Dr. Wolf, the Fae Rift Series Book 2- Demon Spiral (17 page)

***

Aleric’s forehead rested on the soft sheet. It felt cool and comfortable. His shoulder ached, but the sling and the pain medication he was on made it bearable. He listened to the monitors. At least with the time he had spent at Edge City Hospital, he was beginning to understand what the numbers meant, and they were steadily getting better.

The sound of a breath catching made him lift his head. He met Lilian’s surprised gaze. Dr. Worthen’s daughter looked nearly recovered, especially considering how close to death she had been before Dartan administered the final antidote. Aleric felt the appropriateness of the fact that the last goblin he had caught after Pravus fell from the building was the one that had been her cure.

“Where am I?” she asked, her voice weak.

“In the hospital,” Aleric told her. “But you’re recovering just fine.” He sat back gingerly in the chair he had pulled to the side of the bed.

“I know I’m in the hospital,” she replied. “But what floor?”

“You’re in the Emergency Room,” Aleric answered.

Her eyebrows pulled together, forming a little furrow between them. “Where’s my dad?”

“He wanted to be here, but a patient came in that needed immediate surgery. He asked me to watch over you until he was done.”

“Do I know you?” Lilian asked.

The way she watched him made Aleric feel light-headed. He wanted to smile reassuringly, but was worried he would come across looking like a rabid werewolf. He went with a half-smile that definitely wasn’t as heartwarming as he had hoped.

“Wait, I remember,” Lilian said. Her gaze lightened. “You’re the janitor that asked me about the bite on my arm.”

Aleric felt as though some of the air had been knocked out of him. She remembered him. He forced a smile. “That’s right.”

“Why did my father send a janitor to keep an eye on me?” she asked, puzzled. “And what happened to you? Did you lose a fight?”

Aleric realized how bad he must look. He fumbled with his words as he never did when he was speaking to anyone else but her. “Well, uh, h-he was afraid to leave you, and—”

“Lilian!” Dr. Worthen exclaimed.

“Dad!” Lilian replied.

The doctor rushed to her side and gave her a gentle hug.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, his tone fatherly and so filled with love tears trickled down his cheeks.

Aleric rose and pushed his chair carefully to the side.

“I’m alright, Dad,” she reassured him. She sat back and saw the tears. “Oh, Dad,” she said. She wiped them away with her fingers as tears filled her own eyes. “You’re going to get me started.”

“I don’t care,” he told his daughter. “I’m just so glad you’re alright.”

Aleric made his way quietly to the door.

“I’m feeling much better,” Lilian replied. “Though I don’t remember much of what happened.”

“It was a goblin that bit you,” Aleric heard the doctor tell Lilian as he made his way through the door. “If it wasn’t for Dr. Wolf, you would have died for sure.”

“Who’s Dr. Wolf?” Lilian asked.

Aleric walked down the hall feeling torn. There was no way she should remember him. They had only spoken for a brief moment. The fact that she remembered the janitor from the hallway should have been enough. Yet his werewolf side longed for her to smile at him and tease him as she had.

He knew his feelings were far past where they should have been, but like Archdemon Pravus had said, a werewolf’s heart was a strange thing. There was no telling who would catch it, and once they did, it was nearly impossible to forget them. As it was, he had to fight back the urge to go check on her again.

“Dr. Wolf!”

Aleric was grateful Gregory’s shout tore him away from his frustrating musings. He looked up to see the orderly sprinting down the hallway.

“Careful,” Aleric warned him. “Nurse Talia will scold you for running.”

Gregory ignored his remark. “Dr. Wolf! There’s a patient with a problem!”

“What is it?” Aleric asked with a hint of humor. All of the patients had problems, otherwise they wouldn’t be patients.

“He’s frothing at the mouth and biting people. He keeps repeating something about a horseman.”

Aleric stared at Gregory for a second, then took off running. Each step pounded through his shoulder, but he didn’t care. He skidded around the corner and stopped at the sight of the human in the middle of the main E.R. area. Nurses and orderlies surrounded him. The man’s eyes were white as though his pupils were covered with film. His movements were jerky and he looked from left to right without focusing on anyone.

