Page 80 of Ache

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“Then fucking stay.” I shove him away.

“Everly, I can’t.” Tage traces my cheek tenderly. The contact makes me sick because I’m certain it will be the last time. The last time I ever feel his touch, or see his face, or stand in his presence. The tears come harder and faster than they ever had before.

“Ever, don’t.” He kisses me, swiftly and powerfully, as if that is supposed to ease the pain. As if the pain of him leaving me could ever be taken away. I kiss him back with all the might I have, hoping upon hope the impassioned embrace will make him stay. Will change his mind, will force him to come to his senses.

I love you. I always have. I always will.

Tage… please stay.

The heart monitor in Alec’s room flat lines, grabbing my attention. I break the kiss and throw myself against the glass.No! No! No!

“Tage,” I turn around hysterically, but he’s gone.

I’m alone.

I’m falling apart.

And there’s no one left to turn to.

28

Alec

Beeeeeeeeeeep . . .

I hear the ear-piercing ring in the distance as I look into the light. All the physical pain is gone, but my heart still hurts.

My life has not been fulfilled.

There’s business still left on this Earth for me to tend to.

But the call of the light is powerful. It beckons me. Sheer peace awaits me on the other side. Of this, I’m sure. I feel it seeping through the warm beams reaching out to touch my skin.

The annoying ring is getting louder, though, cutting through the tranquility flooding my being.

“Clear.”

I’m literally shocked, and the rays of light and divine serenity disappear right before my eyes.

Then there’s pain. Ungodly pain.

Blip . . . blip . . . blip . . .

* * *

The soundof heavy rain wakes me.

I feel strange. Heavy, but light.

It’s hard to move.

I look around the foreign room. It’s cream in color, with large windows and lots of machines.

Where am I?

Then I remember. The gun, Everly, Tage’s bloody hands, blacking out.

I jolt from the onslaught of memories.

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