Fallen Death (The Trihune Series Book 3) Read Free Page B

bodies over the years. Male, female, old, young, attractive or not. A body was a body and nothing fazed her anymore.
    Except for his.
    Sweet Jesus. He was glorious. Her cheeks began to burn and she wanted to turn around, like a teenager seeing a boy for the first time. But then he started to sway.
    Both her and Dr. Behall started for him.
    Dr. Behall reached him first, placed a steadying arm around his back. “Whoa, there. Let’s get—”
    Sarid growled at her. Actually growled. “Don’t touch me.”
    Asjhone, in the middle of reaching for his other side, stopped. The sound had been menacing. Frightening.
    His head whipped to her. Lips curled back. Eyes, even the sclera, were red. A gasp flew from her lips. She took a step back. Another.
    Sarid’s expression cleared, an apology flickered across his face before his shoulders fell. Gaze lowered. His chin fell to his chest. “I apologize.” His voice was hoarse.
    Dr. Behall didn’t seem to know what to say. She was paler than normal.
    “Why don’t you get back into bed,” Asjhone said.
    Sarid’s head lifted. He searched her face, “of course,” then turned.
    For the first time, Asjhone received a clear picture of the massive tattoo on his back. Another grim reaper. Hooded figure with a black cape, glowing red eyes, scythe in its hand. She suppressed a shiver.
    The doctor cleared her throat. “It’s my recommendation that we run some tests while you’re here. Most importantly, the x-ray. But we can’t keep you if you wish to go.”
    Asjhone gaped at Dr. Behall.
    “I do.” Sarid’s voice was clear, the earlier hoarseness gone.
    “So, you’re refusing further medical treatment?”
    “I am.”
    “Fine.” Dr. Behall’s voice was clipped. “Asjhone, will get your discharge instructions.” She left the room without a backward glance.
    Asjhone stared at the doorway even after it cleared. She glanced at Sarid. He was watching her. “I’ll be right back,” she said quickly, then hurried from the room, swinging the door closed.

Chapter 7
    Sarid rose, forcing his muscles to move. It was always like this after the demon escaped. Body sore. Head pounding. The light the doctor shined in his eyes had made him want to punch the wall. His earlier escape from bed hadn’t helped the situation.
    He needed blood to help ease the transition. His body didn’t appreciate changing shape.
    A phone hung on the wall near the door. Sarid shuffled toward it. Paused. Cocked his head. Asjhone was speaking.
    “. . . ran in front of a semi. With no clothes on.”
    Her words came out fast like she was nervous. For some reason that bothered him.
    “That doesn’t seem like the actions of a sane man,” she continued. “And now he wants to leave without treatment. His blood pressure hasn’t lowered since he arrived. Respiration is at an equally dangerous level. He needs to be x-rayed. It’s our duty—”
    “Besides the BP,” the doctor interrupted, tone sharp. “Which the patient says is normal, he’s not showing any other signs of internal injury. Our duty is to help those who want to be helped. Your duty is to do what I say.”
    Sarid inhaled sharply. His eyes flared, emitting a bright blue light.
    The demon growled softly.
    Asjhone’s reply was barely audible. “Yes, doctor.”
    “Discharge the patient immediately.”
    Sarid didn’t remember moving, but his hand was outstretched, clasping the door handle.
    Kill the doctor. The demon whispered in his mind.
    No one should talk to her like that. The female had been caring and gentle, even after Sarid scared her. And when she touched him . . . he’d never felt anything like it. Never had been so soothed. At peace. For a brief moment, he was free. No longer weighed down by his past or the demon.
    Then the doctor arrived. Sarid had wanted to throw her out of the room. Her touch, cold. Smile, fake.
    Asjhone was—
    Mine.
    He froze. No. The demon hadn’t said—
    Mine.
    Sarid staggered away from the door. His heart began