“But … I was supposed to be looking out for her. I was responsible for her. I…”
Georgina grasps hold of Bellona’s chin in the palm of her hand; and, brusquely lifts Bellona’s head up to look her in the eyes…
“You were five; Bellona. Tell me … how is a five-year-old suppose to be responsible for a three-year-old; huh?”
Bellona remains silent; blankly staring into her grandmother’s eyes. Georgina continues…
“Why aren’t you saying anything … what; you can’t answer that? … Of course, you can’t answer that; and, you know why? Because a five-year-old can’t be expected to be responsible for a three-year-old. … It wasn’t you fault; Bellona. Not in the slightest.”
Georgina releases Bellona’s chin; then, glances over in Pomona’s direction, and jocosely teases…
“If it was anybody’s fault; it’s that little one over there’s fault for boldly wandering off. Seriously, Pomona; haven’t you ever heard of that well-known adage ‘curiosity kills the cat’? What; did you think that since you belong to the lupine species … and, not feline … that saying wouldn’t apply to you?”
Georgina’s levity lifts the mood of the room; and, makes Bellona spirits rise. They all laugh.
“Well, Bellona; feeling better, now?”
“Yeah … thanks, Grandma; you’re the best.” Bellona looks over towards Pomona, and smiles. “Pomona excluded; of course.”
Georgina laughs, “Of course … that goes without saying. No one can expect to be better than your Pomona. … And; I’m sure Pomona feels the same way about you.”
The sisters look to one another and lovingly smile; while delivering a quick nod of the head.
“And; now that we’ve determined that Bellona shouldn’t feel guilty about the accident that day … at the risk of sounding callously cold, and only keeping your grandfather’s and my professional-interests in mind … in a way, it was kind of a stroke of luck that Pomona did fall down that ravine, and severely injured herself; or else, we never would have found out about her amazing, accelerated recuperative healing abilities … or; later discover how we could use her blood to heal other severely wounded werewolves.”
“Oh, right…” Pomona interjects, “how’s Harold doing? Was my blood able to help him?”
“He’s still in the operating room … but, with the infusion of your blood, its healing properties were enough to at least keep him alive for now; and, make his body able to under go the surgery. So, yes; your blood has been a big help.
And; that’s what I wanted to talk about with you two. Bellona; do you think you’ll be able to bring Pomona back here tomorrow, so we can draw a couple of more pints of her blood, to administer for a post-operative treatment?”
“I suppose I can…” a sudden look of concern emerges upon her countenance, “but, do you think it’ll be okay to draw another two pints from her so soon; I mean, she just gave two pints already. Is it safe to do that … will she be alright?”
Georgina tenderly takes hold of Bellona’s hand, while giving it a gentle squeeze; and … without a hint uncertainty in her inflection … assures her…
“She’ll be perfectly fine, Bellona; so, relax. From what we know about Pomona’s physiology … thanks to years of extensive research overseen by your grandfather, himself … I can personally guarantee you that within the next few hours, all of her blood will have been replenished.
Trust me; there will be absolutely no risk to Pomona for giving us another two pints, tomorrow … but, I can’t say the same goes for Harold, if he doesn’t receive more of her blood.”
Georgina looks to Pomona…
“I take it you don’t have a problem with coming back tomorrow, to give him some more blood.”
“Of course not; I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
“Good … I knew you’d say that. That’s my granddaughter; always dependable.” She looks to Bellona, and smiles. “Both of them.”
Georgina releases Bellona’s hand; then, goes over and sits behind her desk…
“Also, if possible; I’d like to draw a final two pints of Pomona’s blood the day before you girls head out to California … just to boost Harold’s chances for a full recovery.”
Pomona replies, “Sure thing; Grandma.”
Bellona replies, “No problem … I’ll make sure I get her here, then … and; tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” A sudden look of gravity emerges upon Georgina’s countenance…
“Pomona; always be sure to remember … whatever happens; under no circumstances should you let anyone in the Stratus Pack … or, anyone else for that matter … know about your blood’s ability to increase the healing capabilities of other injured werewolves.
Also; don’t allow them to perform any medical examinations that entail blood work-up details on you, either. If the situation ever arises where you need one done, get in contact with me immediately; and, I’ll arrange to have it taken care of.
We need to keep your condition a secret. Trust me; it’s for your own good.”
Meanwhile … over at the Gamma’s residence…
**Raina’s POV**
It’s only natural for sisters to want to share some of their most deepest, personal secrets among each other; and, even more so when it comes to twin sisters. The problem is; sometimes this act of intimate trust between siblings may possibly cause feelings of emotional distress for those entrusted to retain the secret once it’s shared with them … which I’m currently experiencing myself, now that Rhiana has just revealed to me her latest sexual exploit; and, the manipulative scheme behind it.
And; Terra is just as disturbed over this, as I am…
“For Christ’s sake, Rai; what’s this girl thinking? … Then again; is she even thinking at all?”
I don’t know, Terra; I have no idea what’s going on in Rhi’s mind, anymore.