by Lisa Kessler
Colin rushed him, knocking Benedict to the ground. The water horse retaliated with a right hook into Colin’s temple. It stunned him for a moment, just long enough for Benedict to wriggle free.
Benedict crouched, circling Colin. Blood trickled down his chin. “It’s your fault she’s gone. I never would have hurt her, but you left me no choice.”
“You will never hurt another woman. I promise you that.”
He laughed. “You do not have the strength to stop me.”
A wet cough. Colin glanced over his shoulder, relief washing over him. That’s it, love. Keep fighting. Breathe.
Benedict ran at him. Colin kept himself between the water horse and Juliana, taking the powerful blow to his midsection. His lungs emptied, aching for air as he shoved Benedict. He pulled in a breath, his fangs lengthening, eyes burning crimson.
“I have more than enough strength to stop you.”
Motioning Colin to come for him, Benedict backed toward the waves. “You fell from the sky, Night Walker. You’re nursing a broken wing.”
“I am still the God of the South, upholder of the mortal world.” With inhuman speed and power, he slammed into Benedict, his right hand cracking through Benedict’s chest and gripping his black heart. Clenching it tight, he growled, “There is much more to me than my left arm.”
Benedict clutched his arm, too weakened to push him away.
He pulled the heart free, tossing it aside. A Night Walker’s death. Would it kill an aughisky? Colin wasn’t sure, but it would slow him down either way.
Benedict gaped, eyes wide as his grip on Colin’s arm loosened and his hands dropped to the wet sand. Colin stumbled back, rushing to Juliana’s side. Her pulse was stronger, her breathing ragged, but she didn’t open her eyes.
Colin scooped her up, careful to brace her head against his right arm. Hang on. Please.
He kissed her forehead and raced down the shoreline. With his weakened left arm, he’d never be able to climb up the cliff and hold on to her at the same time. Normally he’d shift—his large hawk could easily carry a human—but not anymore.
For the first time, that realization didn’t send him spiraling into a bitter pool of self-loathing and rage. He’d find another way. It didn’t make him useless or incapable.
He slowed when he reached the Royal Victoria Hospital. Carrying her through the emergency room doors, he kissed her lips, struggling to keep his emotions in check as the triage team rushed out.
Come back to me, in yaah. Please. He barely noticed his shift to his native Mayan language. I love you, Juliana.
The staff laid her on a gurney, shouting about her blood pressure and heart rate before wheeling her away. Colin stood, lost in the simple weight of his own words.
He loved her. It had taken falling off a cliff and nearly losing her to the water horse for him to recognize love for what it was. And now it might be too late. Breaking out of his mental fog, he rushed down the hallway, careful not to allow himself to move faster than the humans around him.
“You’ll have to wait out here, sir.”
He stopped but kept watching Juliana through the window in the door. They put an oxygen mask on her and connected wires and tubes he didn’t recognize. A nurse came out into the hall, empathy shining in her eyes. “Can you tell me what happened?”
“She was unconscious in the ocean.” He paused, his gaze shifting to the nurse’s face. “You can save her, right?”
“She’s got a knot on her head. We’re stitching that up now, but it’s her lungs we need to watch.” She broke eye contact, jotting some notes on her clipboard. “We will do everything we can.”
But her concerns were loud and clear in her thoughts: brain damage, pneumonia, organ donation.
Colin reached for the woman’s arm. Her eyes met his, and he infused his words with a mental shove. “Her name is Juliana. She cannot hear, so she won’t respond to verbal cues. She’s a fighter. She will survive this. Help her.”
The nurse stared into his eyes and nodded before going back into the room. Colin watched through the window. Helplessness was a foreign emotion. He wanted to swoop in and heal her, but the only way he could help would be to give her his blood. But if he did that, she would be immortal, a Night Walker. And if she had brain damage, there was no guarantee his blood could heal that. The change granted immortality in whatever form you had in that moment you changed. If her mind wasn’t whole, it would be that way forever.
