A Modern Myth: Grady's Return

By Jude Liebermann

Second installment of the A Modern Myth trilogy. Nada's Friend, Grady Duncan, nearly died and lay in a coma for many years. He finally awakens but has no memory of her or what happened to him. Will he ever fully recover from his ordeal and will Nada ever truly get back the man she loves? She must also deal with who she is and what she helped create in this action packed sequel to Nada's Secret.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jude Liebermann
• Release date: Aug 31, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301080021

Jude Liebermann

Jude is an adult and YA romance novelist. Be sure to look through the whole list of books, since there are 4 free titles.

Book preview

A Modern Myth:

Grady’s Return

Jude Liebermann

Published by Lee Books

Austin, TX

leebooks.judesplace.com

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

Cover models originally created by Farconville on FreeDigitialPhotos.net

Copyright 2007 by Lee Books

Edited & Republished in 2012

Prologue

She never thought it would feel so good. She closed her eyes as his lips trailed down her throat. Her legs moved around his lean hips and locked behind his waist. She met each thrust with one of her own. His mouth caught her next moan as his lips met hers, his tongue thrusting in time to their joined bodies. The deeper he went, the more breathless she became. She knew her climax neared and wondered how she could handle it. Was it possible to die from too much pleasure?

Oh, God! She wailed and dug her fingernails into his back.

No, say my name! Came his hoarse reply.

She shook her head; not sure she could speak again, but then the scream ripped from her lungs as his final thrust pushed her over the edge.

Oh, Grady! Nada Berch screamed as she rolled off the bed. Her arms went up to protect her face, but the plush carpet protected her body from harm. She knew from past experience never to have hard wood floors in her bedroom ever again. Her legs caught up in the sheet, but she left it alone. Instead, she rolled onto her back and stared up at the white ceiling.

Nada took a deep breath and sighed. Her gaze moved from her nightshirt to her feet, which still rested on her bed. She bit her lip and pushed up to a sitting position. After pulling her legs from the sheet, she stood and then sat on the edge of her empty queen sized bed. Leaning forward, she crossed her arms over her knees and rested her forehead on her wrists. The tears were unexpected, but she didn’t try to stop them.

How could a dream seem so real when she’d never experienced anything like that before, let alone with Grady Duncan? She and Grady only shared one kiss, before fate intervened and left him in a coma. Even her lovemaking with Derek, the only other man she’d ever loved, hadn’t been as good as that dream.

Nada convinced herself months earlier that Grady would never wake up. Even his doctors said that once he hit the one-year mark, the odds got even worse. When he hit the two-year mark in six months, the hospital would have to transfer him to a long-term care facility. Nada dreaded that, since the nearest one was over thirty miles away. Grady being at the hospital where she worked made her frequent visits easier, though in the last few months she had cut them down to once a week. She needed to accept that even if he did wake up at this point, he wouldn’t be the Grady she knew. She hated referring to him as a vegetable, but doing that enabled her to begin distancing herself from him.

The twins were a much-needed distraction, even though the stress of learning they grew faster than normal didn’t help her state of mind. They were a year old but looked like two-year-olds. That wasn’t too shocking at current, but if they kept up that growth, she wouldn’t be able to hide it for long. Not to mention that they did have the same thirst for blood, though it had been too much to hope that they wouldn’t have taken after their parents. They were also exceptionally bright and spoke too clearly even for two-year-olds. Thinking about the twins reminded her that she screamed herself awake. Nada was surprised she couldn’t hear them crying. She stood and left her bedroom, heading for the twins’ room. The night-light from their room filtered through the cracked door, so she slowly pushed it wider for entrance.

Mommy?

You OK?

Their voices came at the same time. Nada looked from Dawn to Drew, and then she smiled. They both stood in their cribs, pressed to the side closest to their sibling. The toddlers held hands over the railings.

She walked over to stand between their cribs. Leaning over, she gave each of them a kiss on the cheek. I’m fine, sweets. Sorry I woke you. Mommy had a bad dream.

Feel better now? Drew asked in a small voice.

She looked at his dark head. Her son looked too much like Kyros, though she tried not to let that bother her. After all, Kyros looked like Derek. Well, almost. Nada scanned his features, trying to determine if there was anything wrong with them. She caressed his small cheek and nodded. Since he usually woke her with his nightmares, she was relieved not having to ask him that question. She hoped he grew out of them soon, since his blood curdling screams took several minutes of her soothing to calm down. I’m fine, baby.

