A Kiss at Midnight

Chapter Thirty-Four

As the carriage turned left to approach the town square, Mack contacted Mina again and she instructed him with directions to the Van Helsing house. Minutes later, the horses slowed to a halt outside number sixteen on Baxter Street. The house was very much the same as the others on the street; a brick facade of fawn and beige, iron wrought fencing to enclose a small garden and a narrow bay window that overlooked the street.

The door swung open, light flooding the dark pavement. The sound of swishing skirts overtaken by the fast paced tap of boots against stone.
The carriage door was wrenched open and Carrick was given his first look at the man who he once falsely believed held Ilona in his arms. Carys. The male's face was drawn with concern as he glanced at Ilona before addressing Carrick.

"You have my word. My mother will do everything in her power to heal Ilona."

Carrick nodded, his gaze returning to his mate. He wanted to stay so badly with her but Devereaux Pack would declare him a traitor if he did not return with Mack. The alpha who once welcome him into the pack would not hesitate to come after him with a fury to rival the gods, putting Ilona's family in danger. He had to go if it meant one day being able to return to her for good.

He cupped her face in his hands. "When I return, I will grant all of your wishes." His voice, a fierce whisper. For they are now my dearest dreams.

Tears to obscure his vision as he moved to close the final distance. At the gentle brush of his lips against hers, a tear dared to slip free only to be captured by his thumb. Her fingertips to linger on his jaw.
Then she was lifted out of his arms and into her friend's. Her head to rest on the crook of one arm as he sprinted towards the house. Sarah was standing on the doorstep. Her eyes brimming with tears, her hands clutched to her chest. Carys paused by his fiancée's side.

"Sarah." Her name, a plea on his lips. "Don't wail."

She nodded, pressing her lips together. Carys' foot poised to take another step when he saw her grave expression. Save her or I will have no other choice.
His words only vaguely registered with Ilona then were promptly forgotten, her body treading waves of pain and fatigue.

As Carys moved away from the carriage door, his mother took his place. A white apron tied to her waist over a pinafore of midnight black, her hair pinned back into a bun. She deposited a wicker basket on the floor, the contents made a slight clinking sound.

"Normally, I would insist upon bringing you inside to examine your injuries." A note of authority in her voice. "However given Zane is on his way here, I would rather not have Ilona's mate be killed."

Then her voice softened as she gestured to the basket. "These will help reduce pain until you can see physician. Take one bottle each day. Drink every last drop no matter how bitter tasting it is."

She held out one hand, white tendrils of magic weaving themselves around her fingers. "May I heal your leg so at the very least you can walk on it?"

Carrick gave a nod of assent and her magic began to mend the torn ribbons of skin. He winced as the final stitch was hemmed.
"Thank you."

She took a step backwards. "I hope to see you again, Mr Ellis under better circumstances." Warmth in her voice.

Departing words. Carrick flashed her a smile of gratitude before the carriage door closed. Moments later with a jostle, the wheels were set into motion. As the carriage pulled away from Baxter Street, he glanced back towards the house. I will return, Ilona, I vow it with all my heart.

Sleep did not quite wish to relinquish its hold on Ilona as she struggled to awaken. Her eyes managed to open to half slits before she was defeated. Vaguely before she slipped back into the darkness, she heard voices. Mina's soft murmur although her words sounded faint to Ilona and a voice most definitely belonging to her father.