Page 20 of The Healer

He pulled the small blue vial from his pocket, uncorked it, tossed it back, then laid down on the bed beside the only woman he’d ever loved. Nyx rolled toward him, naturally snuggling into his side, her head resting on his bicep. Briggs stared at the ceiling, tears dripping down his cheeks and closed his eyes.

Chapter Ten

NYX

Present Day

Stars she waswarm and comfortable.

When was the last time she’d slept so well?

Nyx snuggled deeper into the bed, pressing her face into the pillow, savoring how incredible it smelled. It rumbled and she frowned. That wasn’t right. She opened her eyes and sucked in a sharp breath.

It was most definitelynota pillow, but a large, muscular chest that she was sprawled across.

Nyx gasped and tried to sit up, but Briggs’ hand on her hip kept her pinned to his side.

“Not yet, love, just a few moments longer.” His deep voice washed over her.

She placed a hand on his chest and stared down at Briggs who peered up at her through sleepy eyes, a small smile curling his plush lips.

“What the devil?” she whispered, shaking her head. “What are youdoing?”

Briggs reached up with his left hand and pushed a lock of unruly hair from her face, before cupping her cheek. “What I should have done a long time ago, mate.”

Mate.It seemed to echo in her ears.

“But I’m not…”

“Yes, you are. You always have been.”

Soul-wracking sobs burst from Nyx and she scrambled out of the bed, the sheets tangling around her feet. She stumbled and caught herself on the windowsill as Briggs rose from the bed.

Pointing a shaking finger at him, she cried, “Don’t you dare!” It was as if the whole world had tilted. She’d seen Briggs sleep rumpled before but not because he’d slept the night with her.

Her mind screeched to a halt.

He. Slept. The. Night. With. Her.

She scanned him from head to toe, then scoured the room for restraints of any kind.

None.

“How?” she choked out.

“Your serum.” The room seemed to drop out from around her. He held a hand out to her. “It worked.”

Another horrible sob escaped her, and Nyx slapped her hands over her mouth to try to contain the sound.

Briggs took another step in her direction. “Take a breath, Nyx.”

“But you said…”

“I know, and I was wrong. I was so caught up in my own fear. But it works.”

“I know it works!” she yelled. “Do you think I could have taken disappointing you one more time? I’ve spent every spare moment in the last four years searching for others like you—to discover herbs that could help create a draught that could helpyou all live a better life. After our last attempt a year ago, I knew I couldn’t let you down again.” She angrily brushed away her tears. “Then you tossed it away like it was trash—like I was rubbish.”

Pain creased his expression. “That’s not what I… I’m sorry. I overreacted and you bore the brunt of it.”

---