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The last thing I see is a huge lion biting the rolling head and throwing it into the fire.

My mate’s arms clasp my face as my eyes close.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Saylor

“Saylor,” Penny calls, “Can I help you clean up?”

I tear my attention from Elijah’s still form bleeding on the bed to Penny’s gentle face. I don’t know how we got back to Elijah’s cabin. It’s a blur consumed with terror.

I will have nightmares forever of seeing him tied to a chair with that psycho leaning over him. The amount of blood that he lost isn’t good. He is unconscious. He hasn't even twitched since the guys carried him away from the vampire corpse. I had to stop myself from shifting and tearing into her.

The guys assured me that she won’t be coming back. A vampire is almost impossible to kill. The key is to take the head off and burn it. Otherwise, they can grow it back. My vampire knowledge is lacking. I have just enough to know to stay on their good side.

Jax called a doctor to come to examine Elijah. He introduced himself as Estes. He looks ancient but carries himself as if he’s years younger. His hands are capable. He enlisted Ryker to helphim. Apparently, he’s been around forever and took care of Jax and his brothers when they were young. He’s helped shifters for years so I shouldn’t be doubting his ability now, but Elijah still hasn’t moved.

Tiffany’s hand was a blur when she picked up the stake. It plays over and over again in my head. Time stood still, yet not slow enough to stop her.

“Saylor,” Penny says again.

I glance up from my bloody hands to her concerned expression. “I’m okay,” I say automatically.

“Of course you are,” she says kindly. “Can I help you clean up?”

I look at Elijah on the bed, and then back to her face. “I don’t want to leave him.”

“We will only be in the next room. Let the doctor work.”

“Ryker?” I ask, not knowing exactly why.

“Go with Penny. He’s in good hands,” he assures me gently.

I allow Penny to guide me into the bathroom. She leaves me standing next to the sink to get a towel. I stare at my white face and the red that covers my cheek, hands, and shirt. My eyes are haunted.

“I can’t lose him,” I whimper softly.

“You won’t,” Penny says firmly. She places the towel on the counter and starts the sink. “Do you want to shower?”

“No, I can’t leave him for that long.”

“Of course.” She tests the water with her fingers. “Estes is good. He’ll bring him back to you.”

“It doesn’t feel that way.” I rip my gaze from mine in the mirror. “He hasn’t moved.”

“His body has sustained a lot of trauma.” She tenderly pulls my hands under the water.

“I don’t know what she did to him before we got there.” The thought of the things she could have forced him to do makesme sick. “I need him to wake up and tell me.” I watch the red swirling down the drain.

“Have some faith.” She runs her hands up my arms, washing the blood. “He wouldn’t leave you without a fight, now that he found you.”

“I want to believe that.”

“Can we take your shirt off? I’ll get you another.”

“Yes.” My shaky hands fumble with the buttons.

“May I?” Penny asks.