Page 10 of Stegian: Project Exorcism 4

The moment he knew he’d caused her pain, he let go and backed away quickly. “Leave me!”

“No,” she said, reaching out for him.

He swatted her hand away with enough force to cause her to clutch it close to her body and stare at him with wide eyes.

“Leave.”

The moisture glistening in her eyes tugged at him. The way she held her hand only added to the feeling of despair. He knew he’d harmed her. Sighing, he put a hand out to her. “Allow me to sense the damage.”

She took a tiny step back. “I’ll go.” A lone tear eased over her cheek as she pivoted quickly, rushing for the door, still holding her hand close.

Stegian tapped into his speed again, barring the door with his body. He took her hand in his and sucked in a sharp breath when he sensed just how much he’d harmed her in his fit. Several of the bones in her hand were completely shattered. She whimpered when he ran his fingers over them.

He radiated healing energy, something he’d not done since prior to his arrival on the planet. It was a gift he’d possessed when he was but a man, and one the demon he now carried saw as a weakness. A gift used only by the other side.

She moved closer to him and he bent his head, inhaling her scent again. She even smelled like his mate—the woman from the masquerade ball long ago. She trembled and it was then he sensed her fear. It ate at him.

“I will not harm you,” he said, surprising himself by his proclamation. “And I will do all within my power to keep the demon I carry from doing you harm as well.”

She tugged her hand out of his. “But you’ve already hurt me.”

He closed his eyes. “I am sorry.”

Those were not words he was accustomed to speaking. She seemed to realize as much. When she gifted him with the touch of her palm to his cheek, he tipped his head, kissing the pad of her thumb. He hated the weakness she seemed to evoke in him.

What are you doing to me?

“I’m hoping to save you from yourself. I refuse to give up on you, Stegian, for I know the man you once were—the man you can become again.”

“You know nothing of me,” he spat, angered he’d let her into his thoughts again without realizing as much.

She bared her neck to him. “Then show me, Stegian. Prove me wrong. Drain me and be done with me for good.”

The idea sickened him, causing him to recoil.

“Then come with me and allow me to show you that you truly can be free of the demon within. It’s fed for the day and is sated. The only danger it can present is if you lose your temper and allow it to harm me.” She touched his hand gently. “Please come with me.”

“To where?”

“Trust me.”

That made him laugh. “Beautiful one, I trust no one.”

“Then you truly do live a lonely life.”

Against his better judgment, Stegian wrapped his hand around hers, mindful of his strength. “Take your moment, woman, for they are few and far between.”

White mist surrounded them and for a split second it felt as if he were falling. When it ended and the mist cleared, Stegian found himself standing in a cavern. It had been modified, reminding him greatly of the homes on earth. Though the clay of the planet could be seen, someone had hung draperies and pictures on the walls. The addition of bookshelves filled with books, a red settee and a four-poster bed added to the homey feel.

“Where are we?”

She smiled and pulled him towards the back of the cavern. With a wave of her hand, a boulder moved on the ceiling, revealing the moon’s soft glow. Billions of stars twinkled down upon them. She snapped her fingers and a beautiful, haunting melody began to play softly.

Stegian’s stomach clenched. “No. Someone will hear and they will come for you.”

His concern shocked him.

She didn’t seem fazed. “They can't touch us here. So long as we are here, we can never be harmed by any of them, Stegian.”

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