Laurann Dohner - Obsidian

Dr. Allison Baker knew what it was like to lose patients. Shed sat next to them and held their hands as death hovered to take them away after their last breaths. It was part of the job and it came with the territory to understand that some battles couldnt be won. It wasnt something a textbook could teach but experience and loss had burned that lesson deep into her soul. It was why shed left the hospital to become a member of the NSO medical staff. They represented hope and new life.

Her gaze flicked over the monitor readings and helplessness settled in. Her patient wasnt improving but he wasnt growing worse either. Limbo sucked. She gripped the cold metal railing that would prevent him rolling out of the clinic bed but it wasnt needed. He didnt move, wouldnt wake, and hours had passed into days. Then weeks.

Eventually months.

The male New Species had really long, silky black hair and it shone from being washed and brushed. Shed tenderly cared for it as if it were her own. Small, thin scars marred handsome, fierce features. His lips were really full and plush.

His nose was a bit wide, a little flat, and his cheekbones jutted out, pronounced. Tape kept his eyes closed but she knew their chocolate-brown color well. Every day she removed it and hoped shed see a response in his pupils. It hadnt happened.

Doc Alli? The gruff male voice startled her.

She glanced over her shoulder at Destiny. He was a big primate Species with pretty brown eyes and really long eyelashes. He stepped into the room and his mouth curved downward.

Whats up?

You shouldnt be in here. You know the rules.

Her focus returned to the man who lay meekly on a bed with tubes and needles attached to him.

He hasnt woken and its driving me crazy. His wounds have healed, hes got brain activity and Ive run every test I can think of on him. So have the other doctors. What am I missing?

He could become conscious and youd be in danger. Destiny moved to her side, his big body only inches away. He could hurt you if that happens. Hell believe hes still at the mercy of Mercile Industries and youre human. Hed consider you the enemy.

I wish he would attack me. Hed be awake then.

He growled softly. The rules state that you arent allowed to enter this room without me or another Species male present. The officer was gone and I scented you down here. Where is Book?

He went to lunch. She hesitated. He locked the door but I know where you keep the key. She shrugged, not bothering to apologize for what shed done. I come in here sometimes when one of the officers takes a meal break. Im always hoping for a change.

He has no will to live.

I wont accept that as the reason. I just dont understand what physical injury Im missing. His body is healed. He should have come out of the coma. I ordered new drugs to try and hopefully they will bring him around.

Destiny remained silent for long seconds. Perhaps we should remove the feeding tube and allow his body to finish what his mind started.

Horrified, she jerked her head around to gape at him. No!

We discussed it. Sorrow filled his eyes. We know so little about him, except he lost his mate.

She died in front of him and he injured himself attempting to end his suffering. He has no reason to fight to survive.

Who discussed stopping intervention?

Everyone. There is no dignity in forcing him to live when his will is not there.

Screw that. Her temper flared. There could be a medical condition that we havent diagnosed yet. We just dont know for sure. She stared at the scarred face that shed grown to care for so deeply. I wont give up on him.

Youre a good female with a kind heart.

Destiny reached out slowly and curled his big, warm hand over one of hers. Youre suffering more than he is. It might be better to allow nature to take course.

Its allow nature to take its course but no damn way. She jerked her hand from beneath his and shook her head.

Her teeth dented her bottom lip while she worried over the decision others could make. She was the patients doctor but she had bosses. The NSO pulled her strings. Theres something Im missing and I just have to figure it out.

I came to bathe his body. I was informed that Field washed his hair this morning. He hesitated. You brushed it out for him.

Yeah. It was tangled. Field is becoming a great nurse but hes not very good at things like that.

Were learning.

Youre doing a great job. She flashed him an encouraging smile.

You need to leave while I bathe him.

Of course. New Species were weird about allowing the opposite sex to see an injured one of their own naked. She understood, respected it, but she was a doctor. Part of her was curious since shed never seen a Species male totally bare from the waist down but she wasnt a voyeur either.

Shed feel perverted if she stayed. Call me if anything changes.

It will not. He lost his mate and he no longer wishes to live.

She turned away from the bed but paused by the door. She studied the Species nurse-in-training. Do you really think thats it?

Yes.

What exactly is involved with a mating?

Maybe thats the answer.

You know as much as I do.

I know that men choose a woman and they are loyal to her once they decide she is it for them. I know they get loud during sex and are extremely protective but what are the physical symptoms?

He hesitated. We scent imprint our females.

So you smell a woman and know shes the one for you?

No. He faced her. Our feelings become involved. We spend a lot of time with them and become addicted to their scent.

You rely heavily on your senses.

Yes.

Allison chewed on her bottom lip again, thinking. A crazy thought came to her. What if we got him interested in a new scent?

What do you mean?

I mean what if he learned a new female scent?

Hes breathing through his nose and hes got to be partially aware since theres brain activity. If he shut down because he lost one woman, maybe hed wake for another one.

Destiny frowned. I dont think it would work.

Her gaze lingered on her patient. Do we really have anything to lose?

Wed have to find a female to spend a lot of time in his room. He shook his head. None of our women would do it. What if it worked and he woke?

Wed get him therapy if his mind is fractured.

Hed at least be talking and alert. We can work with that. Her hand lifted and she waved in the direction of the bed. Right now we cant do anything but keep him alive.

Mating is not just about scent.

When you bathe him does his body respond at all?

I dont understand.

She hesitated, not sure how to broach the subject so just decided to be blunt. Does he get an erection?

Shock widened his dark eyes. No. You are referring to his dick?

Yes. I assume you clean him there and have to touch him. Does he respond to stimuli in that region?

No.

Maybe he knows youre male.

Destiny frowned. I dont fondle him.

She smiled. I didnt think you did.

He wasnt amused.

Whats the worst that could happen if we brought in a woman?

His features hardened. Youd risk him becoming addicted to a females scent and he could attempt to claim her if that were to happen. Our females dont want to be mated. It would be cruel to have him wake for something he cant have.

Hed be awake at least. Alive.

No.

I think Ill run this by Tiger or Justice.