"No," she said at last.
"No, what?" Gabriel asked in a growl. The edge reappeared.
"You heard me."
"Deidre, I'm offering my expertise to assist you," Andre said. His tone was calm. The Immortal sat at the nearest end of the neighboring couch while Gabriel remained standing opposite her on the other side of the ottoman.
"I'm not interested in your help," she said. "Your father did everything he could. There's nothing else I'm willing to try."
Andre's eyebrows both shot up this time. His brilliant gaze turned to Gabriel, who shook his head. She was missing something again. Another secret. Every time she learned a new one, her life went to shit.
"Then perhaps you'll agree to let me try for my own edification?" Andre's words were accompanied by a smile.
The air around her grew heavy again. She felt confused, suddenly unable to recall why this request was objectionable.
"I guess," she murmured.
"Sit forward."
She unfolded her legs and sat on the edge of the chair. Andre perched likewise on the sofa and reached out, placing the cool tips of his fingers on her temples.
"Close your eyes," he instructed.
Deidre did. The coolness of his touch turned to gentle electric currents that worked their paths through her skull. She shivered at the tingling massage traveling across her scalp and into her brain. His examination didn't last long, and the sensations faded. She opened her eyes when the light pressure of his fingers left her face.
Andre gazed at her, quiet and thoughtful. His head tilted to the side, and she assessed that he and Gabriel were speaking mentally.
"Happy?" she asked and eased away. She folded her legs beneath her once more on the chair.
Gabriel rubbed the back of his head and paced towards the windows.
"Now you'll go away, and leave me in peace," she said.
His eyes flickered to her, his response clear on his face. She sighed and rose.
"Let yourselves out." Deidre returned to the kitchen and placed her wineglass in the sink.
"I'm working on curing you," Gabriel said.
"Good luck. If the Ancient Immortal surgeon I had for years couldn't do it with modern science and magic, and Death doesn't know the answer, then I'm assuming it's not gonna happen. I want to enjoy the rest of what I have, Gabriel."
"If there was a way, and I knew it, would you listen to me?" he asked as he approached the kitchen.
"Depends. Are we talking a five percent chance of success or a ninety nine?" she returned. "Because I've been through everything in between. It takes a lot to prepare yourself to die, Gabriel, which you of all people should appreciate."