Empath (Book 1 of The Empath Trilogy)

  Ch. 53

  I woke up in the hospital, an IV was in my arm, and I could tell they had doped me up because nothing hurt. I would have to kiss my nurse for that. I could hear voices outside the room and recognized James’ voice speaking with someone else. Trying to see out the door, I shifted.

  There was no stopping the scream that erupted from my mouth. The pain in my side was incredible. Seconds after I screamed, I saw James and my doctor. That must have been who he was talking to outside. My eyes remained on James’ face the entire time I listened to the doctor. He said something about a nicked artery, transfusion, dislocated something and concussion. He also mentioned some older cracked skull bones and jaw that were recent, but fully healed. James said something about a hiking accident and I mumbled in agreement. I just wanted the doctor to leave.

  Finally he did and James reached to hold my hand. Smiling weakly at him, I tried to match the gesture and failed. He picked mine up. “You came for me.” It sounded thick coming from my dry throat. Looking around, James found a glass of water with a straw and held it for me while I took a small sip. I waited a moment while I decided if that one would stay down, when it appeared it would indeed, I took a longer one.

  “I was nearly too late. I’ve failed in my oath again,” he whispered, his voice so hoarse that I could barely hear him.

  Blinking slowly, I gave a small headshake. “Some things are beyond your control James.” Then, for his benefit, I changed the subject. “How did you find me? Did it work?” I knew he would understand what I meant.

  He nodded, his face lighting, “It was much clearer this time.”

  I was proud of myself. “Did you hear both times?”

  He looked confused. “Both?”

  Crinkling my brow, I clarified, “Yes, the first time I told you you had to eat something.”

  His mouth formed a little “o.” “That was you telling me to feed? I was unable to think of anything but feeding; I was frustrated that I was thinking of my comfort while you were missing.” His faced tightened. “That was smart, the address. How did you get it?”

  I told him about the letter from the desk. “What happened? I’m a little foggy but trying to put it all together.” I watched his face as he told me. He took a deep breath and his eyes turned inward as he remembered.

  “The Andrews, Henry and I left immediately when we got the address that you gave me. While we were in transit, Henry received a call from Bradley asking us all to come discuss Court business that night. In our society, we are compelled to hear all Court business on neutral ground. It isn’t an option to decline. It is their way of passing their messages along.” His eyes clouded. “While Henry was on the phone, I felt you with me and I heard you tell me we were going to die.”

  He stopped when I gasped at that last. “Are you in pain?” He asked, looking around at my IV to see that it was still dripping its numbing agent into my vein.

  Shaking my head, I spoke quietly. “I thought I was dreaming of you driving on a country road. I was imagining you one last time and I said good-bye. I was mad I couldn’t warn you about his trap. I thought I’d failed you.”

  Speaking was difficult for him, his emotions were threatening to get the better of him. “When we got to the farm where they were holed up we found some new recruits. I’m guessing they were the ones we were waiting for, providing our information about military training was true. The two males we found there were very proficient fighters. The cats took them out while Henry and I got past the guard and some others.” I heard his growl at the memory. “We had surprise on our side thanks to you and took care of them quickly. Inside the barn was a bit more confusing. Bradley had been there with a human; we could smell them but they had gone by the time we arrived.”

  I sucked air in quickly through my teeth at the mention of Bradley’s secret weapon, the one that was capable of turning Henry on James.

  He touched my face and whispered roughly. “Did he do this to you?”

  “No, it was Gina.”

  “Then I am glad to tell you she won’t bother you again.” James’ expression darkened in confusion as he continued, “I don’t understand why he had a human with him. He hates humans. Did you hear anything?”

  “The boy is like us, he can do things others can’t. He can manipulate your kind.” I saw his shock. “They used him to turn William’s coven against each other in Milwaukee and Bradley executed the last one standing. They were going to do the same thing to you. The boy’s talent doesn’t affect others with abilities, so it wouldn’t have worked on you but he was going to turn Henry against you and watch you kill each other.” I was grateful for the mind numbing effects of the drugs, it made it easier to talk about James dying.

  So much had happened; it was too much to absorb all at once. I didn’t know I was crying until I felt him wipe my cheek with his thumb. His touching me broke what little control I had of myself and my shoulders shook painfully as I let go of the pain and fear I’d been holding onto for the past twenty-four hours. James slid his hands into my bed to pick me up and move me over so smoothly, I didn’t feel any discomfort with the shifting this time. He lay next to me and I put my head against his chest. We stayed like that for a long time until I was cried out. At one point I heard someone approach, tell him visiting hours were over, and felt the rumble of his harsh response followed by a quick retreat of feet.

  It was a while before I thought of my parents. “Do my parents know I’m here?” I didn’t want them to worry, plus how would I explain what had happened?

  “With you being an adult they don’t need to contact your parents. I was able to convince your doctors to speak to me until you regained consciousness.”

  “Thanks for thinking of that, I don’t want them to know I’m in here.” Pulling back to see his face, I added, “I like you telling people we’re together. Did I ever tell you that when Beth stopped by the house and saw us I knew she was going to spread it at the office? Secretly, I was glad because I wanted people to know. About us.”

  He was mockingly serious. “You have created quite a stir at the office with your scantily clad appearance at my door. I hear a few of the male interns have volunteered to deliver my packages next time I can’t make it in.” He nuzzled my ear as he added, “I hope you’ll do it again soon.”

  “I’d love to.” I raised my head. He knew what I wanted and kissed me gently.