Chapter 36: Aching for Vengeance

Axton

Flashes behind my eyes woke me. Another typical storm was raging outside. The sweet, pungent aroma of the storm tickles my nose and I push up, looking for the human female despite the fact I shouldn't care. Shouldn't get too close to her. I rub the back of my neck, trying to loosen the knot in my muscles.

Jody whimpered, curling in on herself like she'd done most nights here when she wasn't doing the cute whistle-snoring thing she usually did. I had gotten used to the sounds and they made me smile whenever I woke in the dead of night. They told me she was here with me and that she was alive. The thought of her hurt or in pain sent an icy spear into my chest.

Now, she was having another nightmare. I had intended to wake her up enough to help.

"Jody, you're dreaming," I said.

But she didn't stop, and a sob tore from her throat that cut me to the bone.