Gabriel's Hope

"Nothing to be concerned about," he said with a casual shrug. "Are you leaving?"

"I have to, so I don't put you in danger," she said. She placed her bag on the ground and approached him. She touched his cheek gingerly. "You know you should have ice on this!" she chided. "You're a doctor for god's sake!"

He took her hand. "It looks worse than it is. Really, Deidre, it's nothing."

"Wynn, you have to tell me what happened!" She searched his features.

"It's rather embarrassing," he said.

"Omigod! You've seen me naked and drooling and drugged up. You've cut me open and - "

"I cede your point," he said, smiling. "First, can you tell me if your Gabriel is about seven feet tall, with eyes darker than night and no sense of humor?"

Her jaw dropped.

"I'll take that as a yes. In that case, I understand completely."

"Gabriel hit you?" she demanded.

"It might've been another seven-foot stranger concerned about your welfare."

Deidre didn't see Gabriel doing something like this. He was the kind of man who struck once - and it'd kill his target. But how else did Wynn know what Gabe looked like? There was no mistaking the description.

"I can't believe he did this."

"Full disclosure, I think he was aiming for the … thing beside me. It looked human," Wynn appeared perplexed. "Jared? Sounded human but …"

Deidre shivered. She recalled Jared too well. He was a demon that ate people. Maybe Gabe hurt Wynn while trying to save her friend from the demons. It made more sense than Wynn being hit by Gabe.

"My dear, your eyes." Wynn took her chin and tilted her face up. "It's not a good sign."

"What's wrong?" she asked quickly.

"Your pupils are different sizes. Do you have a headache by chance?"

"Yes."

He frowned.

"Wynn, what's wrong?" she asked again. "Do you think … am I starting to you know, go downhill?"

He hesitated. "Possibly. It might be an early indication."

She swallowed hard. Wynn being cornered by a demon and her body starting to give out on her. It was an awful combination.

"Do you trust me, Wynn?" she asked.

"Of course."

"Will you go somewhere with me?"

His gaze went to her bag. "Weekend trip or longer?"

"Longer, probably."

"Can I pack?"

"Sure. I want to take you somewhere safe."

He studied her for a moment then nodded. Wynn retreated to his bedroom. Deidre grabbed her bag and waited for him in the hallway. He joined her, a gym bag at his side. Handing her the keys, he smiled.

"Um, don't need these," she said. She tucked them into her bag. "Close your eyes and just work with me here."