This time, he needed to rely on the mortal doctors working around her.
Outside, the sky lightened. He could feel the pull of sunrise. If he didn’t leave soon, he’d be mistaken for a cadaver in the hallway. Colin rested his forehead against the glass, willing her to open her eyes.
Juliana remained motionless.
He brought his hand to the window, aching to touch her skin. I do not know if you can hear me, but I need you. Keep fighting, angel. Keep fighting.
He forced himself to walk away, wiping a crimson tear from his cheek.
Chapter Ten
Colin’s heart pulsed the moment the sun dipped below the horizon. Juliana. His last thought as his final breath left his body and his first as he awakened. He dressed quickly and covered the miles to the hospital in a matter of seconds.
He could feed later.
“I am here to see Juliana Duffy.”
The woman at the front desk met his eyes. “Are you a family member?”
He mesmerized her, pushing his will with his words. “I need her room number. Now.”
“Of course.” She typed into her keyboard and smiled up at him. “Room 445. The elevators are on the left.”
He nodded and headed upstairs. Outside the room, he took a breath, steadying himself. When he opened the door, his chest tightened. Juliana lay on the bed, motionless, with a clear mask over her nose and mouth.
He pulled a chair beside her. As he began to sit, he noticed another woman curled up on the recliner in the corner, asleep. She had similar features to Juliana with some gray in her hair. Her mother?
Colin took Juliana’s hand, lifting it to his lips. Can you hear me?
His pulse pounded in his ears as his heart sank.
“They’ve got her sedated.”
He snapped his attention toward the voice. Now that the woman was awake, there was no denying this was Juliana’s mother.
“You must be Colin.”
He nodded slowly, offering his hand. “Aye.”
She took his hand. “I’m Moira Duffy. Bartley tells me you saved my girl from the ocean.”
Bartley. He must’ve let her know Juliana was in the hospital when Colin stumbled into the farm just before daybreak.
He sat back down, taking Juliana’s hand. “I got her out of the water and here to the hospital, but I hope I wasn’t too late.”
Moira rubbed Juliana’s calf through the blankets. “My girl is made of tough Irish stock.” Her voice hitched, revealing her worry, but she kept her gentle smile firmly in place. “They say she’s got pneumonia in both lungs so best to keep her sleepin’ until the antibiotics do their work.”
“Has she been awake at all?”
“Not yet.” Her mother shook her head and wiped her nose. “But she will. I know it.”
He looked at Juliana’s sleeping face, praying he’d gotten to her soon enough.
Moira sat down again. Her gaze weighed on his shoulders, but he didn’t spare a glance. All his focus remained on Juliana.
“Were you two datin’? Bartley said you were her boyfriend.”
Colin almost smiled. He never imagined anyone would use that word to refer to him. Ever. He didn’t respond, just held Juliana’s hand.
Moira leaned forward in her chair. “Do ya love her?”
He met her gaze across the room with a nod. “With all my heart.”
Tears welled in her mother’s tired eyes. “Good. She deserves no less.”
The next two nights were the longest he could ever recall. Bartley came by, usuall
y walking Moira to the cafeteria to make sure she ate. Colin half listened while Moira told stories about Juliana, but his attention was on his angel, wishing he heard her voice in his mind.
“Did she ever tell you about her dreams?”
He glanced up at Moira as she came into the room. “For the future?”
“No.” She sat down. “Of the future.”
He shook his head slowly. “Are you saying Juliana is psychic?”
Moira opened an envelope and pulled out a silver chain with a Celtic triquetra pendant.
Colin straightened. “Juliana’s necklace.”
She nodded, running her finger over the pendant as it rested in her palm. “It was my mother’s. She believed all the old stories about souls being connected, our lives like threads. After the bombing, Juliana crossed over for a few minutes.”
“She died?”