Nada turned to look at Dawn. She didn’t know whom Dawn looked like. The blonde hair and blue eyes certainly didn’t come from her side of the family. Her daughter looked like an angel, and she hoped that none of Kyros’ evil would ever corrupt her. At least nightmares didn’t seem to plague her sleep. Nada looked back at Drew and nodded again. Just because he looked like his father, didn’t mean he’d be like him. Both of her children would be fine.

You two go back to sleep. Mommy’s sorry she woke you. See you in the morning. Nada pulled the door shut behind her as she left and then leaned against it. She closed her eyes to fight the tears threatening to form.

When she heard the ringing, she thought it was in her head. She pushed away from the door and headed back to her room. It was the phone. Who could be calling in the middle of the night? The hospital hadn’t done that since she delivered the twins, and she didn’t have any other family. Grady! She breathed and raced to the phone.

Hello?

Nada, he’s awake. She heard Dr. Zack Thorton say.

I’ll be right there. She hung up without another word.

The next half-hour was a blur. Nada took the twins to a neighbor and headed to the hospital. She barely listened as Zack tried to tell her Grady’s condition. She wouldn’t relax until they let her in his room. As she stood staring at his sleeping form, Zack placed his hands on her shoulders.

He only came to for a few minutes before falling asleep. He was awake when I called but was out when I came back. No one’s been able to ask him any questions.

Nada nodded and approached the bed. She took one of Grady’s hands in hers. I’ll stay here until he wakes up again. She glanced up at Zack and gave him an apologetic look. Could you please give us some time?

His hands slid away from her shoulders and rested at his sides. She could see his jaw tighten slightly, but he nodded. Sure, Hon. I’ll be on rounds if you need me.

Nada nodded and looked back at Grady. She pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat in it. Nada lifted his hand to her mouth and kissed his knuckles. Grady, can you hear me? It’s Nada. Leaning forward, she placed her ear to his chest. His heartbeat was definitely stronger. The rhythmic sound of it put her to sleep.

She awoke abruptly when she felt her hand squeezed. Nada sat up abruptly and gasped to see his eyes open.

Grady! She knew she should call someone, but she didn’t want anyone interfering with their reunion. How are you? Impulsively, she kissed his cheek.

He watched her for a moment before parting his lips. His dry tongue came out and tried to lick his lips but was unable to moisten them. As he tried to ask for water, Nada reached for the pitcher on the table and poured him some. She held the straw for him as he took a tentative sip. He nodded his thank you and again focused on her. He licked his lips again and cleared his throat.

Who are you? His voice was hoarse, but she understood every word. Nada covered her mouth, as her other hand reached out to hit the call button. By the time the room filled with people, the tears in her eyes made them all unrecognizable.

Chapter One

Nada lightly tapped her fingers on the edge of the counter as she waited her turn. The woman in front of her debated with the cashier about the scanned price that rang up. Nada absently looked around the store, trying to ignore the woman complaining about the thirty-cent discrepancy.

But that isn’t what was on the display. She insisted. It isn’t as if I can’t afford it, but it’s the principal of the thing. Don’t you agree?

It took a moment before Nada realized the older woman spoke to her. She choked back a yawn as she focused on the frustrated customer.

Huh? Yeah, I guess so. Nada replied, fighting back the embarrassed smile. She looked at the cashier and shrugged. Half tempted to fish a quarter and nickel out of her purse and toss them over, she instead looked at her watch. Mia, her best friend and co-worker, expected her ten minutes ago. She should have known better than to stop and get a bottle of wine, even though Nada knew her friend wouldn’t have the brand she liked.

She tried to fight back the groan when the cashier reached for the phone beneath the register and announced she needed a price check.

Ten minutes later Nada finally got back to her car, and it only took a few more minutes to reach her destination. She parked on the street and headed inside. When he answered her knock, Detective Cayle Somerset smiled upon seeing her.

I knew you’d be late. He said with smug grin.

Nada smiled and brushed past him. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Where is she?

In the kitchen, I think. Cayle responded. Hey, wife, you in the kitchen? He yelled.

Mia Somerset appeared suddenly and shushed him. For Christ’s sake, man, Kedem is sleeping.

