Mortal Wish Read Online Free PDF Page B

where he’d been happy.
    He ran as fast as he could, not caring if anybody saw him and wondered how a man could run as fast as a car. He had to get to Claire. His legs carried him to the beach where they’d made love the night before. He passed the shed, his eyes scanning the shore, when he perceived a movement, where the waves crashed against a small outcropping of rocks.
    Claire stood there at the ledge, looking into the distance.
    “Claire!” he screamed, but she didn’t turn her head. She probably couldn’t hear him over the surf that had already drenched her clothes.
    He sprinted toward the rocks, his feet sinking into the wet sand with every forceful step. But he didn’t let this slow him down. He knew he had to reach her, because her intention was evident from the way she leaned toward the waves. Any second now, she would jump, and the surf would swallow her up and slam her against the rocks.
    He couldn’t let it happen. And suddenly he knew that there was a way for both of them to get their wish. As he ran toward her and raced up the rocks, he finally realized what his heart’s true desire was. It wasn’t to be mortal again; it was to regain his humanity, to feel needed, to feel loved. Claire was the key. That’s why he was here. Not for the magical spring, but to save her.
    And he couldn’t fail now. Not when he was so close. Not when so much was at stake.
    As he reached the top of the rocks, another big wave crashed, hitting Claire.
    He stretched out his arms, barreling toward her, but the wave swept her up, made her lose her footing.
    “Nooooooo!” The scream dislodged from his throat as he lunged for her with superhuman strength and speed. His fingers found purchase, wrapping around her arm. He pulled her from the clutches of the dark ocean, dragging her toward him, holding her tightly to him, as the next wave already built. But by the time it crashed against the rocks, he’d already carried Claire to safety.
    She seemed dazed in his arms as he carried her to the beach and brought them down in the dry sand. Finally, relief flooded him, and he dared breathe again.
    A sob tore from her. “Why didn’t you let me die, Jake?”
    “Shh, darling,” he cooed.
    She struggled in his arms, pushing against him. “I have brain cancer. I can’t take the pain any longer…”
    He drew her closer to his chest and stroked his palm over her wet hair, feeling her shiver. “I know, darling.”
    She braced her hands against his chest, pushing him. “You knew?”
    “I found your pill bottle. Mrs. Adams told me the rest.”
    Another sob tore from her chest. “Is that why you slept with me? Because you pitied me?”
    “No! I made love to you because I desire you. I want you more than anything else in this life.” It was the truth, though he had no idea how it had happened. Maybe it was fate. Or maybe it was the magical spring.
    More tears streamed over her cheeks. With his thumb he wiped them away.
    “Claire, what I tell you now might seem fantastic, but it’s the truth. Do you think you can keep an open mind?”
    “About what?”
    “You want to live, don’t you?”
    A sob bigger than the previous one disturbed the night.
    “Then I have a solution for you. The spring worked, Claire. Because it brought us together. You’ve wished for a cure. I can give you one.”
    Her big blue eyes stared at him, half in hope, half in doubt. “How?”
    “I’m a vampire, Claire, I’m immortal, and I can give you immortality.”
    He watched her eyes as her expression changed to disbelief. “No.” She shook her head and pulled back. “No.”
    “It’s true. And you know it. Deep down you know, don’t you?” He focused his gaze on the spot on her neck where he’d bitten her the night before.
    Her hand came up to touch that same spot.
    “You know it because you felt it last night. You sensed my bite.”
    Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but nothing came out. Then she stroked over her neck. “I