Page 90 of Fury
"Livie, it's me. It's Greyson." I cradle her face between my palms, forcing her to look at me. "You're safe. You're at the clubhouse. No one's going to hurt you."
Recognition slowly dawns in her eyes, the panic receding as she focuses on my face. Her breathing comes in ragged gasps, her entire body trembling violently.
"Greyson?" Her voice breaks on my name, small and uncertain.
"I'm here, baby. I'm right here." I brush sweat-soaked hair from her forehead, my heart breaking at the fear still etched across her features. "It was just a nightmare."
A sob escapes her as reality fully returns. She collapses against me, fingers clutching desperately at my shirt as if I might disappear. I hold her tightly, rocking her gently as violent tremors rack her body.
"He had you," she chokes out against my chest. "Volkov. He was… He was cutting you apart while I watched. I couldn't stop him. I couldn't?—"
"Shh, it wasn't real." I press my lips to her temple, tasting the salt of her tears. "I'm right here. We're both safe."
The door bursts open, Zach appearing with his gun drawn, two prospects right behind him. The sudden intrusion makes Livie flinch violently in my arms.
"Stand down," I order, keeping my voice low and steady for Livie's sake. "Nightmare. We're fine."
Zach lowers his weapon, concern replacing his battle-ready stance. "You sure? That scream…"
"We're good," I confirm, even as Livie burrows deeper against me, her body still shaking. "Close the door."
He hesitates, clearly torn between following orders and making sure we're truly okay. "Xavier's still here. Should I send him in?"
I glance down at Livie, assessing. Her breathing is evening out, the worst of the panic subsiding, but the haunted look in her eyes remains. "Yeah. Tell him to bring something to help her sleep."
Zach nods and backs out, pulling the door closed behind him. I turn my full attention back to Livie, stroking her back in long, soothing motions.
"I'm sorry," she whispers, embarrassment creeping into her voice. "I didn't mean to wake everyone."
"Don't apologize." I tip her chin up, needing her to see the truth in my eyes. "Not for this. Not ever for this."
A knock announces Xavier's arrival. I call for him to enter, keeping Livie secured against me as he approaches with his medical bag.
"Nightmare?" he asks, his clinical demeanor replaced by genuine concern.
I nod, feeling Livie tense slightly at having to discuss it. "Bad one."
Xavier sits carefully on the edge of the bed, keeping a respectful distance. "That's completely normal after what you've been through, Livie. Your mind is trying to process the trauma."
"It felt so real," she admits, her voice small. "Like I was back there."
"That's how PTSD works," Xavier explains gently. "Your brain can't always distinguish between a memory and reality, especially during sleep."
He reaches into his bag, producing a small bottle of pills. "These will help you sleep without dreaming. Just for tonight, to give your mind a break."
I take the bottle, reading the label carefully. "Side effects?"
"Mild grogginess in the morning, maybe. Nothing serious." Xavier's eyes meet mine with understanding. "She needs rest, Greyson. Uninterrupted rest."
I nod, handing the pills to Livie. She hesitates, then takes them, swallowing one with the water Xavier offers.
"Try to keep her talking for a few minutes until it kicks in," Xavier advises as he stands to leave. "Don't let her fall back asleep right away or the nightmare might continue."
After he's gone, I shift us both until we're sitting against the headboard, Livie still cradled against my chest. "Want to tell me about it? The dream?"
She shudders. "Not really."
"Might help to get it out," I suggest, though part of me doesn't want to hear the details, doesn't want to know exactly what horrors her mind conjured.
