Page 12 of Stegian: Project Exorcism 4

She put her hand over his. “I…forgive you.”

His grip tightened and her energy waned. She felt her strength ebbing from her body and had no idea what would happen once he’d finished. She had already ascended beyond her physical body, taking on a new form, that of what she would have looked like without the horrendous attack in the past. Jacquelyn wasn’t positive, but she doubted very much she would be permitted another free pass—another chance at life.

Suddenly, Stegian stepped away from her.

She sank to her knees, gasping for air and rubbing her throat. Her torn gown fell, revealing one of her breasts. Jacquelyn struggled to breathe and crumbled onto the floor. The next thing she knew, Stegian was there, wrapping the quilt from the end of the bed around her shoulders and going to his knees next to her.

“How badly are you hurt?”

Jacquelyn tried to find her voice to answer but all that came was a series of coughs. Stegian tilted her head gently and hissed as he surveyed the damage he’d done.

“I will see to it you are well, and then I will leave. Do not come for me again.” He stared at her. “I am not safe to be around.”

Shaking her head, Jacquelyn moved into his arms and pressed herself against him, all but demanding to be held. The minute his large arms wrapped around her, she knew that all was not lost. There was still hope for him.

He lifted her with ease, careful to keep her upper body covered with the quilt.

He walked her to the bed and laid her out with so much care it made Jacquelyn’s heart swell. As Stegian tried to back away, she caught his wrist and pulled him back to her. It was clear by the look upon his face that he didn’t trust himself to lie with her.

She rubbed her throat and swallowed several times. “Stay with…me…please.”

Much to her surprise, he climbed onto the bed next to her and drew her into his arms. He placed a tiny kiss upon her head and she felt his magik rising quickly. “Sleep, solnihshka mayo.”

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