The Conduit (Gryphon Series) (29 page)

“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 gettin
g 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 lying 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
, and 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

.
The Gryphon Series is written by Michigan native Stacey Rourke. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of this series as well as other literary projects.

Visit her at www.staceyrourke.com

Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacey-Rourke/

or on Twitter @Rourkewrites.

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