Dr. Cullen."
"Excellent. Hermione, it's time for me to go. Will you be staying another night?"
"I'm not sure yet. I can just pop over if not. You don't have to worry about me." Hermione smiled tiredly at the adopted father of her cousin.
"Or I can drive her home," Embry offered.
"Okay," Carlisle gave a nod to the pair, "I'll see myself out then."
"Good night, Carlisle." Hermione sighed tiredly and rubbed at her eyes.
"You probably should have left with him," Embry stated before adding, "but I'm glad you didn't."
"Embry," Hermione started and the boy was off the bed and kneeling beside her in a flash.
The shapeshifter held her hand in one of his while the other brushed her hair back from her eyes, "I wish you'd let me take care of you."
"I'm the healer."
"And I'm your friend. Friends help each other out."
"So I've been told. Truth is," Hermione admitted. "I wouldn't mind some tea."
"I can do that."
"And keep an ear out for Jacob?"
Embry chuckled. "You got it."
The boys had returned from hunting. Jasper had taken the time to bathe and put on fresh clothing before looking for his woman. He found her curled up on the couch, with her arms wrapped around her legs looking… vulnerable. "What's wrong?"
Alice looked up at her mate and shook her head in frustration. "I can't See."
"Maybe she hasn't decided yet." The prospect of Hermione leaving had been weighing heavily on Alice. She had grown rather fond of her cousin. They all had… Rosalie even stopped snarling at her. Jasper took a seat beside Alice and she curled into this side when he wrapped an arm around her to offer comfort. "Or it's because one of the wolves is mucking things up for you."
Edward spoke from the doorway, "It's Embry."
The couple looked up at him. Alice frowned in confusion. "What?"
"Embry Call. He imprinted on Hermione."
By the time Embry made it back to the bedroom with the cup of tea both Jacob and Hermione were sound asleep. Jacob was sprawled out on his bed and Hermione was curled up in the chair.
Embry set the tea down on the side table, grabbed an extra blanket and draped it over the witch. He then softly brushed her hair from her face before gently kissing her forehead. His voice was rough and full of need, "Stay with me."
AN: Sorry for the shortness of the chapter. It's what they wanted. Apparently everything they needed me to say is there. *waving a hand at the above text*