Hell, you know that kid could sleep through an earthquake. He looked at Nada and winked. I think he actually has.

Nada laughed at their theatrics. Cayle kissed Mia’s temple, and she playfully slapped his chest. Nada loved visiting them. Besides her children, the Somersets were her only family. Since the twins hadn’t lived at home for two years, she saw Cayle and Mia more often. As if reading her mind, Mia spoke.

So when are they coming home?

I pick them up at the airport tomorrow.

Mia bit her lip. When’s the last time you saw them?

Nada handed her the bottle and shrugged. I visit them every three months…I have to.

Mia nodded as she turned back to the kitchen. It must be hard not being able to see them every day.

Nada shrugged and started to follow. Their safety is more important.

Cayle gave Nada’s shoulder a squeeze as she passed. How are they?

Nada’s eyebrows went up as she stopped in the hallway. Cayle never asked about the kids. As far as he was concerned, the less he knew the better. They’re thriving.

Mia laughed from the kitchen. That’s a good way of putting it. Girl, go have a seat in the living room. I’ll be right there with a glass of wine. We have some time before dinner, so we can talk.

Nada nodded and headed for the couch. She tossed her purse on the coffee table and sank into the plush cushion. After slipping out of her shoes, she pulled her feet up and under her as she snuggled into the pillows. She always felt comfortable in the Somerset home. Just as she laid her head on the back of the sofa, Cayle sat down across from her. Nada looked over as Mia entered the room. She handed Nada the promised glass of wine, before sitting beside her husband. Nada looked from Cayle to Mia. They had been married for three years, and Kedem would be turning two years old soon. He was a precious little boy, and Nada enjoyed being around him, almost as much as she enjoyed being around his parents. She took a sip of wine as she thought about their wedding. She had been the maid of honor, but she could barely recall the service. Mia and Cayle exchanged vows only two weeks after Grady came out of the coma. Nada had been a wreck, but she couldn’t miss her best friend’s wedding.

She took another sip of wine as she thought about Grady. Three years had passed since he came out of the coma and didn’t know her, but it felt like only a day since she stood in the waiting room not wanting to hear what Zack told her. She avoided looking at him, instead looking at his shoes. Since she didn’t have the strength to cover her ears, she sat wringing her hands.

He’s lost his short term memory and some of his long term. His muscles have atrophied quite a bit, even with all the exercising that was done. That was inevitable, but he may regain the ability to walk.

Will he ever remember me? She finally asked.

I don’t think so, Nada, I’m sorry. He doesn’t have amnesia, so it’s not as if it will just come back someday. The information has been erased. He’ll never be the man he once was, but with physical therapy and a lot of hard work, he’ll be able to lead a normal life.

What about his clinic? She asked through the tears, almost stumbling through the question.

Zack shook his head. He doesn’t remember being a doctor. That knowledge is gone, most likely for good. We’ll have to evaluate him, to determine how much of his memory has been affected.

Nada sucked in her breath and closed her eyes. She buried her face in her hands and felt Zack move closer. Please, leave me alone.

He jumped back as if she slapped him. Of course, Nada.

Zack had been right about Grady never getting his memories back. Nada worked up the nerve to visit him a month after he awoke, but he was distant. Not wanting to to fall apart in front of him, she didn’t stay long but kept tabs on him through Zack and Kiefer Taylor. Even though Grady couldn’t remember him, Dr. Taylor gave him free physical therapy at his clinic. He drove Grady around and familiarized him with things he used to do. The only thing he didn’t seem willing to do was to get to know Nada again. It relieved her in a way, since being around him made it nearly impossible not to cry. In the past three years, she doubted she’d seen him a dozen times. Kiefer cared for Grady’s pets until he woke up. When he found out about Grady’s condition, he found them new homes. Grady couldn’t remember them either, so he didn’t miss them. His veterinarian clinic was still run full time by the vet that Kiefer found, and the woman did an exceptional job. Nada met her soon after she took over the clinic. The vet wasn’t upset by the prospect of continuing to run it on her own, and Nada couldn’t exactly blame her.

Well, it’s been about a year since I last saw them. How are they doing? Mia evasively asked, bringing Nada back to the present.

Nada knew what she really asked, but she knew Cayle didn’t want to hear the answer. She looked at him for a moment, but he avoided eye contact as he took a swig of his beer. Married life definitely suited him. He smiled more often, although certainly not right then. The corner of Nada’s mouth went up as she felt a mischievous streak go through her. Well, I’ll have to make the new birth certificates soon.

