Page 1 of My Salvation

PROLOGUE

Priest rolled out of bed and landed on the floor on his hands and knees. He fought back the urge to vomit as he gulped down air, trying to slow his breathing.

In his nightmare, his mate, his beautiful mate, was ripped apart by hundreds of grasping hands. He tried to reclaim each piece of her from the faceless shadows but couldn’t.

A knock at the door had him looking up. He dare not answer. With his head hanging, he prayed that the person would go away.

Seconds later, he heard a static crack, and the door opened, revealing Heath Clover, Upsilon’s witch.

“Gods above,” Heath whispered. He shut the door behind him before he knelt down at his side. “I want you to concentrate on my voice. Conquiescere, frater meus. Be at peace, my brother. You are not alone, and the darkness will not win.”

Heath rose and gently helped Priest stand to his feet before easing him over to the bed. Priest rested his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. Heath sat next to him. “Talk to me Priest, or I’ll get Zoe to purify the room of negative vibes, and knowing her, she’d torch the place.”

Priest smiled, though he felt like raging. His chuckle was without mirth and sounded empty even to himself. “How’d you know?” he asked, sitting up to face his unit brother.

Heath’s eyes were filled with compassion. “I’ve picked up a thing or two over the years.”

“Empathy?”

Heath shook his head. “Not quite. It’s more like my healing abilities have a barometer. Elevated temperature, heart rate, that sort of thing, has gotten a boost that added an emotional flavor to it. Sheer terror was flooding the hallway in waves from your room,” he explained.

Priest exhaled. “You know how Ari and Gage had dreams about their mates?”

Heath nodded. “Ari saw Bri walking away, and Gage saw Zoe surrounded by flames” He shrugged. “Makes perfect sense now.”

Priest clasped his hands together in his lap to keep them from visibly shaking. “I see her. Gods, Heath, she is so beautiful. Silky blonde hair, eyes the color of the sky at sunrise, but it’s her smile that pulls me in.” He tilted his head to look at his unit brother closer. “Her eyes are like yours, filled with… I don’t know, compassion.”

Heath nodded. “She could be a healer.”

Priest shut his eyes, trying to recall her face again. Immediately the images began to taunt him.

“Priest. Open your eyes,” Heath ordered.

Priest swallowed hard and looked directly at Heath. “She’s ripped apart right before me. I can’t save even a single piece of her.”

Heath’s eyes widened. “Gods above. Why would you be shown such a thing?” He placed his hand on Priest’s shoulder, and the terror, anxiety, and tension seemed to melt away.

“Thanks, Heath.”

“Maybe you should go to Aiden with this?” he suggested.

Priest shook his head. “That man has more shit on his plate than anyone.”

Heath went to speak, hesitated, then continued. “Go to Meryn.”

Priest stared. “Excuse me?”

Heath winced. “I know, it sounds a bit crazy, but by now, we’ve all seen her in action. Besides the commander, she’s the only other one who was present as each couple came together. She may have some insight into your nightmares.”

Priest felt the stirrings of hope. “Do you really think so?”

Heath chuckled. “Either she’ll be able to help or implode the situation so badly that your nightmares will be the least of your worries.”

“I fucking hate you,” Priest muttered, a smile tugging at his lips.

Heath laughed outright at his declaration. “I know, eaglet, I know.” He stood and stretched. “Get some rest. I have a feeling tomorrow should be interesting.” He walked to the door and opened it. “If it gets this bad again, come to me. Don’t let the darkness get a foothold.”

Priest nodded. “I will. Thanks again, Heath.”