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“And wash your face. You look fucking terrifying.” He gives me his back and walks down the hall, his footsteps heavy and loud.

I rub my cheek, forgetting about the dried blood on my face.

Soren’s bedroom door shuts with a soft click, letting me know I’m alone now. I drag my feet to the sink, turning on the cold water, then cup my hands under the flow. I splash my face, the sharp bite of winter-chilled water energizing me. Squeezing blue soap in my hand that’s safe for ducks, I figure it’s fine to get near the eyes.

I scrub until the water and suds run clear. I fumble, reaching out for the paper towels. I can’t see. My eyes are closed, the water dripping down my face, and I don’t think I got all the soap off my face.

My hands hit the utensil holder by the sound of it clattering everywhere.

My knee hits the cabinet with a loud bang. “Fuck!” I whisper-hiss in frustration.

I pause, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves and to make sure I haven’t woken anyone up.

When I don’t hear anything, I reach across the counter and rip the fucking paper towel off the roll. Drying my face and hands, I ball up the damp cloth and toss it in the trash.

I lean my hip against the counter, the edge digging into my skin, but I don’t care. I’m replaying the conversations with Lorcan and Soren in my head.

I’m invigorated.

A soft whimper comes from down the hall. I stop breathing, my thoughts coming to a complete halt. A darkness swirls in my chest. Fear twirls around my bones and makes it hard to breathe.

Another whine, followed by pleading murmurs, comes from my bedroom. I’m in front of his door with my next step, swinging the door open when I hear another cry from him.

It’s easier to see in the dark with my eyes shifted, the room coated in garnet.

Leo is in the middle of my bed, kicking his legs and fighting the sheets. There’s a bite in the air, something sharp and humid. Leo’s been sweating for a while now, given how damp the sheets are.

I stand by the bed, my vision zeroing in on the pulse thumping wildly on his throat. My fangs descend, and the thirst hits me so hard I double over, clutching the edge of the bed to keep me upright.

Fuck, he smells so good.

But I can’t do that to him. Not now. Not like this.

“Leo.” I slip in beside him, remembering the words Soren said about listening to my instincts. “Leo. Beloved. It’s okay. I’m here. Wake up, Honeybee.” I gently shake his shoulders and stare down at his pinched face.

He won’t pull out of the nightmare. He’s in very deep.

“No. No!” He sits up, and if not for my reflexes, he would have smashed me in the face.

His eyes snap open as he gasps for air, deep, strangled inhales that seem weaker with every gulp.

“Leo!” I catch him around his waist when he sways, his body warm and sticky from sweat.

Salty drops bead across his forehead, brows, and drip down his temple. I’m suddenly jealous of his skin. I’d love to be that bead of sweat.

“Leo, Beloved. Hey, you’re okay. Look at me.” I grab his face firmly with both hands.

His black curls are damp and sticking to his forehead. I can’t help myself. I push them out of the way, his skin hot and slick to the touch. His long black lashes blink, bringing him out of his nightmare.

“Alaska?” He croaks my name, confused and struggling to catch his breath.

“It’s me. You’re okay.”

His eyes frantically search the room. “I’m alive. I didn’t die. I didn’t die,” he repeats, his breathing regulating itself.

My heart does something odd. It feels heavy. It aches as if it’s breaking. Emotion fills what used to be a useless organ, between beats.

“No, Honeybee. No. You didn’t die in the crash. You survived because you’re an amazing pilot. I found you. You’re here now with me. In my cabin. In my bed,” I try my best not to growl that last part, but I can’t stop myself.