Cayle choked on his beer. Coughing, he slammed down the bottle and stood. I can’t hear this.

Without another word, and a quick glare at his wife, he left the room. Mia’s gaze turned to Nada. She tried to glare at her but soon chuckled.

That was mean and not exactly what I was asking.

Nada couldn’t hold back the smile. She reached forward and patted Mia’s knee. I know, but I couldn’t resist.

Mia leaned forward and placed her hand over Nada’s. Really, though, how are they?

The smile left Nada’s face as she settled back into the couch. She took a deep breath and looked in the direction Cayle exited. I’ll find out tomorrow. The next few months will be tough, but I’ll let you know.

Mia followed her gaze and sighed. He’s a great guy, isn’t he?

The best. Nada responded as she looked back at her friend. I can tell you’re very happy.

Thanks to you.

Nada shook her head. Nah, fate would have gotten you two together, even if I hadn’t.

No, I’m not talking about just that, and you know it.

Nada blushed and looked away. She hated being reminded of that, and Mia knew it.

We’ve never talked about it, Nada. Why?

Nada forced her gaze back to Mia. Because I never wanted you to know.

What, that you’re special?

Nada almost smiled. Grady once described her that way. That I’m different.

You saved my life, Nada. That’s not different, that’s special.

As tears filled Mia’s eyes, Nada again looked away. Even though she tried to push it from her mind, the memory invaded. Mia had been pregnant at the time. She, Cayle and Nada just finished dinner at their favorite restaurant and walked back to the car. They were almost there when Nada realized she’d left her purse inside, so she turned to run back to get it.

The muggers must have taken Cayle by surprise. He always wore an ankle holster, but his gun remained there. Nada returned with her purse, when she saw the scene unfold in front of her. One of the muggers held Mia in a chokehold and held a knife to her slightly protruding belly. Cayle lay on the ground with the second mugger kneeling on his back, holding a gun to the back of his head. Even though she was too far away, she could hear them.

Give me your money, or your bitch gets it.

If you hurt her, you’ll have to kill me more than once, you bastard. He groaned as the man slammed his knee even harder into his back. My wallet is in my back pocket. My badge is there, too, he added menacingly.

Nada began to run. She would be there in seconds, but she didn’t expect Mia to try to escape. Her friend bit the hand of her attacker and tried to run toward her husband. This surprised the man above Cayle, who raised the gun to fire. Cayle’s reflexes were good, but not fast enough. Nada knew she wouldn’t make it in time, so her body took over. She couldn’t have stopped the change if she tried, as wings grew out of her back. In an instant she flew through the air. She knocked the gun aside just as the trigger was pulled. The man ended up shooting his friend instead. Cayle’s elbow then made contact with the mugger’s chin, knocking him unconscious. Mia screamed as the man behind her fell. She then ran the remaining few feet until she was safe in her husband’s arms.

Nada landed about ten feet away and watched them from the shadows. She took deep breaths to calm down. She wore a strapless dress with a matching jacket. Knowing the jacket was ruined beyond repair, she tore it the rest of the way and threw it in the dumpster behind her. The dress pulled low, showing way too much of her breasts. As the wings merged into her body, she ran her tongue along her teeth. When she felt confident she was back to normal, she pulled the dress up and moved closer to the embracing couple.

Mia still had her head buried in her husband’s large chest, but Cayle’s eyes never left Nada. Feeling uncomfortable, she looked toward the man who got shot. Nada walked over to him and knelt in front of him. She didn’t need to touch him to feel his heartbeat. She could hear the slow but steady rhythm. She then looked at the second mugger. Why had they chosen this alley? Nada met Cayle’s gaze again.

Thank you. He finally said.

She shrugged and tried not to show her surprise as Mia finally came out of hiding to look at her friend. Her slow nod was almost Nada’s undoing.

Don’t mention it. Nada looked away for a second before looking back. I mean that.

Mia respected that request at first but Cayle had a harder time. He reminded her of his fear that helping her and the twins would endanger people’s lives. He also wanted to know what she was. She again reassured him that she wasn’t a threat to anyone. As she described how an infected panther attacked her and her fiancé, Derek, she told herself she’d never again talk about it.