Page 36 of Desiderium (Devil Dogs of the Apocalypse #2)

The early morning mist rolls in, cloaking the house in a concealing blanket. Flames roll in the fireplace, dancing shadows across the walls. A clock on the mantle ticks its seconds by, as one by one, exhaustion consumes them.

They tried to stay awake as long as they could, urging him on as they watched over him; encouraging him and themselves to last through the night.

But time always wins, in the end.

And eventually... time runs out.

He stirs in the darkness. A finger twitches. A breath stutters. He turns his head, unknowingly seeking them out. He senses them—their close proximity to him. They never left him unattended—there was always at least one—and now they surround him. Their warm bodies cocooning his in sleepy vigilance.

He stirs...

And in the silence...

“Mmmrrrrarrrgh…”

To be continued....