“Briefly.” Moira wiped a tear. “When they revived her, she couldn’t hear, but she came back with a gift from the other side. From her grandmother.”
“Your mother was psychic?”
“Not in the way most people think. Visions came to her in dreams, connections between people.” She held up the Celtic triangle. The light caught the three points. “She passed away the year before the bombing. She left this necklace to Juliana.”
“And you believe she sent Juliana back with her gift of prophecy?”
“I don’t believe, I know.” She crossed the room and placed the necklace in his hand. “I hope my mother has the power to send her back again.”
The door closed behind her, and Colin put the pendant in Juliana’s palm, closing her fingers around it. I miss you. He kissed her forehead. Take as many nights as you need. I will be right here waiting for you to find your way back to us.
He sat down and rested his forehead against her hand.
Colin?
Her voice was weak in his mind. He lifted his head, staring at her face. She didn’t move.
I’m here. He stroked his thumb over her knuckles. You had me worried.
Tell me what it’s like to fly.
His lips curved into a slight smile. You remember.
I’m running out of fight.
He sobered, threading his fingers with hers. The drugs are talking now. You are healing.
Not this time. She gave his hand a weak squeeze. I can’t find my way back.
No. His eyes welled with tears. I won’t let you go.
I don’t think you get a say in this. A smile colored her words somehow, and a dam of emotion broke inside of him. This wasn’t right. She had saved him, repaired his broken spirit. He’d flown for her. He couldn’t lose her now.
I should have told you everything. I thought I had more time. Please, angel, don’t go. Let me heal you.
How? her voice whispered into his mind.
I can give you my blood. Your body will be reborn immortal. He kissed her hand, praying she would agree. You will live only at night, and the blood of the living will sustain you.
A vampire.
No. He ground his teeth, struggling to remain calm. She had to make this decision. He could not make it for her. You would be a Night Walker, a protector of the mortal world. Your soul will connect with the animal spirit within you.
Can’t be real… Her tone was breathy, weak. Will I fly?
Hi kissed her forehead. I don’t know. We’ll discover that together. After you’re changed.
Will I be able to hear again?
Probably not. He clenched his fist, wishing there was some way he could grant her wish. You will be stronger, but my blood will not change who you are now. Pausing, he added, But you would be able to hear the thoughts of others around you. Not hearing in the same way you once did, but as you and I are talking now.
She didn’t answer. He held his breath.
The door opened behind him. Moira entered, a sob choking her throat. He turned. “What is it? What happened?”
She gulped in air. “Juliana’s not responding to the antibiotics. Her lungs are filling with fluid. They’re trying, but they told me she may not last the week.” Her dark eyes met his. Pain lined her features. “What have I done to deserve losing everyone I have ever loved? Am I cursed?”
He got up and embraced her, whispering into her hair. “The doctors are wrong. You will not lose her. She is fighting. I know she is.”
She wept on his shoulder while he watched Juliana’s ashen face.
There wasn’t much time left.
Chapter Eleven
With Moira sleeping in the chair across the room, Colin watched the machines beeping around Juliana. Hypnotic balls of light bounced with each beat of her heart, tormenting him with the reality that soon the line would ultimately flatten.
He had to act. With only three hours until sunrise, time was running out. What if she succumbed during the day while he was unable to help her? Was he selfish enough to change her without her consent?
He raked his fingers through his hair. There was no good alternative. He glanced at the door and back at Juliana. He carefully lifted her oxygen mask and placed a tender kiss to her lips.
Juliana. I need to help you.
I’m so tired.
I know, love. You’ll never feel weak again. Let me heal you.
Not here.
His heart missed a beat. She hadn’t refused him.
At Sea Haven. I have a safe place. He just needed her to stay alive long enough for him to get her there.
Colin?
Yes?
Look at me. He glanced at her face, shocked to see her beautiful eyes open. I love you, too.
He grinned. She’d heard him the night he’d brought her to the hospital.
