Chapter Twenty Five:

The Lamb saves the Shepherd

She waited until he fell asleep before calling Doc and filling him in.

"He should have been in bed," huffed Doc. "What the hell did he think he was doing…with her?"

My thoughts exactly…

"The dizziness could have been a result of the wine. Do you know how much he ingested?"asked Doc.

"Maybe a glass or two…I'm not sure. He's sleeping right now. His pulse is steady…now."

"Sara, his condition is worsening."

"I…know."

"He should consider…you both should consider…blood transfusion."

"I'll talk with him," she promised before hanging up.

She yanked the sheets from the bed and replaced them with clean ones, then sprayed the entire room with disinfectant eliminating the scent of Heather's perfume.

She fumed when she found Heather's gown in a drawer in the bathroom and tossed it in the trash.

Within a few hours, he stirred, panicking when he saw that she was not in sight.

"Sara!"

"I'm here," she called as she walked around the couch.

He seemed relieved to see her.

"I thought you…left," he admitted.

"I keep my word," she said and saw the twinge of guilt cross his face as he fell back onto the couch.

"What…what have you been doing?" he asked.

"I sterilized your room," she announced.

"My room?"

"It was dirty…from her filth," she spat.

He closed his eyes, fearing another bout of barbs and he didn't have the strength to hear it.

Instinctively his hand slipped into hers, their palms connecting the way it did on their consummation.

The connection sent a chill down his spine.

"Do…you…feel that?" he whispered.

"Yes," she admitted.

"It's almost as if…we're connecting…joining. Sara…when we joined…I hated deceiving you. I wanted you…to want me."

She swallowed feeling the guilt rise up within her almost choking the breath from her. "I did…I said your name…"

"I thought you said it was just a test? I was afraid you'd found out."

She shook her head. "I…wanted…you. I called you by name…it wasn't the first time I did that. Gracen…Gracen left for a few days…wanting me to make sure I knew what I wanted."

"You chose him," whispered Grissom.

"I chose him…because he was safe…compared to you. He'd never hurt me."

He nodded in understanding. His regret was written on his face.

"I couldn't bear to…see your tears after we…I knew you wanted…him…not me."

"I cried because I wanted you…when I should have wanted him. Gracen…gave up everything for me….sacrificed everything…and I betrayed him."

He tried to pull her to him but she refused.

"I betrayed...him," she repeated. "I didn't want to love you. I wanted to love Gracen but...I couldn't. I thought that once I joined with Gracen, all of the pain and the indecision would go away...and within a few hours I would be rid of this love for you. You know its funny...I didn't know what was worse...loving you...or not loving you. I felt as if my heart would surely break so I...I pretended it was really you, Grissom. I looked into your face, called out your name, gave myself to you...to you!" she cried.

"I told myself that...I could get through it if I gave my heart that one memory. I deceived the one person who had never hurt me...loved me for a memory."

"Sara..."

"I planned to confess to Gracen... tell him what I did. I knew he would forgive me...but I didn't get to," she choked. "It was really you and he was dead...dead because he chose me."

"Sara..."

"I got your bed ready. You can sleep better in there rather than out here."

"Sara, please..."

"Don't...say anything," she choked.

She wrapped her arm around his waist and helped him to the bedroom.

The covers were already pulled back.

Once he was settled, she sat down beside him.

His hand fumbled across the bed covers and found hers, slipping his hand into hers.

"You haven't slept any?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I couldn't."

"You look tired. Come and lie here…"

"I…can't," she pleaded.

He nodded sadly.

"I'll check on you…later," she said as she fled the room.

She kept her promise, slipping in and out of the room, unable to shut down.

He'd slept most of the day but it had been fitful, waking every hour to see if she remained.

Finally, she sat on the bed, slipping her hand into his while her other hand stroked his hair.

"I…said I wouldn't leave," she lamented.

"I know…I dream…you have and then…I didn't mean to hurt you…again," he grieved.

