Twelve Days of Xanthus (8 page)

“I’ve done everything I could for him. I cleaned up his wounds, stitched him up, and gave him a sedative. I don’t know how he’ll react to the medicine, but for now he’s stable.”

“What can I do?”

“Keep his wounds cleaned, and his bandages fresh. I’m going to leave you some directions for the meds he’ll need.”

She nodded.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay here alone with him? Why don’t we get one of the boys up here?”

“No, Davin, you promised not to say anything. I only told you because I had to.”

“He’s a freaking alien.”

“Yes, one who risked his life to save mine. I’ve been alone with him for the past week and I’m no worse for wear.”

Davin narrowed his eyes.

“You love him, don’t you?”

“Yes, damn it!”

“Come here, Vi.”

Davin pulled her into a hug and she relished in the strength and comfort he provided.

“It’s going to be okay. Call me if there’s any change, and I’ll stop by daily. Are you sure you don’t want me to stay? I’ll call in to work.”

“No.” She shook her head. When Xan came to, they had a lot to discuss. The last thing they needed was an audience.

“Stubborn.”

“Aren’t all the O’Shea’s?”

“So true.” She let out a strained laugh.

Davin placed the duffle bag onto his shoulder and frowned.

“All right, I hate to do this, but I need to get out of here so I can get some rest before I head into my office.”

She grabbed his hand and gave a soft squeeze.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Remember if you need anything, call me.”

“I will.”

§ § §

Days drifted by and Xan remained unresponsive though his wounds healed. Davin came by every day after his shift at the hospital. He’d told her more than once, healing with no sign of a sickness was a good thing but the words did nothing to reassure her.

Violet was seated at the kitchen table when she heard the moan. Up from her chair in a flash, she ran to the guest room Xan occupied. She swung open the door and cried out in joy.

“Thank God!” Violet rushed over, sat beside him on the bed, and leaned down to look into his eyes. She stroked his hair away from his face and placed her lips on his for one brief moment.

“I thought I’d lost you.”

He managed a rakish grin.

“Never. What happened? Did you do this?” His hand shook as he lifted it and gesture toward his body and the fluid IV Davin had set up.

“My brother Davin is a doctor. I called him after Kala left. He’s been coming by to check on you.”

“I am in his debt.”

“We both are. How do you feel?”

“Good. My body went into a sort of hibernation. It’s how we heal ourselves from fatal injuries.”

“When I thought you weren’t going to make it all I could think about was the time we lost together, and the fact that I never got to tell you…I love you.”

Xan’s eyes grew round as saucers.

Violet placed a finger on his lips.

“Now, I don’t want you to feel you have to say it back. I just needed to be sure you knew.”

“I have come to love you, too, Violet.”

His words washed over her like a balm, soothing all past hurts and restoring faith.

“I’ve waited thirty-five years to find you, but to be fair you did have a long way to travel.”

Happiness enveloped the couple as they basked in the bliss of being together. There would be challenges and misunderstandings in the future. But after the storm they’d weathered together, each was confident they could overcome anything. As the sun set in the horizon Violet made her way out on the porch and gave thanks to the Northern Lights who’d granted her wish.

About the Author

Shyla Colt lives in southern California with her marine husband and two tiny tots. When she’s not teaching ABC’s, running errands, or heading to the park she writes full time and works a job in the publishing industry. As you can tell, she thinks sleep is over-rated. Her goal is to bring you erotic romance full of characters that feel real, plots that make you think, and happily ever after endings that show you the true power of love.

Trademarks Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Walmart: Walmart Stores, Inc.

Sanctuary: Sanctuary 1 Productions