Suddenly nervous, Savannah quickly ran her hand through her hair.
Her hand. She froze and stared at her wrist in wonder. Geoffrey had broken it. She'd heard the bone snap. She twisted her wrist, waiting for the pain. None came.
«The bone has healed,” William said, coming to sit on the edge of the bed.
«How can that be?” She touched her throat, expecting to feel tender skin. She felt only smooth, unmarred flesh.
William just watched her, his gaze steady.
She heard the voices then. The couple below her was arguing. The wife was angry because her husband had forgotten to pick up milk at the grocery store. She could hear a child crying, somewhere on the ground floor. She could hear television sets. Hear phones. Footsteps. Heartbeats.
Her eyes widened as understanding dawned.
Don't worry. William's voice floated through her mind. His lips didn't move. I'll teach you to block out much of the noise. It's all a matter of focusing. Focus your energy, focus on me.
She flinched at the mental touch. She took a deep breath and focused her attention, centering on him. The myriad of noises quieted almost at once. “Y-you gave me the kiss, didn't you?” She had to hear him say it.
«Yes, Savannah, I did.»
And then she realized that her head didn't hurt. For the first time in over six years, she hadn't awoken with pounding temples. “My tumor?»
He smiled. “You don't have to worry about that anymore.»
Not worry about it? What would it be like to live each day without the threat of death hanging over her head?
She rose slowly from the bed and was vaguely surprised to note that she was wearing a pale blue nightgown. She recognized it as a gift she'd gotten last Christmas from Sharon. William must have dressed her. He must have brought her home and dressed her for bed.
She walked slowly toward the closed balcony doors. With one hand, she touched the heavy blinds. “Has night fallen?»
He watched her closely. “Yes.»
She lifted the blinds, peering out into the darkness. “He's out there, isn't he?»
He didn't answer.
She opened the door and stepped outside. The night air brushed against her skin, soothing her. She gazed down below. She could see cars driving past, see people walking on the street. She could see a young couple holding hands and kissing gently under the glow of a streetlight. She could see every detail of their faces. And they were two blocks away.
«Is he hunting?” She asked, her gaze locked on the couple.
«No.»
She turned to him in surprise.
«He would have gone to ground. His injuries were severe. He would have needed time to recover.»
Gone to ground. A shiver slid down her spine. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what William meant by that phrase. “I was injured … very badly,” she said, remembering the fiery pain that had shot through her brain. “Why didn't I need more time to … to heal?»
He rose and walked toward her. His stride was slow, purposeful like that of a hunter who has already captured his prey. She stepped back, her legs hitting the wooden frame of the balcony.
His body stopped inches away from hers. “I gave you my blood. Ancient blood. And then you went through the change.»
She frowned. “And that healed me?»
«All vampires heal quickly,” he said. “It's one of our gifts. In your case, though, it was the transformation itself that repaired your body. In a sense, you can say that you were recreated. Reborn.»
She swallowed. “And … how long will it take Geoffrey to heal?»
His gaze was direct. “I don't know. Two days. A week.” He shrugged. “He will have to sleep for at least forty-eight hours. After that—»
«He'll start hunting again.” Her heart pounded. “He could go after Mary!»
He touched her lightly, stroking her cheek. “Your friend is safe. I've arranged for her to be well guarded until this is over.»
Relief swept through her. She'd been so afraid for Mary. If anything had happened to her dear friend, it would have been all her fault.
William's gaze swept slowly over her upturned face. His mouth tightened into a thin line.
«What's wrong?” Savannah asked, instantly sensing the turmoil running through him.
He stepped back, sliding into the shadows. “I almost lost you,” he said, his voice quiet and deep.
She remembered the numbing coldness that had swept through her body. She remembered the consuming darkness, the brilliant flashes of light. And remembered her brother's voice.
«I think you did,” she murmured. “For a moment.” She walked toward him, into the shadows. “But then you brought me back.»
His arms wrapped around her. “I couldn't let you leave me.»
He felt so good against her. So strong. So solid. Her arms slid around his waist. “I didn't want to leave you.»
His head lowered and he kissed her. His lips were gentle, featherlight against hers as if he feared hurting her.
He drew back, staring down at her. “I can't risk losing you.” She could hear pain, anguish, in his voice.
She frowned. “You're not going to lose me. We made a deal, remember? Forever.»
His arms tightened around her. “Yes, forever.»
She stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips against his. Her tongue slid over his full lower lip, teasing him. She wanted to drive him over the edge, to force him to lose his control. She wanted to wipe the lingering fear from his mind and prove to him that she wouldn't break. That she was strong. A perfect match for him.
They were on her balcony. Anyone could see them. She didn't care.
She could feel his body hardening against her.
«Do you know what you're doing?” he gritted, his eyes flashing.
She smiled. “Yes.” She rubbed her br**sts against him, letting the delicate silk of her nightgown slide over his chest. Her fingers moved lightly, nimbly, and began to unbutton his shirt. She wanted to feel his skin against her.
Desire pounded through her. Her body felt alive. She could feel the blood flowing through her veins. The strength. The power. The passion.
She pushed his shirt down his arms and tossed it carelessly aside. Her nails ran down his chest, scoring his skin lightly. She heard him suck in a sharp breath. She bent down, lowering her head. While swirling her tongue around his nipple, she slid her hand down to the front of his pants.
She wanted him. Here. Now. With the night surrounding them and the stars shining upon them. She wanted to feel William's heat, his passion. She wanted to feel. To know that she was alive. To know that death hadn't won.