Page 89 of Needed in the Night
So instead I put the sheath and dagger on the chair next to me, focused all my will on Isla’s survival, and clasped her cold hands in both of mine.
And there I stayed.
CHAPTER 30
ISLA
My mate sangto me while I slept.
He cooed too, and sometimes he talked as if he knew I was listening. Other voices came and went but his was always nearby, deep and loving and strong. I drew on that strength. His rumble kept me from wandering away so deeply into darkness that I couldn’t find my way back.
Most of all I wanted him to hold me. I didn’t understand why he didn’t. Pain lurked on the edges of my awareness, and sickness, and a strange numbness. My mate reassured me that I was safe and cared for and I could rest. And I did rest, but I was so cold I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be warm.
When he finally wrapped me in his arms and nestled my bare skin against his, it was the most wonderful comfort. The chill in my bones abated and my dreams were much more peaceful.
After a particularly lovely dream of lying on a beach in the sun, warm in Mikas’s arms, I opened my eyes to find myselfheld tightly against hot skin. Our position was so like my dream that it took me a little while to understand that I was awake.
The unfamiliar room in which we lay was dark except for the faint glow from machines behind me that hummed. Even so, I immediately recognized Mikas. His beautiful scaly skin. The scar below his left pectoral muscle. The piercing through his dark green nipple. The beating of his three strong hearts. His chest moving with deep, even breaths. The scent of warm stones that told me I was safe and home.
“Mate,” I whispered.
He went completely still. “Isla?” His voice was ragged.
I pressed my lips to his sternum. “Do you have another one?”
He let out a strangled sound and leaned back so he could see my face. His eyes were shadowed, his cheekbones more prominent, his jaw muscles pronounced, his skin almost sallow.
My stomach lurched. With a shaking hand, I touched his face. “You look terrible.”
He leaned against my palm and closed his eyes. “I did not know if I would ever hear your voice again, and you wake teasing me.” When he opened his eyes, he looked at me as if he wasn’t sure I was real. “Am I dreaming?”
In answer, I pinched his earlobe. He flinched and chuckled, burying his face in my hair. “I am not dreaming, then,” he murmured. “Gods, Isla. You must tell Brae.”
I didn’t sense my shadowbat nearby, so I nestled my head against Mikas’s chest and reached out with my mind.Brae?
A wordless reply seared me with its forcefulness:!!!
I winced.
Isla!Brae’s voice in my head was nearly a screech.You’re awake?
Yes, I’m awake. Mikas is here.
Warmth spilled into me from my shadowbat.I’m out hunting, he said excitedly.I’ll see you as soon as your mate is ready to share your attention.
That made me smile.Thank you. I’ll let you know.
Mikas’s lips traveled to my forehead. “He is happy?”
“Very happy.” I kissed his chest again. “He says he’ll come back when you’re ready to share me.”
His smile turned my insides to warm honey. “He is thoughtful. I will need some time alone with my beautiful mate.” His smile faded. “You have been asleep a long time.”
His nearness soothed me, but my stomach churned. “Where are we? What happened?”
“It is a terrible story.” He rested his forehead on mine. “I do not know how much to tell you now.”
“Whatever it is, I can take it,” I promised, lacing our fingers together. “I’d rather know everything at once so I don’t have to wonder. Not knowing is worse.”