“Horseman. H-h-horseman,” the man groaned.

Froth dripped from his mouth to the floor in great purple glops.

“Let’s get you to a bed,” Nurse Eastwick suggested.

“Don’t touch him!” Aleric shouted.

Everyone stared at the werewolf.

“What’s wrong with him?” Nurse Eastwick asked.

“He’s seen the First Horseman,” Aleric replied. “He’s got the plague!”

About the Author

Cheree Alsop is an award-winning, best-selling author who has published over 35 books, including two series through Stonehouse Ink. She is the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts and giving much appreciated critiques. Cheree works as a fulltime author and mother, which is more play than work! She enjoys reading, traveling to tropical beaches, riding motorcycles, spending time with her wonderful children, and going on family adventures while planning her next book.

Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great quests, and never stop dreaming.

Look for Dr. Wolf, the Fae Rift Series, Book 3- The Four Horsemen. It will be available August 2016.

To be added to Cheree’s email list for notification of book releases, please send her an email to
[email protected]

You can find Cheree’s other books at
www.chereealsop.com

If you enjoyed this book, please review it so that others will be able to share in the adventure!

REVIEWS

The Girl from the Stars Series

This is my favorite Cheree Alsop book now! Her best yet! I loved it. So many twists and turns, great characters, excitement and hints of romance. I can't wait for the next one in the series.

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Fantastic book! Cheree's ability to write an amazing character that you not only sympathize with but also grow to care for, is one of the fabulous writing abilities that she lends to every story. This story line was full of epic twists and wry humor that had me engaged the entire way through. All in all a fun enjoyable read.

—akgodwin, Amazon Reviewer

This was one of the best books I have read in a while. Sci-fyi, adventure, thriller... could not put the book away. I already bought the second book in the series, and hope the third will come out soon.

—Kindle Customer

The main character, Liora, is a very mixed up but emerging person who is a genetic mutt! Half of her DNA is totally violence oriented whilst the other half is straight human, which is to say violent when necessary but basically well rounded. In the beginning she was a slave in a circus and had never known anyone she could trust or care for, and even when she is rescued from that hell she has a hard time adjusting to the idea that she can fit in anywhere. The action is frequent and well written and over time she keeps trying to both find reasons to fit in and reasons to strike out on her own. This is not resolved in the first book, and makes you want to read more. I like the series a lot and hope the writer keeps them coming.

—Sam, Amazon Reviewer

The Silver Series

“Cheree Alsop has written
Silver
for the YA reader who enjoys both werewolves and coming-of-age tales. Although I don’t fall into this demographic, I still found it an entertaining read on a long plane trip! The author has put a great deal of thought into balancing a tale that could apply to any teen (death of a parent, new school, trying to find one’s place in the world) with the added spice of a youngster dealing with being exceptionally different from those around him, and knowing that puts him in danger.”

—Robin Hobb, author of the Farseer Trilogy

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—Valerie McGilvrey

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The Werewolf Academy Series

If you love werewolves, paranormal, and looking for a book like House of Night or Vampire Academy this is it! YA for sure.

—Reviewer for Sweets Books

I got this book from a giveaway, and it's one of the coolest books I have ever read. If you love Hogwarts, and Vampire Academy, or basically anything that has got to do with supernatural people studying, this is the book for you.

—Maryam Dinzly

This series is truly a work of art, sucked in immediately and permanently. The first line and you are in the book. Cheree Alsop is a gifted writer, all of her books are my complete favorites!! This series has to be my absolute favorite, Alex is truly a wonderful character who I so wish was real so I can meet him and thank him. Once you pick this book up you won't put it down till it's finished. A must read!!!!!

—BookWolf Brianna

Listed with Silver Moon as the top most emotional of Cheree's books, I loved Instinct for its raw truth about the pain, the heartbreak, and the guilt that Alex fights.

