talking in their sleep, my harsh tone seemed to wake him. He jerked and blinked rapidly. When he looked my way again the darkness had vanished from his eyes, in its place was fear and confusion. “Celeste? What…what happened? When did you get here?”
“Just now.” My eyes narrowed. “You don’t remember?”
He bit his lip and shook his head. Frustration creased his brow.
“No. I’m sorry. Every since I hit my head I keep having these—episodes. I just kind of blackout. The doctor says it has to do with my concussion. It should correct itself with time. Whatever the reason, I hope they go away quick. They’re scary as all hell.” He paused as he took in my tense body language, then his shoulders sagged. “You look freaked. Did I say something bad?”
I forced on my most reassuring smile, despite my utter confusion. For a brief moment Alec had seemed—demonic. Was that really remnants of a concussion, or something much, much worse?
“No,” I lied. “It wasn’t bad.”
He expelled a sigh of relief as his head fell back against his pillow. “Good. I’d hate it if I said or did anything that hurt you.” His hand found mind and he gave it a squeeze.
“I know that.” Without the bother of a segue I asked, “So, what happened to you? Do you remember?” I traced my thumb over the tops of his fingers. All the way internally praying his answer wouldn’t involve anything scaly.
“Nope, not a thing. Just remember waking up here getting a sponge bath from a very man-ish female nurse.”
That transitioned my smile from fake to genuine. Whatever had happened a moment ago had passed. He was my Alec again.
“I’m glad you came,” he murmured. “I’ve missed you.” Gently he gave my hand a tug and pulled me to him. I didn’t hesitate. I perched on the edge of his bed and twined my arms around his neck. My head nestled on his shoulder. A snap from his hospital gown pressed into my cheek, but I didn’t care. I just wanted him to hold me.
Alec nuzzled into my hair and inhaled deeply. He groaned as if I smelled intoxicating. “Your smell isn’t even human.” His voice came out a low rumble. “What are you?”
I ripped myself away from him and stared into glowering eyes the color of midnight. One dramatic leap and my back was up against the door, the knob digging into my spine. “Alec?” I reached behind me and fumbled for the door knob.
Again his face cleared. He shook his head and rubbed his temples as if these flashes were causing him pain. “It happened again, didn’t it? I’m so sorry. They don’t usually happen that close together. I don’t know what’s going on.”
Neither did I. More than I had ever wanted anything in my whole life I wanted this to be a medical condition easily remedied. But if it wasn’t, if what I feared was true…No. I couldn’t even think it. This was Alec. I could never hurt him. And yet, I already had. The only reason he was laying in that bed in the first place was because of me. Whatever was happening to him, it was my fault.
My hand secured around the knob I yanked the door open. “I’m sorry Alec. About everything. But, I have to go.” Because if I stay I may have to kill you.
“Celeste, please wait.” The desperation in his voice was enough to make me glance back. Pain gripped my heart at the tears that had welled in his—once again—crystal blue eyes. Anguish etched his face. He looked so lost. So confused. “Please don’t go. I’m scared. I…I don’t understand what’s happening to me.”
I paused. Indecision tugged me relentlessly in both directions. I closed my eyes and took a step. The door banged shut behind me.
****
About the Author
This is the debut novel for author Stacey Rourke. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. She holds a Bachelors in Business Administration and is currently hard at work on the continuations of The Gryphon series, as well as other literary projects. Visit her at www.staceyrourke.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacey-Rourke/ or on Twitter @Rourkewrites.
Table of Contents
COPYRIGHTS
DEDICATIONS
Acknowledgements
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
EPILOGUE
Table of Contents
COPYRIGHTS
DEDICATIONS
Acknowledgements
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
EPILOGUE
Table of Contents
COPYRIGHTS
DEDICATIONS
Acknowledgements
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
EPILOGUE