Page 188 of Taken By the Fae

He takes a deep breath in, but before he can release it, a scream tears its way up his throat and past his lips. The sound of his pain fills the room, and he tries to press his lips together to stop it, but he can’t. In the midst of his agony, he’s unable to keep his glamour in place. I find it impossible to look away when his teeth sharpen to points as his eyes glow and his skin takes on a bluish, near-translucent hue. His ears become pointed, poking through his hair, and his fingernails transform into claws. I don’t remember this happening to me, though I was entirely delirious from the pain, so it’s quite possible it did.

Skylar’s face pales, and I clench my jaw hard, wincing at the grip Tristan has on my hand, his razor-sharp claws scratching my skin.

“This is a normal response,” Dr. Collins says, then pushes the rest of the serum into him and pulls the needle out, setting it on the tray before picking up the next one.

Tristan’s screams only get louder.

He’s in agony for almost an hour. I prayed he would black out at some point, but it didn't happen. He’s too damn stubborn.

Once his screams finally turn into grunts and heavy breathing, he slips into unconsciousness.

I press my ear against his chest to make sure he’s still breathing. “What now?” I ask Dr. Collins. “How long before he’s awake?”

“It ranges from person to person,” she says, wheeling the tray away from the table. “He survived the procedure, but it could be another hour before he regains consciousness.”

I push the hair away from his face and brush my hand over his cheek. “Wake up,” I murmur to him, and press my lips to his in a whisper of a kiss. “Please.” I won’t be able to breathe normally until he opens his eyes, until I know for certain it worked and he’s okay.

Another hour later, Skylar and I are pacing the room while the fae who came with us sit on either side of Dr. Collins, making sure she stays put. Tristan still hasn’t stirred. His chest is rising and falling evenly, but he hasn’t opened his eyes.

Skylar sighs. “We should check in at the hotel. I’m sure—”

She’s cut off by a loud gasp. We whip around to find Tristan’s eyes open, blinking rapidly as if the light above hurts.

My heart slams against my chest as I rush to his side, cupping his face in my hands. “Tristan,” I murmur through my tears, relief flooding through me so strongly it nearly brings me to my knees. “I’m here,” I cry, moving one hand to his chest to feel his heart beating steadily against my palm. “You’re okay.” I kiss him deeply, the panic in my chest finally easing when his mouth moves against mine. I pull back reluctantly to allow us both to drag in a breath.

“Holy shit,” Skylar breathes, staring at him in disbelief. “You’re fucking human.”

Tristan goes to chuckle, but winces in pain, and starts coughing. Skylar and I help him into a sitting position, and I rub his back until the coughing stops.

“How do you feel?” Dr. Collins asks, walking over to look at him.

He blinks at her, then says in a low, hoarse voice, “Everything hurts, but I’m alive so I won’t complain.”

I glance over at Skylar. “Think you could help him out with that?”

She nods, pressing her hand against his chest. “Already on it.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Hush,” Skylar cuts him off.

This time when he laughs, it’s lighter, stronger. “Thank you,” he says after she pulls her hand away.

“Take it easy,” she directs. “You’ve never lived as a human.”

Tristan shoots me a wink. “I think I’ll manage.” He swings his legs over the edge of the table, and Skylar and I help him stand. He takes a few steps, testing his strength, and nods. “I’m all right,” he assures me.

Dr. Collins takes a few steps back, glancing nervously between us and Skylar. “I… I did what you asked.”

Tristan tilts his head to the side, flicking a glance at her. “You did. And once Skylar adjusts your memories, you can go home.”

Unbridled panic fills her eyes, as if she forgot that was part of the deal. Dr. Collins whirls around and bolts toward the door we came in through, whimpering desperately when the fae who’d been guarding her move faster, blocking her exit.

Skylar scowls and prowls closer, shaking her head. “You don’t deserve a shred of mercy,” she hisses at her. Dr. Collins’s eyes widen as Skylar grabs her by the throat. “Tristan said he would let you go.” She digs her nails into the doctor’s skin, making her cry out. “I, however, promised no such thing.”

“Sky—” Tristan starts.

It’s too late. Skylar snaps her neck and drops her lifeless body on the floor like it’s nothing. My mouth drops open as I stare at her face, her eyes wide and vacant.

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