The guys respond with a chorus of goodnights of their own and I close my eyes.
Instead of being wokenup by sunshine and soft bird noises, I’m jolted awake when I feel Ash twitching against me.
I glance at the clock with bleary eyes.
5:32AM.
It hasn’t even been that long since we fell asleep. He’s having a nightmare.
Rage’s arm is heavy around my waist, but I turn around, facing Ash. Rowan is still knocked out on the other side of him, probably from the pain medication he’s taken.
I’m surprised the others haven’t woken up yet, but maybe it’s because Ash’s nightmare just started.
I know he didn’t like it when I woke him up last time, but I think I’d rather sleep on a bed of nails than try and sleep beside him when I know he’s in pain.
I take a deep breath, trying to control my emotions. The last thing I want is to overwhelm him with my perfume.
Instead of trying to shake him awake, I reach up and gently rest my hand against his forearm. His skin is clammy.
I scoot up in the bed, trying to keep from waking up the others and lean Ash’s head into the crook of my neck. Maybe my scent will help him.
Rage shifts behind me. When I glance over my shoulder, I have to stifle my gasp.
“Oh no! I’m so sorry for waking you up,” I whisper.
His one good amber eye glows in the dim light from the digital clock.
“Ash is just having a nightmare, I’m trying to wake him up without freaking him out.”
Rage offers me a single nod, his arm lifting so only his hand rests against my waist.
“Thank you,” I say, before returning my attention to Ash.
There’s that all too familiar crease between his brows. Even in sleep, he’s plagued by stress. The muscles in his body tense up again, and a soft but strangled noise leaves his throat.
“Hi Ash,” I whisper into his ear. “It’s me, Mira, you’re safe. It’s just a dream.”
The muscles in his body tense even further and his legs kick about, tangled in the sheets.
“You’re in bed. With me and the guys. You’re okay,” I repeat, gently brushing my fingers against his forearm.
Rage sits up from behind me, tugging the blankets down and freeing Ash’s legs.
Ash’s eyes blink open.
“Huh?” He groans, shaking his head.
“You were having a dream. You’re okay, though. You’re with me and the guys, remember?”
He buries his face in the crook of my neck inhaling a deep breath of my sweet perfume. His breath tickles against my skin.
“Fuck,” he breathes out. “Thank you.”
“Of course. Thank Rage too, he helped.”
Ash lifts his head and offers Rage a two-finger salute. “Thanks, man. ‘preciate it.”
“Had a stupid fucking dream about that dead bastard actually doing it,” Ash mumbles, tugging me into his chest.
