Page 9 of Infernal Hearts

Levi

Well, this isn’t how I was planning on spending my night.

First off, the weather up here is freezing compared to California, and it doesn’t help that I’m not exactly dressed for a hike in the middle of the night. The forest smelled like nothing but animal piss and dirt, and I really don’t know why there had to be so many trees. I would have at least been able to see the assailant coming.

Not to mention being completely unprepared for my evening to be this much of a clusterfuck.

I’ve never been hurt this bad in my entire life as a demon. And it would be an understatement to say I’m shaken by the fact that something thatcouldhurt a demon is wandering around in these woods. It has to be another supernatural, otherwise I would have just healed on my own over time.

I can’t let on that I’m shaken—no lip quivers or fidgeting. If this doctor knows I’m panicked, he might fear for his own life and just throw me out to fend for myself. I just hope whatever got to me won’t get to my brother.

Suppressing the intrusive thoughts, I focus on what’s in front of me. This vet clinic may as well be the world’s most run-down log cabin with its wooden walls and exposed beams that don’t exactly inspire medical expertise. But beggars can’t be choosers. An hour of life left? Thisknockoff Dr. Blackwell had better know what he’s doing.

I absentmindedly tapmy foot on the floor, rubbing my sweaty palms on my legs. My ribs burn as the cold air wafts against my cut. I count each and every knickknack or jar to distract myself. There are only a few swabs, gauze, andbandages in those jars, so it doesn’t take me long at all. So I do it again and again. The less I think about how Imight die, the better I feel. Go figure.

I rub my eyebrows, doing my best to ignore my dry mouth and my complete lack of control in this situation. Maybe coming to this godforsaken town was a mistake. But it’s not like I had much of a choice. Before I can let my thoughts spiral too far, the doctor returns with a suitcase.

Sounding as cheery as possible, I go back to trying to make pleasant conversation. “All that just for me?” I try to give him my most pleasant smile, but he just returns a simple nod.

Dirty blond, perfect amount of stubble. Chocolate eyes and a jawline so sharp it could cut diamonds. Plus, he’s particularly well built for someone who doesn’t look like they go out into the sun. His milky-white skin could use a dash of color. Despite being rough around the edges,at least he seems to know what he’s talking about.

I wonder why my powers didn’t work on him—I can’t believe they went out on me when I needed them most. A hundred years and they’ve never failed me before. Even without them, humans and creatures alike constantly throw themselves at me. It must have to do with my attack, but I’m not sure. I need to try again once this gets worked out.

Glass vials and bottles all jingle as soon as the suitcase makes contact with the table. Soothing, yet intimidating when I wonder what he’s about to pull out. “It’s all I have as far as magic goes. You’re just lucky they didn’t nick an artery or go deep enough to puncture an organ.”

I take a deep breath. “Did you learn all this from your dad?”

“I’m not answering that.” He doesn’t even bother to glance in my direction as he rifles through the supplies.

“What about your mom?”

“I’m not answering that, either.”

Obviously, there’s some sort of rift between him and his parents. Maybe he’s like me—choosing for them to not be part of his life. Choosing to be alone is always better than letting someone else hurt you.

I let out a sharp breath through my nose. “Fine.” I peek across the way into the bag, trying to spot what he’s working with. “That’s still a good bunch of supplies.”

He lets out a low grumble. “They’re old.” His hands search within it, pushing things aside. “I haven’t seen a creature in a long time. It’s house pets and the occasional horse.”

“Well, I have been told I have horse-like qualities if you’d like to find out.” I chuckle.

He pulls out liquids and a bowl and thread. “I can already tell you’re the biggest prick I’ve ever treated, don’t worry.”

“Aren’t you a quick one!” I guess not. Still, I laugh, but a sharp pain jolts where the knife cut me. I grit my teeth, leaning back against the wall and forcing a smile. “I’m starting to like you.” I’d rathernot look at any needles, however.

“Oh, good, I was so worried.” He clears his throat, and his short, fast breaths are audible from where I’m sitting. It’s kind of cute how little I have to do to ruffle his feathers.

I keep using my demon senses to get a better whiff of the clear liquid he pours onto a cotton pad, but nothing comes to mind. It’s completely odorless, minus leaving a slight numbing sensation in my nostrils.

I lift my chin to get a better look, narrowing my eyes and magnifying my sight. “What’s that?”

He waves his hand at me, motioning for me to scoot closer. “Blessed water.”

Gently taking my hand, he lifts my arm and folds it behind my head. More pain. I grit my teeth and suck in a quick breath to numb it. “Blessed by who?”

He stops, tone blunt. “Does it matter?”

“I s’pose not.” Me whining about it won’t help anything, so I keep my thoughts to myself and go back to counting medical supplies in the exam room. The fluorescent lights above us are a little overpowering, but I ignore them. The irritation is minor compared to everything else.

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