Page 123 of Hospital for Immortal Creatures

And that he somehow knew how to calm her better than her own shrink.

Yet the mere way he stared at her… She found it hard to breathe. It had to be remnants of the adrenaline rushing through her body after everything that had happened. The quickened beats of her heart had nothing to do with the way the green in Mikhail’s gaze melted into golden flames while he studied her mouth.

For a moment, she thought he would kiss her. She took a deep breath in the hopes of calming the chaos in her heart and mind, all while becoming aware that she wanted nothing more than to feel the warmth of his touch again.

Then, he smiled, returning his gaze to hers. “You’re not afraid, are you, little beast?”

Amelia’s back stiffened. “Did you just call me little beast?”

The corners of his lips twitched. “You seem delicate, but there’s strength inside you. I saw the fire in you when you tried to escape. It reminded me of a little beast – a wild creature – trapped in a cage. It might try to delude the outside world, all quiet and still, but the spark in its eyes says it’s just waiting for a chance to break free.”

She wasn’t sure what to think of his words.

“I’ve always sensed there’s something more to you,” he said, “and the vision you’ve had – you, in the murderer’s head – proves it. Just let me delve into it and find an explanation for everything that’s happening.”

“I…” She hesitated. “I also want to know what’s happening to me.”

She did. And suddenly, she didn’t want to leave any more. She wanted to stay here. With him.

Mikhail’s expression hardened. “I promise no harm will come to you.”

Without quite understanding why, Amelia trusted him.

“I must go now, because I want to know how Dave is, and I have to answer the Tribunal agent’s questions. But I’ll be back soon and we’ll talk about your vision. Okay?” His eyes roamed her features.

She nodded.

After he left, the reality of her situation hit her. Out there, somewhere, someone wanted her dead.

Best-case scenario.

Even worse? Her lips ached to be kissed by a man she should be fearing.

40

Viktor waved at the guard on duty as he drove onto the Hospital’s grounds. He had spent the night with three charming young ladies, all students at the National Sports Academy in Sofia – well-mannered and sociable girls.

Who would have thought that modern-day women are so into me?

He parked the SUV underground and climbed up to the first floor. His midnight ventures had somewhat calmed his explicit energy, but how long it would last was anyone’s guess.

He glanced at his wristwatch, surprised to discover it was already noon. Any other day, he would be in the lab at this time, stirring potions.

Go on then, get to work! Be yourself. A lab rat.

Or, he could lie down in bed and stare at his favourite dot on the ceiling.

He chose the latter, thinking life wouldn’t be over if he skipped the lab for one day.

When he reached his hallway, Alex was leaning against the door to his room. She pushed off it as soon as she caught sight of him. “Where were you? I’ve been searching for you for hours!”

“In the city,” he said in a calm voice. “I needed some ingredients for a new potion I’ve been working on.” He regretted the flat lie the moment it passed his lips. A new potion? He could fool anyone else, but not her.

“You stink of cigarettes and cheap perfume.” Disapproval and accusation flashed in her eyes. No comment on the new potion crap. “Whatever.” She shook her head, bringing his attention to the book in her hands. “I’m here to discuss something with you.”

Viktor cursed himself mentally. Why was he acting like he was guilty? He hadn’t done anything wrong. There was no need to lie. “You’d best come in, then.”

He opened the door and walked into his familiar space, which was similar to all other creatures’ rooms in the building. A small bed, a library with some of his favourite books, a wooden desk with two chairs, a bathroom and a window with a view of the mountain. Nothing spectacular, really. Just like him.

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