"Just sleep," she crooned.

There was a tap at the door later and she froze, not sure whether to open it or not.

She glanced out the window and saw that it was Doc.

"Hey," she said as she opened the door.

"You know your car is a dead give away," he announced.

She frowned. "I guess it is."

"How is he?"

"I'm not sure."

Doc followed her to the bedroom.

Grissom woke just as Doc sat down on the bed as Sara slipped into the other room.

"You're not Sara."

"Nice to see you too, Gil. How do you feel?"

"Tired….weak," he admitted.

"Gil…I think we should consider the transfusion," stated Doc.

Grissom shook his head. "Not…yet."

"When…after you lapse into a coma?"

"We don't know what kind of effect it would have on Sara. I want to wait," emphasized Grissom as he glanced toward the door.

"How is she?" asked Doc.

"I don't know," sighed Grissom. "I'm worried about her."

Sara appeared with a tray.

"Wish I could be served in bed," huffed Doc.

Sara handed Doc a cup of coffee.

"How is he?" she asked.

"He's getting worse," announced Doc making Grissom glare.

Sara's hand slipped into his and Grissom could sense her fear.

"I'm going to be alright," urged Grissom as his fingers caressed the palm of her hand.

"Are you going to stay with him?" asked Doc.

"Yes."

"You have to work," grieved Grissom.

"I called Catherine already. She's got it covered."

Sara walked Doc to the door. "Doc…could you talk with Catherine….explain."

"You lied?"

"I know she'll understand. I just didn't want him to argue about it…he's too weak."

"I'm glad you have your priorities straight. I'll make sure Catherine fully understands."

Grissom smiled when she returned to the bed.

He'd managed to eat part of the food.

"Let me hold you," he whispered.

She shook her head as she took a deep breath. "I...I'll just be out there if you need me."

"I'm sorry you hurt Sara," he whispered. "Please lie here with me. Let me hold you."

She shook her head. "I'll take the couch."

He refused to release her hand forcing her to remain. "I know you regret loving me but I am so very thankful...I do love you."

It hurt him when she acted as though the words were never spoken but he didn't push.

"I'll check on you in a few hours," she said getting up.

"Take a pillow…there's an extra blanket in the closet," he offered. "You could use one of my t-shirts."

She took the items and then left him.

He rolled to his side in order to watch her disappear down the hall.

The couch was much better than hers but it wasn't a bed and she shifted a few times trying to find a comfortable spot.

She pulled up the blanket, closing her eyes from the exhaustion.

Her fingers traced the scar on her hand.

He's dying and it's your fault...

She hurried to the kitchen, searching for the items she needed.

Grissom struggled to sit up, glad to see that she was awake.

He was alarmed when he saw a knife in her hand.

"Sara…what are you going to do?"

"We have to do this…again," she said. "We have to reconnect…bind our hands and…"

"We don't know this," he said afraid he might infect her. "Maybe we should wait…find someone who may know more about this….Heather knows more. I'm sure of it."

"Our blood is the same...mine is healthy...yours is not. The anemia is worse...much worse. We need to at least try this."

"Sara, this could affect you."

"We're bound...it already affects me."

Grissom pulled his hand away. " I don't want to ...risk your health."

She swallowed. "You risked yours...by ingesting Gracen's blood. You're sick...because of me."

He squeezed her hand. "No, Sara. We don't know that."

"Do you trust me?" she whispered.

"I trust you. Sara…"

She sliced her hand before he could finish.

Blood pooled in her palm.

He extended his palm but her hand trembled when she attempted to cut his palm, guilty for getting Grissom involved in the mess.

Grissom took the knife, cutting his hand in one swift move.

Their eyes remained locked as they were bound again.

The moment their palms connected, it was like flashes of light exploding around them.

His head dipped down and he kissed her softly.

She meant for them to lie together but he whispered, "Let me love you, Sara."

"There's no need," she replied.

