Apphia

When I open my eyes hours later, my body feels completely sore, and my body temperature is cold, even with a fleece blanket around me. Nicholas is sitting at the edge of the bed, back turned to me. I reach to touch him, but he stiffens, and I retract my hand. 
Memories of what I'd done rush back to me----the wraiths. I'm hosting them. I can feel them within me. 
I attempt to sit up but wince at the headache I feel. My mate turns to me, alert. He is watching me intensely, ...