4
Layne
I stir in darkness. I’m not sure what jolted me awake—some kind of animal noise.
There. I hear it again. It’s a snarl. A wolf snarl.
Where I am and what’s happened floods in. I throw the covers back and climb out of bed as if my body is compelled forward by some unseen force.
I unlock the door before I remember Sam’s warning.
I could hurt you, Layne.
I don’t believe it. Yes, I see a struggle in him, but I can’t believe he’d hurt me. Not when he’s trying so hard to keep me safe.
A low, continuous growl comes from the darkened living room. I pad down the narrow hall in my bare feet and stop short, my heart constricting.
Sam’s asleep on the couch—if I can call it sleeping. He’s obviously in a nightmare. His lips peel back from his teeth, feet pump like he’s running.
“Sam?” I