Her eyelids drifted closed again. Benedict?
Dead.
Good. She gave his hand a weak squeeze. I’m ready.
It took him a few minutes to mesmerize her mother and find the attending doctor on duty, but they got Juliana’s discharge paperwork signed. He planted peace in Moira’s mind, the understanding that Juliana experienced a miraculous recovery and would visit her for dinner in two days.
Satisfied, he disconnected all the wires and tubes, wrapped her in the hospital blanket to keep her warm, and lifted her into his arms. Ready?
She didn’t answer. He was running out of time.
He rushed her back to Sea Haven. Claire answered the door in her robe, eyes widening when she recognized his companion. “Is it safe for her to be out of the hospital?”
“The doctors cannot help her.” He met Claire’s gaze. “I can.”
She pressed her lips together and opened the door to the basement. “Whatever you’re plannin’, I hope it works.”
“Me, too.”
Once he was settled below in his private chamber, he laid Juliana on his bed, stretching out beside her. Her breathing was fast, shallow, and her heart fluttered erratically. He kissed her forehead.
Juliana? Are you ready?
His voice was a whisper through the foggy veil between life and death. Exhaustion had her in its clutches, tightening the vise around her chest. Her body ached, cold, no longer a partner with her spirit but an enemy. It would be easy to give in, not to struggle for the next breath.
Juliana. I need you to fight. Just a little more, angel.
Angel. It brought back a warm memory. It felt like ages had passed since she’d lain naked in his arms, no pain, no fear. Only Colin.
I can’t find you.
She caught his scent, his hair tickling her skin as his lips caressed her neck. Suddenly, a sharp pain focused her, yanking her back from the fog to the present. The jolt of discomfort gave way to a pleasure she’d never known. Her entire body warmed, hungry for his touch.
And then Colin was with her. She saw him in her mind. He stood tall on the top of a pyramid in the jungle. Green like her home, but hot, so hot. There were others with him. His brothers. Three of them.
My home with the Mayan people. My people.
It’s beautiful.
>
I’ll take you there someday.
But I’m dying.
Another wave of ecstasy swelled, followed by his deep, throaty voice, growling with desire. Death will never steal you from me, angel.
Something wet dripped onto her lips, her tongue. A moment later, fire surged through her veins. Thirsty. He offered his wrist, blood dripping from a fresh cut. She pulled him closer, each swallow alleviating the exhaustion, the weakness.
Drink deeply, and be strong.
Parched, she took him into her body, his blood banishing the fluid from her lungs, returning her strength. She looked up at him as he withdrew his wrist. His wound healed before her eyes. She reached up to her throat to grasp her pendant and gasped.
Looking for this? The Celtic triangle dangled from his fingers.
Colin helped her fasten it in place. She glanced around his room. In spite of the dim lighting, she had no trouble seeing every detail.
Do you see well in the dark?
He nodded with a smile. It appears Benedict was right about one thing. There is magic in your veins. I have never heard of another human experiencing the heightened Night Walker senses until after their first rising. He brushed a kiss to her cheek, near her ear. If you reach out with your mind you should…
His words faded as she concentrated on the others in his house. The farm was awakening just before sunrise. Bartley’s always late for breakfast. Claire. And then a male voice she recognized. Come and get it, sheep. Hustle before Claire’s chewing my ass about breakfast being cold.
Tears brimmed in her eyes as laughter escaped her throat, a noise she didn’t censure. I hear them. Bartley and Claire. I can’t see their lips, but I hear their thoughts.
Colin smiled down at her. Enjoy it now. Soon it will be so loud I will need to teach you to shield your mind.
After all the years of silence, I love the noise. She pulled him down to her lips, kissing him tenderly. I love you.
I didn’t know what love meant until I met you. He stared into her eyes, his finger sliding along her jawline. I have existed for thousands of years, but you have finally taught me how to live. You gave me my wings when I thought I’d never fly again.
