CHAPTER 82: INJURIES AND ILLUSIONS

DAMIEN Damien's breath rasped in his throat as he shut the car closed. He had managed to drive home, but the pain in his arm was threatening to send him into complete overdrive. He took a step that protested against his kneecap. Focusing on the distant glow of his apartment building, he finally reached the front porch. Julie strode out of the house, a smile on her face that was completely wiped out, and she saw his state immediately. Her hair, which she had tied to a bun, came tumbling down as she ran to him, her eyes widening in horror. "Damien!" she gasped. What happened to you? I've been calling you; why didn't you pick up?" He tried to respond, but his voice caught in his throat. The pain, the shock, it was all too much. He stumbled slightly, and Julie was there in an instant, slipping her arm around his waist to steady him. "Let's get you inside," she said, her voice cracking slightly. She helped him to the door, and with trembling hands, he managed to unlock it. The warmth