—Loren Weaver

Great story. Loaded with adventure at every turn. Can't wait till the next book. Very enjoyable, light reading. I would recommend to all young and old readers.

—Sharon Klein

The Galdoni Series

“This is absolutely one of the best books I have ever read in my life! I loved the characters and their personalities, the storyline and the way it was written. The bravery, courage and sacrifice that Kale showed was amazing and had me scolding myself to get a grip and stop crying! This book had adventure, romance and comedy all rolled into one terrific book I LOVED the lesson in this book, the struggles that the characters had to go through (especially the forbidden love)...I couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to live among such strangely beautiful creatures that acted, at times, more caring and compassionate than the humans. Overall, I loved this book...I recommend it to ANYONE who fancies great books.”

—iBook Reviewer

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—Coralee2, Reviewer

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The Monster Asylum Series

What a rollercoaster, wow!! I never ever cried when reading a vampire book, but I did this time. I must say it's the best vampire book I've read since ever. One of the best books ever read so far.

—Conny, Goodreads Reviewer

I downloaded this book because of Cheree, I love her imagination. This one is so much fun to read,once I started I couldn't put it down. And now I believe not all Monsters are bad!! Looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks Cheree

—Doughgirl61, Amazon Reviewer

Keeper of the Wolves

“This is without a doubt the VERY BEST paranormal romance/adventure I have ever read and I’ve been reading these types of books for over 45 years. Excellent plot, wonderful protagonists—even the evil villains were great. I read this in one sitting on a Saturday morning when there were so many other things I should have been doing. I COULD NOT put it down! I also appreciated the author’s research and insights into the behavior of wolf packs. I will CERTAINLY read more by this author and put her on my ‘favorites’ list.”

—N. Darisse

“This is a novel that will emotionally cripple you. Be sure to keep a box of tissues by your side. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will fall in love with Keeper. If you loved
Black Beauty
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Keeper of the Wolves
as an adult. Put this on your ‘must read’ list.”

—Fortune Ringquist

“Cheree Alsop mastered the mind of a wolf and wrote the most amazing story I’ve read this year. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading. Personal needs no longer existed. I turned the last page with tears streaming down my face.”

—Rachel Andersen, Amazon Reviewer

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Thief Prince

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The Shadows Series

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—Sara Phillip, Book Reviewer

“This is the best book I have ever had the pleasure of reading. . . It literally has everything, drama, action, fighting, romance, adventure, & suspense. . . Nexa is one of the most incredible female protagonists ever written. . .It literally had me on pins & needles the ENTIRE time. . . I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Please give yourself a wonderful treat & read this book… you will NOT be disappointed!!!”

—Jess- Goodreads Reviewer

“Took my breath away; excitement, adventure and suspense. . . This author has extracted a tender subject and created a supernatural fantasy about seeing beyond the surface of an individual. . . Also the romantic scenes would make a girl swoon. . . The fights between allies and foes and blood lust would attract the male readers. . .The conclusion was so powerful and scary this reader was sitting on the edge of her seat.”

—Susan Mahoney, Book Blogger

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—Malcay- Amazon Reviewer

“The high action tale with the underlying love story that unfolds makes you want to keep reading and not put it down. I can't wait until the next book in the Shadows Series comes out.”

—Karen- Amazon Reviewer

“. . . It’s refreshing to see a female character portrayed without the girly cliches most writers fall into. She is someone I would like to meet in real life, and it is nice to read the first person POV of a character who is so well-round that she is brave, but still has the softer feminine side that defines her character. A definite must read.”

—S. Teppen- Goodreads Reviewer

The Small Town Superhero Series

“A very human superhero- Cheree Alsop has written a great book for youth and adults alike. Kelson, the superhero, is battling his own demons plus bullies in this action packed narrative. Small Town Superhero had me from the first sentence through the end. I felt every sorrow, every pain and the delight of rushing through the dark on a motorcycle. Descriptions in Small Town Superhero are so well written the reader is immersed in the town and lives of its inhabitants.”

—Rachel Andersen, Book Reviewer

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—Karen, Amazon Reviewer