Summer Bliss: Book 1 {Revised}

Bittersweet

Cinnamon, a distinct spice. Down a bustling sidewalk or held up in a crowded elevator, its aroma encapsulates the senses. So, there was no surprise when Milo homed in on it. Over the putrescent stench of baking soda, lemon, and...vinegar?

"Halifax, can you hear me?"

Her melodious voice caused his head to jerk in its direction. Something cool and heavy rest over his eyes.

"Ah, your awake! Hold on."

Footsteps padded across the room and a high pitch scraping rang out as curtain rings slid along a metal rod.

"Sorry, it's bright in here. I don't want your eyes to hurt."

More footsteps, closer now. Cool hands grazed his cheeks. They slid up to his eyes, removing the cloth. He waited with bated breath before opening his eyes. At first the room appeared hazy. A tangerine glow emitted from a candle on the nightstand.

"How are you feeling?"

Her concerned tone pulled his gaze to her. Milo tried to recall a time he's ever seen Elaina with her hair down. Wavy strands cascaded over her shoulders. The baggy tan sweater made her appear shorter than she was. Milo remembered that he had a similar sweater somewhere around here.

Looking, he spotted the dresser gone. Baskets of laundry sat in its place; the clothes neatly folded. The wall that took the brunt of the shotgun shells still had a large hole, showing the insulation inside. His carpet, now a mixture of beige and pink, was sopping wet. A bucket and sponge sat next to where he first collapsed.

Furrowing his brows, he went to sit up. His bones popped from the movement. He had hoped that the events were a dream. However, a dull ache pulsated in his side.

"I feel...dead?"

Her light giggle filled the air.

"You're not if that's any reassurance. You were unconscious for two days. He nicked you good. I didn't think I'd be able to save you. Dr. Wreath wasn't sure the transfusion would take and..."

Trailing off she jumped up out of the chair by his bedside, going back to the bucket. Milo watched her wring out sponge and start working on the carpet. She kept her gaze down, not glancing up to meet his confused stare. As if knowing the imminent questions to come.

"Elaina...what are you?"

"Yes, he was Khalia's doctor."

Did she not hear?

"Elaina."

His voice cracked slightly. A burning sensation irritated his chest and where that beast cut him. Elaina paused. He could see the contemplative expression. Her mouth hanging open, then abruptly shutting.

"Elaina...Elaina don't ignore me! I was just gutted by a fucking monster and then you turned into one. Tell me!"

She winced at "monster" and ceased her actions. Letting go of the sponge she warily stared at him. 

"...I'm a Lycan."

"A what?"

Again, she murmured.

Milo clenched his fist together, eyes narrowing at the woman. Electricity surged through his veins. With swiftness an injured man shouldn't have he charged towards her, snatching her arm. Yanking her off the floor, the motion stunned them both. Underneath he felt her arm tense, and she pulled back. Time stopped as he watched her fist fly at him.

A crunch pierced the air as her fist crushed his nose. Sprawling, he hit the ground violently. Something ripped near his side, and a warmth touched his stomach.