Page 18 of Anatomy of the Immortal Species

His hands tightened around her. They were strong, creating a deceptive sense of security. It was the coldness radiating from his body that kept her from closing her eyes and giving in.

“I’m convinced that very soon you’ll begin to like me,” the stranger murmured. His voice was soft, but beneath the gentle tones lay an unmistakable threat.

He wasn’t lying about the small dose. As he wrapped his hands tighter around her, Amelia sensed her body’s awareness returning. Her strength, hopefully, would follow. “Who are you?” she asked, trying to buy time. She might be able to replicate the kick from before once her legs were back to full power.

“You’ll find out soon enough, love. Just don’t run again, all right? You’re in for a mind-blowing trip, I promise.” He started down the narrow path around the building.

“Where are you taking me?”

“A place you’ve never been before.”

“Where is this place?”

The man’s arms tensed, and his eyes darted to the corners of the yard. Then, he looked back at Amelia, his gaze burning with anger. “Who’s with you?”

“Nobody?” she said, just before he tossed her to the ground. Amelia twisted mid-air, her palms and side of her butt slapping against the asphalt. “That hurt!” she grated out, rubbing her butt.

“Silence!”

Amelia clenched her teeth. “I probably won’t start liking you anytime soon…”

“I said,silence!”

The man dug his claws into her shoulder and yanked her up. An icy pressure on her neck forced a gasp from her lips.

“One move, and you’re dead,” he hissed in her ear.

She froze. Immortality meant nothing with a blade pressed to her jugular.

“Walk!”

He started to push her towards the street, then stopped. A tall figure blocked the exit.

“Let her go.”

Mikhail.

He surveyed the man’s posture and the blade at Amelia’s throat, then met her gaze. His eyes were golden.

“I thought you’d left, manticore.” The man’s breath whooshed past Amelia’s cheek as he squeezed her tightly between his body and the knife.

“What do you want to let her go?” Mikhail’s even tone sent a chill down Amelia’s spine.

“I wanther,” the man replied, pulling her closer. A flash of that same desolate land penetrated her mind when their bodies touched.

Mikhail stepped forward. “Your feud is with me. Let Amelia go, and we can talk.”

“I’m not here for you today, manticore, so scram. But don’t worry, I’ll be seeing you again.”

“Haven’t you heard? I’m an impatient man. Tell me what you’re after, and I might give it to you freely.” Mikhail’s lips curled into a thin smile, his gaze shifting back to Amelia. “I doubt you came here only to seek a girl with no particular talents.”

Her heart clenched at his words, but she forced herself to maintain a stony expression – a challenge with a knife at her throat.

“A girl, you say?” The stranger leaned in, studying her profile. “I’ve yet to discover her talents. As for you, manticore, you’re so beneath me that I won’t waste my breath bartering with you.”

Angry flames flickered in Mikhail’s eyes. “Then why do you keep attacking my Hospital? The chopped-off head? Pathetic, if youask me. Devoid of any originality.”

“And here I was, thinking you were impressed. If you disapprove so much, I’ll make more of an effort next time. Maybe you’ll receive someone else’s head.” He placed the blade in front of Amelia’s face, waving it from one ear to the other. “A happier, smiling head…” He leaned forward, rubbing his smooth chin against her cheek. “And perhaps something else in addition? Would you like that, manticore?” He pointed the tip of his knife at Mikhail.