Page 94 of Alaska Lights

I wipe the sweat from my forehead with my arm and remember to turn someone to their side when they are seizing. His body won’t stop shaking.

“Oh my god,” I choke, his heart rate slowing. “My mate is going to die.” My legs give out from under me as my soul cracks, feeling our mate bond become weaker. “Oh my god, my mate is going to die.” I cover my mouth with the hand that’s wet with my mate’s blood.

I’m going to be sick.

“I’m here,” I whisper to Leo, wanting him to know he isn’t alone. “I’m with you until the end, Beloved. I’m right here.” I kiss his hands, staring at the man meant for me, knowing I can’t help him.

I can’t save him.

I’m useless. The one thing I’m supposed to be able to do for him, I can’t do.

“What the fuck happened?”

I’m relieved when I hear Lorcan’s voice. Usually, I can’t stand to hear the grating upbeat tone. Right now? I couldn’t be happier.

“Whoa, who the fuck are you?” Glenn sneers.

Lorcan’s onyx sockets glow orange when he glares at Glenn. “I’m here to save the damn day. Stay out of my fucking way.” He shoves Glenn to the side, analyzing Leo. “I need to know everything. Make it quick.”

“We had a fire in the barn, but I realize now it was a distraction. The hunter shot another arrow, and he was aiming at Leo. Why? Why did he do this? Leo is human. Hunters don’t hunt humans, right? And my blood didn’t work. This red foam won’t stop coming out of his mouth or wound. Is it me? Is it my blood?” I run my fingers through my hair, stressed, my sharp claws causing my scalp to bleed.

I don’t care.

“Where is the arrow?” Lorcan demands, staring at us individually with his flaming eyes. “Where is it?!” His monstrous tone deepens, raising to a volume that has the dining room table snapping in half.

I bend down and snag it off the floor, tossing it to him. Lorcan studies the wood, his boney fingers sliding down the body. He sniffs it, hissing, then tosses the arrow into the sink.

“You know how when you got shot, the arrow was filled with silver? Well, this one was filled with bloodroot. It’s dangerous by itself, but given to a vampire’s mate? It can be deadly. Your blood can’t heal him with bloodroot in his system. This is how hunters get you weak. They take what you love first, knowing it will slow you down. It makes you an easier kill. When the bloodroot and your blood mix, this happens. He only has a few minutes left.”

I grip Lorcan by the throat and slam him against the wall, uncaring if he sees my wet eyes, the pain hidden within them; the desperation painted on my face.

“Tell me how to save him,” I order. “Or I swear, I will fucking kill you.”

In the midst of my rage, his face softens, the boney structure relaxing. “You can’t kill me even if you tried. And your blood can’t save him, but your tears can. If your blood never works, you always use your tears, Alaska.”

I release Lorcan and step to Leo’s side, rolling him onto his back. I pry his mouth open, his jaw tense, his muscles fighting me every step of the way.

“Come on, Beloved. Come on,” I beg him, his mouth opening the smallest amount, but that’s all I need.

I lean over him, my tears still falling freely. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much. I can’t remember the last time I felt like this. My entire world is fighting for his life. My entire reason for living is lying on this cursed fucking kitchen island.

The shimmery liquid drips into his mouth. “How many does he need?”

“Just one.” Lorcan holds up his finger. “Your tears are worth way more than your blood. Never let a hunter catch you. Either you’ll die, or they will drain you of your tears for as long as you’re able to stay alive. Understand?”

“Yeah, thanks, Lorcan,” Soren answers for all of us.

I’m cupping either side of Leo’s face, and his body finally stops shaking. The red foam stops oozing; his breathing returns to normal as his chest evenly moves up and down. His eyes remain closed, but there’s no pain in the bond anymore.

His pain nearly killed me. The bond, the strings that connected us, it was as if gasoline was poured on them and a match was lit.

“He’ll be asleep for a while. I think it’s best if everyone rests. I’ll do a perimeter sweep and see if I can find any information for you. I’m glad your mate is okay, Alaska. I highly suggest you finish the mating bond. Soon. He’s too vulnerable right now.”

“Thank you, Lorcan. Thank you.” I blink at him, wanting him to really see how thankful I am with my red-rimmed eyes and wet lashes. “I owe you.”

“I’ll remember that.” Lorcan gives a curt nod. “Soren. Glenn. Tootles.” He finger-waves again, leaving nothing but small black cloak tatters drifting onto the floor in his wake.

“We’ll leave you two alone. We’ll clean up the kitchen, fix the door, the table, and the barn. Don’t worry about anything but him, okay?”