Bilinda Sheehan [Sheehan - Heart of Stone

I twirled Carmines blade around my fingers, twisting them faster and faster, until the knife was nothing more than a blur.

Wheres your head at? Grey asked.

The knife slipped, plummeting toward the beige carpet that covered his office floor. Snatching it from the air before it hit the ground, I sucked in a deep breath and looked up at the man standing over me. I hadnt heard him approach.

But that wasnt the real reason for my being so clumsy. Before tangling with Carmine and the Elder God in Whitby, Grey sneaking up on me would not have been enough to make me drop the blade.

I turned my arm over and stared at the pink scar tissue that covered the back of my hand. Apparently, driving a stake through your hand to seal a window between worlds made for a much slower healing time.

Not to mention the symbols Carmine had carved into my stomach. Every time I climbed out of the shower and looked in the mirror I was treated to that horrifying sight all over again.

Grey cleared his throat, bringing me back to the present with a jolt.

I was spacing out a lot lately.

I wasnt the only one affected by everything that was happening. Grey dropped onto the couch next to me and closed his eyes. He let his head fall back onto the plush navy blue cushions that made up the back of the sofa. He was pale. His eyes were still bruised from the time hed spent under Carmines care and the dark marks stood out in stark relief against his skin. His cheeks were hollow, making him appear almost gaunt. Clearly, I was not the only one healing painfully slowly these days.

I twirled the blade once more. Perhaps it was more than just a ceremonial knife?

Grey sighed and I returned my attention to him once more. My fingers itched to reach out and touch the three-day-old stubble that lined his jaw.

I clutched the knife a little tighter.

Im wondering when the hell we can stop sitting around here scratching our asses. We should be in London already. Not stuck here on desk duty while Alex slowly wastes away, I said.

You know Sofia is doing everything she can but getting into London isnt that easy.

Grey, every minute we waste, is a moment lost for Alex. Hes rapidly running out of time. And you cant keep giving him blood.

Im fine, Grey said crossly, opening his eyes.

Youre not. I raised my hand to cut him off as he opened his mouth to interrupt. Dont fight me on this. You know Ill win. Youre not fine. You look like a wrung out dish rag.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, he said, but there was no anger in his voice.

And thats not the only reason, I said, feeling the hollow sickness that had filled my stomach after seeing Alex just a few short hours before. I saw Alex this morning. He doesnt think its working anymore.

What did he say? Greys voice was tight.

He thinks whatever residual energy was left over by the Elder God is fading. That wasnt entirely true. Alexs words had been a lot more colourful. As far as he was concerned, the Elder Gods power was gone, taking with it the little amount of relief the transfusions were giving him.

Its not fading. Its gone. Greys expression was grim as he leaned forward on the couch and buried his face in his hands. I can feel it. Its like this chasm in the middle of my being.

Why didnt you say anything to me?

I suppose I was hoping I was wrong. He raised his face and looked at me. The hopelessness in his dark eyes very nearly undid me.

I feel so useless, he said. So weak. Everything I do, everything I touch. It just falls apart in my hand, Jenna.

I knew exactly how he felt but I also knew we couldnt spend our time feeling sorry for ourselves. It wasnt going to get us to London and put the cure for Alexs sickness in our hands. Only taking action would do that.

Now is not the time to backslide into self-pity I said, keeping my voice gentle to offset the harshness of my words. Were going to get through this. And Alex is going to massively owe us. Im thinking washing my car and filing every report that comes across my desk for the rest of his life should suffice. Bearing in mind hes immortal, Im thinking its going to be pretty painful.

Grey chuckled and the sound warmed my heart, drawing a smile to my lips.

How is he coping at your place? Grey asked, reaching out to tuck a strand of my unruly hair back behind my ear. It was a tender gesture, done absentmindedly. My skin prickled when his fingers brushed against my ear.

There were lots of unresolved issues between us but if Carmine had taught me one thing, it was that life was far too short to keep dredging up the past.

That didnt mean I was willing to just forget Greys betrayal of me but I was at least willing to listen to his reasons. After that, well it was anyones guess.

It was all academic anyway until we could find a way into London.

Hes fine, I said. A little stressed but I think thats more to do with feeling helpless. The ghosts, however, are not pleased with his presence. Not to mention Carolyn. Although Merry is thrilled at having such a captive audience.

Grey grinned. Is she still sneaking the cookies into his room at night for a midnight feast?

I shook my head. No, Carolyn managed to stop that but Merry insists on bringing him breakfast every morning, whether we like it or not.

Well thats nice.

I grinned back at him. Without supervision, Merry tends to favour the more abstract form of breakfast. Yesterday morning, she brought him Oreos floating in a bowl of milk. I started to laugh, tears gathering in the corners of my eyes. You should have seen his face.

Whats so funny in here? Sofias voice cut through my laughter, instantly dampening the mood.

I snapped my head up. Do we have the go ahead?

She shook her head. Not yet. Theyre still not happy about the events at Whitby and the Vampire Council have convinced them that this little trip is nothing more than a fools errand.

Shit, Grey swore beneath his breath.

Anger sent my blood pressure rocketing and I hopped to my feet, pacing back and forth in the cramped space between the sofa and Greys desk.

They cant do this. You told them about the Elder gods heart?

Sofia gave me a withering stare. No, I left it out completely, she said, her voice laden with sarcasm. Of course I bloody told them. Im not a complete idiot. They just dont believe it.

Well then let me try and convince them, I said. Let them tell me it wasnt real once theyve seen my scars.

Sofia shook her head. Its not a good idea. Theres already a query about your ability to work a case at all.