"I need you," he said softly. "I've always needed you...wanted you...loved you. Sara, please let me show you."

Her heart fluttered as he positioned himself, easing gently into her until he was fully submerged inside her.

Her body fit perfectly to him and he groaned from the sheer pleasure of feeling her surround him completely.

Their joining was done with a gentle purpose, giving in to the buildup rather than trying to ride it out.

One slight thrust and a guttural moan escaped her lips sending him into a frenzy as he purposely guided them to their first orgasm.

It was one of many as they continued until both were completely exhausted.

Her head rested on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms in a protective hug.

Their hands remained bound, neither wanting to break the connection just yet.

Her eyes drifted to his.

"I love you, Sara," he whispered, pressing his lips to her temple.

They were still bound when she woke, her head still resting on his chest.

His mouth was just inches from her temple and she grinned hearing the soft snoring sound.

She stayed still letting him sleep until he finally woke on his own.

"How do you feel?" she asked anxiously.

"Better," he assured her.

Her smile warmed him. "Just go back to sleep," she whispered. "I'll watch over you."

He shifted so that he was facing her.

His eyes closed but then opened the moment she moved.

"I'm not going anywhere," she promised.

His hand snaked out, pulling her to his chest.

"Is this alright?" he questioned, releasing her slightly.

"It's fine, Griss. Just rest," she whispered.

She stayed by his side, not wishing to leave him, fearful of his condition but as hours passed he seemed stronger.

His breathing was much better and he slept peacefully.

Eventually, she unwrapped their hands, slipping out of bed a few times to fix something for them to eat, forcing him to remain in bed.

He obeyed, liking the special attention she gave him.

Both took advantage of the time, sleeping for long periods of time.

He finally woke, rolling on top of her.

He tried to correct himself but her arms circled around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss.

He smiled when her tongue teased, dipping in and out, causing him to harden instantly.

"I can't resist that," he warned.

"Then don't," she moaned.

Later she stepped out of the shower and smiled when he remained on the bed, still half dressed.

"I feel better…much better," he said with a grin.

She smiled but then it was lost when his phone rang.

He grabbed it without thinking.

"Grissom." He leaned back on the bed, trying not to look in Sara's direction as Heather inquired about his health. "I feel better."

The faint sound of a woman's voice could be heard on the other line.

Sara slipped out of the room, sure that the voice belonged to Heather.

"I'm glad you're better," Heather purred.

"I need your help," he said softly.

She smiled. "So, you've decided to take me up on my offer."

"Heather….what do you know about…joining…angels and humans?" he asked.

"What would you like to know?" she asked.

"I'd like to know as much as I can," he said, relieved that Sara was now gone from the room.

"Over dinner…I think I can be persuaded to…enlighten you," she offered.

"Dinner? Again?" He didn't want to have dinner with her again but hoped she would give him the information over the phone.

"My place…this time. You won't be sorry," she said. "Gil, this is your last chance…to know what you've gotten yourself into. It will be my only offer."

"Okay," he agreed. "I'll have dinner with…you, Heather."

Sara's heart sank as she overheard the conversation.

She grabbed her things and fled.

He couldn't believe he was agreeing to meet with Heather after what she tried to pull but he needed the information.

He vowed to protect Sara and without knowledge of what they were dealing with, he felt defenseless.

Heather lifted the cup of tea to her lips.

"Did he agree?" asked Darius.

"Yes….of course."

"Get him out of my way or I'll remove him…permanently."

"Why…Why is she so important to you?"

Darius grinned. "Why Heather, I'm going to do you a favor. With Sara gone, you can have Grissom all to yourself."

"Why do you want her?" she pressed.

"Because Gracen wanted her…gave up everything for her. He found a way to save her so I want to have her…for myself. His blood flows through her."

"If it was Gracen's blood you desired, I understand you wasted most of it on his basement floor."

He smiled. "I have plans for my Sara."

Note from author:

Well, you knew Darius was going to resurface.