“It’s already healing.” She sucks in a breath. “Zane, what happened to your hands?”
His voice is quiet, but I still hear him. “It’s from the silver.”
Guilt churns inside me. “I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, Tessa,” Zane says.
Evie asks him something else, but I zone out. When we get back to my dorm, Evie insists on walking me in. Zane comes with as well. He waits outside while Evie and I go into my room. I glance at Stephanie’s bed, but it’s empty. “Try to get some sleep, Tessa. You look exhausted.”
“I will. Thanks.” My voice is hoarse. She gives me an uncertain look. “I’m okay,” I try to reassure her.
She puts her hand on my arm. “I’m so sorry this is happening.”
“It will be okay.” Then she steps forward and gives me a big hug.
“Get some rest, Tess. I’ll check with you tomorrow.”
As soon she leaves, I change into pajamas and get ready for bed. I debate texting Slater but don’t know what to say. I finally decide to keep it simple.
Me-I'm not sure when I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m working the day shift from eight am to four tomorrow. Just wanted you to know.I’m asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
Chapter 36
Tessa
It’s so cold. I shiver and try to find Slater’s shirt, but I can’t seem to find it. “Keep going,” that voice urges; and I make myself move faster. There’s danger behind me. I have to get away from it. I hear a growl coming from the trees, and fear rushes through me. I know I have to keep moving. I hear that growl again, and suddenly, the trees part. A horrible creature launches from the trees, baring its teeth at me. Its eyes are red, and its fangs drip with blood. I scream and try to move, but it’s like my feet are stuck to the ground. The harder I try to move, the more I can’t. A scream rises in my throat; I can’t get away from it. It comes closer and closer. It opens it’s terrible mouth and—
“Tessa!” My eyes jolt open. I whirl around, trying to find the terrible beast. But it’s not there. “Tessa.”
I turn back around as awareness starts to set in. “Slater?” I take in my surroundings and shiver. Confusion turns to fear. “What’s going on? Why am I outside?” There’s very real fear in my voice. “Slater?” Fear pours through me.
“Hey, easy. It’s okay,” he says. “Let’s get you back inside where it’s warm.” I’m completely numb and more confused than I’ve ever been. As soon as we’re inside my dorm, I turn to him.
“What’s going on?”
He glances around the lobby and seems satisfied that we’re alone for now. “I don’t know. I was keeping watch when I saw you come out of the building. I knew something was wrong because you were barefoot. I called your name several times before you heard me.”
Panic is still coursing through my body. “Was I sleepwalking?”
He studies my face. “Have you ever sleepwalked before?”
“No. Never.” I shake my head. “My dream was so real.” I swallow as that same fear surrounds me.
“Hey,” he steps closer but doesn't touch me. “You’re safe, Tess.”
“I don’t feel safe,” I whisper.
“Do you remember your dream?”
“I was running from that...that creature. It was all black and hideous. It had red eyes and blood on its fangs. It was coming for me. It was gaining on me. Right before I woke up, it jumped at me with its mouth opened—” My words end on a strangled sob.
“Tess.” His face is full of frustration. I watch as he lifts his hand as if to touch me but drops it again. “I’ll keep watch. If for some reason it happens again, I’ll wake you.”
Guilt rises up. “Slater, you need sleep.”
“No. Ineedto know you’re safe.”
“You can’t stay out there all night,” I whisper.
