Page 135 of The Immortal’s Mark

His response is a low, animal growl.

I don’t know what to do.

Gregory has lost it.

I’m disoriented. Confused.

I don’t know why Henry brought me here, wherever here is, and I won’t if Gregory strangles him.

I grab the vampire’s arm and pull. He rolls his shoulder to shrug me off. The movement knocks me sideways, and I fall to the ground.

Henry makes a pathetic, gurgling noise.

I can’t let him die!

I lunge, aiming to slam into Gregory’s side. The tackle should be useless against a vampire’s strength.

And it would be, if it weren’t for the crackling power that skitters across my palms.

The moment I collide with Gregory, the power bites into his side. He shouts and jerks away from the touch. His hands loosen.

My brain barely has time to register what just happened before Henry sits up with a garbled cry and throws his arm out.

A purple bolt launches from his palm.

“No!” I shout.

The beam hits Gregory square in the chest. He flies across the room, strikes the wall, and collapses.

“Gregory!” My heart leaps into my throat, and I scramble to reach him.

My shaking hands shove him onto his back, and I press my ear to his chest.

I don’t hear anything.

Do vampires have heartbeats?

I can’t remember.

My mind is a mess.

I shift and hover my fingers over his lips.

Please. I beg, my eyes burning. Please, breathe.

The faintest exhale brushes my fingertips.

Relief seizes my heart, and I sag forward.

Thank the Creator.

Harsh coughs punch through my thoughts.

I whirl around, staying crouched at Gregory’s side, one hand placed protectively on his arm.

Henry is on his feet now, chest heaving as he struggles for air.

The warlock’s face is flushed, but his eyes are sharp as blades when they lock on me.