My skin crawled with dread. My own mother’s body—the woman who gave me life—was now threatening me through "The Grey One." A cold, paralyzing fear gripped me. She wanted my body. My strength.
Suddenly, her body convulsed again. Her eyes widened, but this time, the red glow was not "The Grey One’s" control—it was wild, beast-like pain. She leapt from the bed, claws outstretched toward Alex’s face, snarling with an inhuman growl.
“Mom! No!” I screamed, frozen in terror, stumbling back.
Alex wasn’t surprised. His alpha reflexes kicked in instantly. He grabbed her wrists, twisting them behind her back, restraining her.
She was powerful—infused with "The Grey One’s" energy—but Alex was stronger.
“Julie!” Alex said urgently, muscles tense as she struggled in his grasp. “Tell me what to do!
