Page 32 of Vexing the Grumpy Orc

“Galan!” I screamed as he stumbled, one hand pressed to his side. Blood seeped between his fingers, black in the moonlight.

Coth recovered quickly, wiping blood from his split lip. “Weak. Just like I always said.”

He advanced again, blade raised. But this time, I was ready.

I thrust my hands forward, channeling every ounce of protective magic I possessed. “Shield of earth and sky, between us rise!”

The barrier materialized between us and Coth, shimmering with power. He slammed into it with a howl of rage, the impact sending him flying backward.He hit the ground hard, the knife skittering from his grip.

“You dare use your filthy magic against me?” he snarled, struggling to his feet.

I ignored the fucker’s charming words, maintaining the shield with one hand while I checked Galan with the other. The wound was deep, blood flowing freely despite the pressure he applied. His face had gone ashen, lips pressed into a tight line against the pain.

“Hannah,” he murmured, swaying slightly. “Don’t let him?—”

“Shh.” I guided him to sit on the porch steps, my heart racing with fear. “Save your strength.”

I reached for my magic, pulling it from deep within. Healing had never been my strength—protective spells were my specialty, not mending flesh—but I had to try.

“Flesh mend, blood bind, pain recede, life find,” I whispered, placing my hand over his. Warmth flowed from my palm, but I could feel the magic struggling to take hold. The bleeding slowed but didn’t stop. Not enough. Nowhere near enough.

“We need to get you to a hospital,” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady.

“No hospitals,” Galan grunted, trying to sit up. “Our healer?—”

“Is too far away,” I snapped, pressing harder on the wound. “You’ll bleed out before we reach Grimstone.”

A crash made me look up. Coth had found a rock and was smashing it against my barrier. Each impactsent painful reverberations through me, weakening the shield. I couldn’t maintain it much longer, not while trying to heal Galan.

“We need to go,” I said, looping Galan’s arm over my shoulder. “Now.”

He nodded grimly, jaw clenched against the pain. Each movement clearly cost him, but he pushed to his feet with my support.

The barrier flickered as we staggered toward my car, each step leaving a dark trail on the ground. Digby circled us protectively, his fur bristling.

Another crash. The barrier wavered, translucent patches appearing where Coth’s attacks had weakened it. I poured more energy into the spell, but it was like trying to patch a dam with my bare hands.

We were halfway to my car when the barrier shattered with a sound like breaking glass. The magical backlash exploded outward, a concussive wave that knocked us all off our feet. I hit the ground hard, Galan’s weight crashing down beside me with a pained grunt.

Through the settling dust, I saw Coth sprawled motionless several yards away.

I didn’t waste time checking if he was alive. I helped Galan to his feet. Struggled the rest of the journey to the door. Shoved him into the passenger seat.

Goddess. Every time I looked, his skin drained of more and more color.

Digby leapt into the back as I slammed the door andran to the driver’s side. I glanced back once as I started the engine. The spot where Coth had lain was empty, only a dark stain marking where he’d fallen.

I floored it toward Silvermist Medical, one hand on the wheel, the other pressed against his wound. Blood soaked through my fingers, warm and sticky. His breathing grew increasingly labored, his massive frame slumping against the door.

“Stay with me,” I demanded, pushing harder against the wound. “Don’t you dare check out on me now.”

His eyes fluttered. “Bossy witch.”

“You haven’t seen bossy yet,” I threatened, relief flooding through me at the weak attempt at humor. “Just wait until you’re better. I’ll show you bossy.”

By the time we screeched to a halt at the emergency entrance, my shirt and hands were soaked with his blood. Galan was barely conscious, his head slumped to one side.

“Help!” I screamed, throwing open my door. “I need help out here now!”

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