Traeger wearily opened her eyes. The pain in her side was, for the moment at least, dulled. The cloudiness in her mind told her the culprit was oxycodeine. Tired of her squirming, Carter had asked her if she needed something to help her sleep. Traeger had given in. It wouldn’t stop the inevitable. Nothing could now. But the painkillers provided a much needed respite from the throb that got worse with every passing hour. The submarine was not at Traeger’s side. Her spot was still warm however and her scent lingered. That, coupled with voices being heard outside told the destroyer that her mate was nearby.