Page 109 of Of Mercury and Mist

“She looks so peaceful.”

“Don’t let her fool you.”

Voices weaved around me as I reached for the surface. It remained just out of my grasp as I floated in darkness. The chatter seemed like an after-thought, registering seconds after it had been articulated.

I’d always imagined dying in bed when it was my time to go, surrounded by family and friends. I’d pictured myself in a nightgown, my gray hair piled atop my head in a messy bun, while people took turns hugging me.

Who knew where I’d gotten the visual from. It was more likely I’d die in a skydiving accident when I was forty—or maybe I’d finally stick a fork in a light socket just to see what happened. I certainly hadn’t figured on floating contently through purgatory or whatever was going on right now.

“Ashley,” an earnest voice pleaded. “Wake up.”

Why? I needed the rest. I’d continue on whenever I was damn well ready to.

A deeper voice; warning. “Wake the fuck up.”

Something jostled me and tugged. I fought against it, pushing deeper into the recesses of wherever I was. “No.”

It was impossible to tell if my eyes were open or shut and I couldn’t see what had grabbed me. Vaguely, I had a sense of flailing my limbs and attempting to grasp whatever I could to stop myself from being dragged. Suddenly I felt a breeze, a rush of wind, and then my head was on something soft.

“Is she okay?” A female voice.

“I don’t know yet, move out of my way.” The surface I was lying on moved, the sensation reminding me of floating on water.

“I’m not going to repeat myself, Della.” A familiar voice racked with pain.

Della.

The familiar name sent me reeling and I gasped for air as my vision swam. I blinked, and Micha’s face came into focus. My heart slammed against my ribs, and I swung as hard as I could before he captured my wrist and Della barreled into view.

The bed I was in bounced as she did her best to shove him out of the way and hug me. “Oh my God Ashley, you were so dead. You were gone,” she cried. Her tears dropped to my shoulder as she crushed me.

She clung to me as I hugged her back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to,” I said. “I love you.” Relief overwhelmed me at the sight of her face. I’d thought I’d never see her again. Josiah fluttered a handkerchief in front of me and I let go of her so I could wipe my face.

Reluctantly, I grabbed it. His face was unreadable, but he gently pulled Della away. I refused to release her but soon my arms slid down, and she was ushered out of the room.

After taking a look around, I recognized the guest bedroom I’d stayed in a couple times before at Josiah’s house. The well-known surroundings were a welcome sight, complete with the sunbeams streaming through the stained-glass windows that cast rainbows across the bedspread.

I was alone with Micha. After swallowing the lump in my throat, I said, “Just get it over with.”

He lowered himself to the mattress and perched on the side, angled toward me. “Get what over with?” he tossed back at me, his voice full of dark amusement.

He grabbed my wrist. “Wrapping you in chains? Punishing you?”

I sucked in a breath and scooted back to the headboard. “What should I do about you entertaining Samuel?” he asked.

He grabbed my other hand, and I tugged, but he increased his grip. “Maybe I should suck you dry, leave you a shell of your former self.”

He laughed at his own words as I struggled for air. My wrist dropped on my lap when he climbed onto the bed and straddled my outstretched legs. He was too tall in this position, and I found myself staring at his chest. I didn’t stand a chance against him.

“Maybe I should fuck you right here and take back what’s mine,” he whispered from above.

I shook his hand away and placed my palms on the mattress as panic filled me. “What...” I stuttered, not sure what was about to happen next. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to make a run for the door or dig my claws into him.

Sharp nails dragged down the front of my chest and I glanced down, watching the pinpricks of blood left in his wake. Somehow, his glossy nails had grown considerably longer since the last time I’d seen the man. I yelped when they reformed right before my eyes, shrinking back to near normal length.

Micha laughed again, the sound low and rumbling, and God help me, but a heavy pressure built in my core as my body betrayed me. He sucked in a breath and crawled his fingers to my waistline before he moved the blankets down.

He tucked an arm around my back and swung me closer, backing away slightly. “Angel,” he said quietly, right before he shoved me onto my back and licked my chest with a long stroke. I shuddered, wiggling when a finger traced my side.

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