Page 60 of Forever Desired
Even in her dream state she was drawn toward it.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she found herself looking into the concerned eyes of Sorin. He appeared haggard, as if he hadn’t slept in weeks. His clothes were wrinkled, and his hair stood on end, apparently from him running his fingers through it.
“Athena,” he gasped. He stood from the chair next to the bed and settled on the mattress. Taking her hand, he brought it to his lips.
“Where are we?” she asked, looking around. She didn’t recognize the small room. Her voice was strained, and her lips were parched. She tried to lick them, but her tongue was just as dry.
“Here’s some ice water.” He reached out and snagged a glass from the nightstand. He helped her up in a sitting position in the bed.
Taking a huge gulp, she swallowed the refreshing water, trying not to choke on it. It was then her gaze wandered around the room. There was an IV pole with a bag of blood hanging from it. She followed the tubing and found it connected to a line in her arm.
“What is this?” she asked, pointing to the IV pump. She handed the glass back to him.
He set it on the table and turned back to her.
“You were injured and lost a lot of blood.” He took her hand and entwined their fingers. “Do you remember what happened?”
Letting loose a deep breath, she nodded. She remembered being frightened and held against her will by the hunter, Clay Weber. The last thing she recalled was a sharp pain piercing her back.
“How long have I been out?” she asked.
“A few days.”
“A few days!” She flew forward in the bed. Her job, Pam… She was sure everyone would be worried. “I have to call—”
“Settle down. I’ve taken care of everything. You are on vacation from the club. It was approved. I know the owner.” Sorin winked at her.
She relaxed back against the pillows with a sigh.
“Am I a vampire now?” she whispered. She glanced down at her arms and moved her feet that were hidden beneath a blanket.
She didn’t feel any different.
“No. That is regular human blood type O negative running into your veins.” He pressed another kiss to her hand. “The healers should be returning soon.”
“Where are we?” she asked again.
“We are home. Only in the infirmary,” he said.
“Home?”
“We are in the Stronghold, the home of the vampire clan leader.” The corners of his mouth tipped up into a small smile. He blew out a breath and gripped her hand tighter. “There is a lot we need to talk about.”
Vampires live for centuries. Do you think you are the first woman he’s said that to?
Athena’s vision grew blurry. She blinked away tears that threatened to fall.
“Is it true?” she asked.
Sorin gave her a puzzled look. She blew out a deep breath ready to continue. She needed to know if there was some truth to what Clay had been spouting off at the mouth about.
“What Clay was saying. Have you proclaimed other women to be your mate?”
Sorin grew still. A mask slid over his face, leaving her unable to read him. He glanced down at their entwined hands.
“I blame myself for everything,” he began.
She tensed, unsure of where he was going.
