Page 49 of Protected By Artemis

“It’s a normal response, at least for our kind. When a shifter is hurt, our bodies shut down to focus its energies on healing itself, and we go into a long sleep until our injuries are gone.”

“But I healed him.”

“I’m not sure what the effect of a god’s power is on shifter healing. Perhaps his brain hasn’t caught up yet.” Moving to the other side of the bed, he touched Cade’s chest and then forehead. “Ah, his heartbeat is returning to normal, as is his temperature. I think you were able to accelerate his healing, and it feels as if he’s already gone through the coma and will wake up soon.”

“Oh, I—” When she tried to stand, she wobbled back as a wave of dizziness came over her. Thankfully, she stopped herself before falling over. “I…” She sank down on the mattress. “I must have wiped myself out.”

“You should rest, my lady. Do you want to stay in the guest room?”

“No, I’ll stay here.”

“As you wish. Thank you for your help by the way. The healing coma is not as peaceful as it sounds. You saved the Alpha days of pain and suffering.” With a respectful nod, he left the room.

“Oh, Cade,” she murmured as she crawled underneath the sheets next to him. “You’ll be fine.” Though she wasn’t sure if she was saying that to him or to herself.

Cuddling up next to him, she breathed in his deep masculine scent, trying to calm the emotions churning inside her—worry, doubt, guilt, anger, sadness, and everything in between. She couldn’t even feel any relief because the idea of him even suffering sent her into a spiral of anger and despair. Shifters were still mortal, after all, and if he had been stabbed in the brain instead of his side or if he had been trapped inside that burning building, he could have died a very slow, painful death.

I don’t want to lose you,she begged silently as she pressed her face against his shoulder. She wanted to be with him, no matter what, even if it was for the span of a short mortal life.

I love you.

The words startled her, but she knew them to be true. She would give up everything for this man: her status, powers, and immortality. She wanted to grow old with him and watch their children have children of their own.

The feeling of love overwhelmed her, but in a good way. There was a warmth that replaced that ache in her chest, a kind of clarity that was freeing. Like she was no longer trapped.

“I love you.” She whispered it out loud this time, wondering if he’d heard it. He didn’t stir, which probably meant he didn’t. But that was okay. She would tell him as soon as he woke up. For now, she snuggled up against him and let sleep come over her.

Chapter 10

Cade

Cade did not want to wake up yet, not when he was in the middle of the most peaceful and beautiful dream of his life, but the sweet scent of amaranth and cypress tickling his nose was much too tempting.

Artemis.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of the goddess curled up around him. God, she was so beautiful, it made his chest ache. He was about to reach down and brush the lock of hair from her cheek when he noticed the sheet covering them was covered in red stains—blood, from the metallic stench that began to permeate his nostrils.

Heat.

Fire.

Explosion.

His head began to pound, and bile rose in his mouth. He took a deep breath in an effort to calm himself.

The sharp scent of burning.

A massive fireball engulfing the hallway.

People unconscious on the floor.

The lodge was on fire.

“No!” He bolted upright as panic rose in him. “Fuck.”

“Cade!” Artemis cried. “What the—you’re awake. Oh, my gods!”

Slim arms wrapped around his torso, and the pounding in his head ebbed away. Closing his eyes, he breathed in her sweet scent once more. “Artemis…the fire…what happened?”

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