Chapter 49

Joe was sitting bolt upright in the center of his bed, his hands held out as if warding off something only he could see.

Derek grabbed Sherwat’s collar to keep him from leaping onto the bed, pointing to the floor with the order, “Sit.” The dog did with obvious reluctance.

With great care, Derek sat on the edge of the bed. “Joe, wake up,” he said, cautiously touching his shoulder. “It’s a dream, nothing more.”

Joe jerked away, scuttling to the corner of the bed, his eyes unseeing. “No!” he cried out, curling into himself, his arms wrapped tightly around his knees as he shook with fear. “No more.”

“Joe, it’s me. You’re home. You’re safe.” Derek said with quiet intensity. He eased across the bed, gently stroking Joe’s sweat-soaked hair. “Listen to me. You’re safe, I promise.”

Joe’s eyes flew open, and for a moment they were filled with terror. Then he whispered, “It’s you.”

Derek gathered him into his arms, rocking him. “It is. I’m here. No one will ever hurt you like that again.”