Sacrifices of the Siren [Sirens and Sailors 6] (Siren Publishing Allure) by Bella Settarra

Her body wracked against his as she tried to hold back the sobs which threatened to overtake her. Blandon wanted to cry too. This is all so unfair! He held her, whispering into her ear, trying to reassure her.
    The door opened a couple of minutes later and Dr. Jay poked his head around it. “Time to go, bro. She needs her rest.”
    Blandon reluctantly loosened his grip. “I’ll come back and see you soon,” he promised as he laid a kiss on her dry lips. “And I’m taking you back home just as soon as you’re well enough, OK?”
    She nodded slowly. Blandon stood up, choking back his own emotions.
    “I’ll see you soon, darlin,’” Farris told her as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.
    “We’ll be back in a day or two. You get plenty of rest, d’ya hear?” Dr. Jay squeezed her hand gently and kissed the top of her head before they all left the room.
    “I can’t just leave her here!” Blandon exclaimed as they strode down the corridor.
    “There’s nothing you could do if you stayed,” Dr. Jay reasoned. “She needs to rest and so do you. Let’s get back and discuss the way forward after a good sleep. Things might look differently then. Besides, that counsellor’s going to try to see her again later so maybe there’ll be some news after that. Dr. Ernaut’s off duty until tonight, but he’s promised to keep me updated.”
    Blandon knew it all made sense but it didn’t make it easier to handle. He felt Farris’s big arm swing around his shoulder as they made their way back to The Refrainian . Once they set sail Blandon sat quietly on one of the bench seats which ran the perimeter of the well. Farris was chatting merrily about his plans to dig irrigation furrows around the crops in the top field, and lay the plastic piping. The soil was dryer there, and this would save them constantly having to water the crops.
    The young sailor’s mind whirled as he sat thinking. Melantho hadn’t been given the choice whether to keep her baby or not. He was sure she would have wanted to keep it if she had been given the option. He made up his mind to find out where the baby—or rather, toddler—was living now and go and see him. Even if he could report back to Mel that her son was doing well and she needn’t worry about him, it might help her somehow. As he planned his next move the waves gently lulled him to sleep.

    * * * *

    Blandon woke to the sound of the engine as Farris manoeuvred the ship into the little harbor at Refrainia. He sat upright, realizing he must have been asleep for a couple of hours. That hadn’t been his intention at all.
    “You OK?” Dr. Jay asked with a smile as he reached for a bag which was under the seat.
    “Yeah, sorry,” Blandon replied with a big stretch.
    “No problem. You obviously needed some sleep.” Dr. Jay took the bag and Farris cut the engine.
    Ademia was waiting for them as they disembarked the massive ship and Farris and the doctor immediately threw their arms around her. She was a very pretty blonde-haired girl with a bright smile and twinkling eyes.
    “How is she?” Ademia’s face was full of concern as she enquired about her friend.
    “She’ll be OK. She’s very down at the moment but she’s got a counsellor going to see her later today so we’ll know more then,” Dr. Jay told her as they walked toward the big house.
    “When will she come home?” Ademia wanted to know.
    “As soon as she’s fit enough,” Farris told her with a smile.
    “Can I go and see her? They’re taking more flowers over tomorrow.” Ademia’s eyes were wide as she looked hopefully at her men.
    “Let’s see how she is tonight,” Dr. Jay replied with a chuckle.
    Ademia spun around and looked at Blandon who was walking slowly behind them. “Are you OK?” she asked him kindly.
    Blandon took a deep breath. “I’m fine.” He managed a smile.
    “I’ve been cooking. Come back with us and have some,” she offered.
    Blandon sighed, suddenly realizing how hungry he was. He nodded