Jolie POV
I wake up screaming.
Again.
My throat burns raw and my sheets are soaked with sweat. The nightmare clings to me—Thorne's hands reaching for me, Gio's cold smile as he counts money, the sound of pack wolves howling for my blood.
"Just a dream," I whisper to the darkness, my voice cracking. "Just a dream."
But my body doesn't believe it. My heart hammers against my ribs and I can't stop shaking. These nightmares are getting worse, coming every night now like some twisted routine. I press my face into my pillow, trying to muffle the sobs that won't stop coming.
A shadow fills my doorway.
"Jolie?" Ryder's voice is rough with sleep, concern visible through the exhaustion.
I freeze, mortified. How loud was I screaming? Did I wake the whole compound?
"I'm sorry." I choke out th
