he forced himself to stay against me , forced his body to take my beast , but it hurt too much not to struggle . `` setting the joint was bad , but i made it . '' `` you have nothing to fear from them now , '' reassured the badger , leaning close . it hurt too much to open his mouth . `` and i just do n't have anything that- '' i reach out and take her spastic hand , pressing the forefinger of my free hand to her lips . 