Blood and Madness by Sarah Piper

Author:Sarah Piper [Piper, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Two Gnomes Media

17

ELIAN

Human blood?” Haley’s nose crinkled in a way that made me want to press a kiss between her eyebrows. “Is this a metaphor for something, or have you finally scrambled your brains completely?”

“Warm and salty,” I continued, “the faint taste of iron hitting the back of your throat as it slides down and—”

“Are you trying to make me puke, or just punch you in the face? Because I’m pretty close to doing both right now.” She smacked her lips a few times, scrunching up her face again. “And your blood isn’t much better. God, this is gross. Can I get some water? And can we please not talk about your meal preferences again until I’ve had a sandwich or something? Actually, that reminds me, I could use a sandwich, too.” She snapped her fingers and pointed in the direction of the kitchen. “Near-death experiences really make a bitch hungry.”

“But not for human blood, right? You’re sure?”

“Elian! What is wrong with you?”

I laughed, my chest still so tight with worry it hurt on the way out, but I didn’t care. Sparrow was okay. Perky, demanding, hungry—definitely back to normal.

“Be right back.” I headed out to the kitchen to get her some water and a snack. Jax was pacing before the fireplace. “She’s fine,” I told him. “Mostly healed. All human.”

A grunt was all the response he could muster.

Then he stalked right out the door, probably to go help Hudson track down the traitors.

Best thing he could do right now. For all of us.

Back in the bedroom, I said, “Confession? I kinda thought I’d accidentally turned you into a vampire. Well, Jax thought so, anyway. I was in complete control the entire time. Mostly. Partly.”

“A vampire?” Her eyes widened, and I felt the strain of her muscles as she tried to bolt upright.

“Don’t,” I said softly. “You’re not a vampire, which means you’re not strong enough to murder me, as tempting as the idea may be.”

She narrowed her green eyes. “Well, you healed me, so clearly I’m no longer incapacitated.”

“Clearly.”

“Then why won’t you let me sit up?”

“Maybe I just like having you horizontal in a bed.”

She laughed, but all too soon, it triggered a coughing spasm.

“Breathe, sparrow. Just breathe. You’ve probably still got fluid in your lungs, maybe even blood.” I pressed my hand flat against her sternum and continued stroking her hair, trying to calm her. When she finally caught her breath again, I cradled the back of her head and lifted the glass of water to her lips. “Just a few sips. Go slow.”

She managed to get some of it down, then gestured for the sandwich.

I helped her take a few bites, her color looking better and better with each one.

“Better?” I asked, setting the empty plate on the side table.

“Yeah, except…” Her face scrunched up again. “I need a shower. This is… ugh.”

“Just rest up for now, Haley. Worry about being clean later.”

“My skin feels like it’s crawling. Half of this is gargoyle blood. I want it off. So you can either help me or stand aside, because—wait.

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