Elena's POV
Sweet dreams are always short-lived.
Just as I was about to drift into a deep sleep, a sudden force shoved me away. "Mom" was pushing me off.
"Elena! Open your eyes and look at me!"
The icy voice from above hit me like a bucket of freezing water, jolting me awake instantly.
I blinked, my vision coming into focus on a face much closer than it should have been.
Zander was staring down at me, his eyes practically burning with intensity.
"Ah—!"
I actually... called Zander "Mom"? And I was clawing and hugging him like a lost puppy?
Shit!
"Get off!" his chest was heaving as if he was struggling to hold something back.
I realized I was clinging to him like a koala, and my right hand had somehow slipped inside his shirt.
His skin felt firm and warm. The room was heavy with
