Page 30 of Nightmare Island

I hold on just a little tighter, as though he’s everything I’ve ever needed.

Chapter

Eight

GHOST

Iquickly carry Hel to my bedroom, her body too light in my arms, her skin growing paler with each passing moment. Blood trails down her leg where the branch struck, the metallic scent filling my nostrils and setting my wolf on edge.

“You’re so damn stubborn,” I mutter. “You should have waited for me.”

She doesn’t seem to hear me, her eyes closed tight, her body shaking. Her hand clutches weakly at my neck.

“Are we there yet? Everything’s spinning.”

Seeing her this way does something to me, making my chest tighten. I quicken my pace, shouldering through my bedroom door.

“Stay with me, little flame,” I murmur as I lay her on my bed.

She hisses in pain, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes.

“Ghost?” Her voice is barely a whisper now. “I can’t feel my toes anymore, yet the pain is still there. That’s bad, right?”

“You’re not dying. Not even Death can take you from me,” I tell her firmly, though my heart races at how pale she’s become. “And your wolf healing will have you back to your cheerful self in no time.”

A weak laugh escapes her. “Didn’t know… Death took orders from Alphas.” Her eyes flutter, struggling to stay open. A delicate hand reaches for my mask, fingers trembling as they brush the bone-white surface. No one touches the mask—ever—but I find myself leaning into her touch.

“Am I going to die?” The sass is gone from her voice, replaced by raw fear. “Because it feels like it.”

“Not happening,” I growl, tightening my grip on her. “Stay awake,” I command, my voice harsh with a worry I can’t hide. I need to get bandages and clean the wound, but the thought of leaving her makes my wolf snarl in protest. He knows there’s so much more between Hel and me that I suspect I’ll have to confirm with her soon enough. There’s only one way to determine if she’s my true mate—but now’s not the time to bite her.

“I just need to close my eyes for a minute…” she whispers, drawing me from my thoughts.

“Hel!” I bark, using my Alpha voice. Her eyes snap open. “Talk to me. Keep talking.”

She tries to focus on my mask. “About what?”

“Anything. Tell me about your favorite food. What about how you got to the island?”

“Muffins and cake. That’s easy.” She gives me a weak smile, then stares at me. “Why do they call you Ghost?”

“Focus on staying awake, and tell me more about your favorite muffin flavor. Mara makes the best banana muffins. She calls them ‘Banana Claw Crunch.’?”

Her eyes light up, then she winces. “I will need to taste them if I survive.”

I laugh. “Hold two moments.” I dart into the bathroom and grab towels. When I return, I begin cleaning the injury carefully, checking for any remaining splinters, but the blood continues flowing, rich and insistent. Without thinking, I lean in, drawn bysomething deeper than thought. Her eyes meet mine, her brow pinching between her eyes.

Slowly, deliberately, I run my tongue along the gash.

“Ghost, don’t… what are you…” Her words trail off, but she remains still, tension thrumming through her body.

I taste copper, salt, life itself, then something more. Something that makes my entire being howl in recognition. Every cell in my body ignites, my wolf surging forward with fierce and desperate hunger. Mate. The word echoes through my bones like a death knell.

A laugh bubbles from her throat, brittle and nervous. “Should I be worried that you like the way my blood tastes?”

I lift my head, fighting to keep my voice steady, and lick my lips. “My saliva has some healing properties that will help.” The words come out rougher than intended.

She attempts a smirk, but I see the tremor in her lips, the way her pupils have dilated, her body writhing once more, her leg shaking.

---