Colin’s heart pulsed the moment the sun dipped below the horizon. Juliana. His last thought as his final breath left his body and his first as he awakened. He dressed quickly and covered the miles to the hospital in a matter of seconds.
He could feed later.
“I am here to see Juliana Duffy.”
The woman at the front desk met his eyes. “Are you a family member?”
He mesmerized her, pushing his will with his words. “I need her room number. Now.”
“Of course.” She typed into her keyboard and smiled up at him. “Room 445. The elevators are on the left.”
He nodded and headed upstairs. Outside the room, he took a breath, steadying himself. When he opened the door, his chest tightened. Juliana lay on the bed, motionless, with a clear mask over her nose and mouth.
He pulled a chair beside her. As he began to sit, he noticed another woman curled up on the recliner in the corner, asleep. She had similar features to Juliana with some gray in her hair. Her mother?
Colin took Juliana’s hand, lifting it to his lips. Can you hear me?
His pulse pounded in his ears as his heart sank.
“They’ve got her sedated.”
He snapped his attention toward the voice. Now that the woman was awake, there was no denying this was Juliana’s mother.
“You must be Colin.”
He nodded slowly, offering his hand. “Aye.”
She took his hand. “I’m Moira Duffy. Bartley tells me you saved my girl from the ocean.”
Bartley. He must’ve let her know Juliana was in the hospital when Colin stumbled into the farm just before daybreak.
He sat back down, taking Juliana’s hand. “I got her out of the water and here to the hospital, but I hope I wasn’t too late.”
Moira rubbed Juliana’s calf through the blankets. “My girl is made of tough Irish stock.” Her voice hitched, revealing her worry, but she kept her gentle smile firmly in place. “They say she’s got pneumonia in both lungs so best to keep her sleepin’ until the antibiotics do their work.”
“Has she been awake at all?”
“Not yet.” Her mother shook her head and wiped her nose. “But she will. I know it.”
He looked at Juliana’s sleeping face, praying he’d gotten to her soon enough.
Moira sat down again. Her gaze weighed on his shoulders, but he didn’t spare a glance. All his focus remained on Juliana.
“Were you two datin’? Bartley said you were her boyfriend.”
Colin almost smiled. He never imagined anyone would use that word to refer to him. Ever. He didn’t respond, just held Juliana’s hand.
Moira leaned forward in her chair. “Do ya love her?”
He met her gaze across the room with a nod. “With all my heart.”
Tears welled in her mother’s tired eyes. “Good. She deserves no less.”
The next two nights were the longest he could ever recall. Bartley came by, usually walking Moira to the cafeteria to make sure she ate. Colin half listened while Moira told stories about Juliana, but his attention was on his angel, wishing he heard her voice in his mind.
“Did she ever tell you about her dreams?”
He glanced up at Moira as she came into the room. “For the future?”
“No.” She sat down. “Of the future.”
He shook his head slowly. “Are you saying Juliana is psychic?”
Moira opened an envelope and pulled out a silver chain with a Celtic triquetra pendant.
Colin straightened. “Juliana’s necklace.”
She nodded, running her finger over the pendant as it rested in her palm. “It was my mother’s. She believed all the old stories about souls being connected, our lives like threads. After the bombing, Juliana crossed over for a few minutes.”
“She died?”
“Briefly.” Moira wiped a tear. “When they revived her, she couldn’t hear, but she came back with a gift from the other side. From her grandmother.”
“Your mother was psychic?”
“Not in the way most people think. Visions came to her in dreams, connections between people.” She held up the Celtic triangle. The light caught the three points. “She passed away the year before the bombing. She left this necklace to Juliana.”
“And you believe she sent Juliana back with her gift of prophecy?”
“I don’t believe, I know.” She crossed the room and placed the necklace in his hand. “I hope my mother has the power to send her back again.”
The door closed behind her, and Colin put the pendant in Juliana’s palm, closing her fingers around it. I miss you. He kissed her forehead. Take as many nights as you need. I will be right here waiting for you to find your way back to us.
He sat down and rested his forehead against her hand.
Colin?
Her voice was weak in his mind. He lifted his head, staring at her face. She didn’t move.
I’m here. He stroked his thumb over her knuckles. You had me worried.
Tell me what it’s like to fly.
His lips curved into a slight smile. You remember.
I’m running out of fight.
He sobered, threading his fingers with hers. The drugs are talking now. You are healing.
Not this time. She gave his hand a weak squeeze. I can’t find my way back.
No. His eyes welled with tears. I won’t let you go.
I don’t think you get a say in this. A smile colored her words somehow, and a dam of emotion broke inside of him. This wasn’t right. She had saved him, repaired his broken spirit. He’d flown for her. He couldn’t lose her now.
I should have told you everything. I thought I had more time. Please, angel, don’t go. Let me heal you.
How? her voice whispered into his mind.
I can give you my blood. Your body will be reborn immortal. He kissed her hand, praying she would agree. You will live only at night, and the blood of the living will sustain you.
A vampire.
No. He ground his teeth, struggling to remain calm. She had to make this decision. He could not make it for her. You would be a Night Walker, a protector of the mortal world. Your soul will connect with the animal spirit within you.
Can’t be real… Her tone was breathy, weak. Will I fly?
Hi kissed her forehead. I don’t know. We’ll discover that together. After you’re changed.
Will I be able to hear again?
Probably not. He clenched his fist, wishing there was some way he could grant her wish. You will be stronger, but my blood will not change who you are now. Pausing, he added, But you would be able to hear the thoughts of others around you. Not hearing in the same way you once did, but as you and I are talking now.
She didn’t answer. He held his breath.
The door opened behind him. Moira entered, a sob choking her throat. He turned. “What is it? What happened?”
She gulped in air. “Juliana’s not responding to the antibiotics. Her lungs are filling with fluid. They’re trying, but they told me she may not last the week.” Her dark eyes met his. Pain lined her features. “What have I done to deserve losing everyone I have ever loved? Am I cursed?”
He got up and embraced her, whispering into her hair. “The doctors are wrong. You will not lose her. She is fighting. I know she is.”
She wept on his shoulder while he watched Juliana’s ashen face.
There wasn’t much time left.