Haunted

Four

You'd think he's never seen a woman's back before. If I had the energy, I'd probably be rolling my eyes.

"I just . . . need . . . sleep," I mumble.

Caleb paces the room, going on like he didn't hear me. "What did that to you?! How?! How did that happen?!"

Gentle fingers prod the skin around my injury as Myka lifts my shirt higher. When she realizes I'm no longer struggling, she releases my wrists, allowing them to fall limply to my sides.

"It's like you were clawed by a monster," she whispers in awe.

"Just a scratch," I assure her softly.

Myka rocks back on her heels. "You think this is a scratch?" She tries to meet my gaze, but nausea and dizziness take over, making my ears ring. I shut my eyes for a moment to avoid hurling all over her. "Girl, I think you are seriously misunderstanding the true definition of a scratch."

I never get the chance to respond.

A wave of cold heat rushes over me and my eyes roll back as my body goes limp, sending me sliding off the edge of the bed.

"Oh shit!" Myka grabs me around the waist before I hit the carpet face-first, and Caleb rushes over to help.

Once they lay me back on top of the mattress, they cautiously turn me over onto my stomach. The simple act makes me wish I was unconscious. Every twist of my back sends white hot agony shooting up my spine. I clench my teeth, but a pathetic whimper escapes anyways.

Caleb swears when he sees the tears rolling down my cheeks. "Oh God, what do we do?"

Myka wipes her shaking hands off on her jeans, turning the denim a dark shade of red thanks to my blood. "We have to stop the bleeding."

"We have to take her to the hospital," he counters.

"No," I gasp, squeezing my eyes shut. "No hospital. Promise me." Neither of them responds, so I open my eyes back up to show them how serious I am.

Caleb releases a sigh and kneels on the floor beside me. "Why? Give us one good reason why we shouldn't take you there."

Myka crouches beside him, and more unwelcome tears rolls down my cheeks.

"They'll have questions that I can't answer," I admit.

Another flare of agony tears through my spine, making my vision flash red.

I clutch at the quilt beneath me, and my next words sound strained. "Supernatural injuries aren't like other injuries. I have to sleep so I can dream. That's the only way I'll get better."

Myka shakes her head, looking lost. "Dream? What do you mean?"

"I don't know why it helps, but dreaming has always healed me in the past."

"In the past?" Caleb looks incredulous as he motions towards my back. "How many times has this happened?"

My eyelids only flutter shut for a few seconds, but I choose not to answer.

"Okay," Myka finally agrees. "No hospital."

Caleb sputters. "You're just going to go with —"

"No hospital," Myka repeats, interrupting him. "Just trust me on this, okay? Now go grab a few of my washcloths and wet them in the bathroom. I have a first aid kit around here somewhere."

Caleb hurries to one of her dressers and pulls several towels out. Holding them close, he dashes to the door and opens it slightly before sneaking into the hall.