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I ’m lost in a dream, loud voices quickly muted as the smell of leather and citrus floats through the air, sending a wave of comfort through me. I sigh as relief washes over me, happy to have a break from the nightmares plaguing my sleep and the pain that haunted me tonight.

Maybe I’m not sleeping, maybe I’ve died. I laugh at the thought, feeling weightless as I float from the ground.

“You’re not dying, I won’t let you.” The growl meets my ears and I look, finding myself in Jax’s arms. I don’t know how I got here, and I don’t care. I nuzzle into him, wanting to soak up everything, wanting to hold onto his presence even after I wake up. He feels just like I remember, and for a moment all I can think about is how empty life felt without him.

“I’ve missed you,” I say with a sob, wishing this wasn’t a dream.

Jax shushes me lovingly. “Easy, love, just try to stay still.”

I gaze up at him, at the blood dripping from his face.

“You’re bleeding,” I say blandly. “Why are you always bleeding?” I laugh, but it sounds strained. His green eyes meet mine and I feel at home lost in his gaze. His lips tilt up in a strained smile but his eyes remain laced with a level of darkness and panic I have never seen before.

“It’s not mine. Well, most of it isn’t.”

What a strange dream.

I shiver as a chill runs across my skin, and Jax holds me closer in response. I look up only to see the stars and moon glowing brightly against the blackened sky. I don’t question how we got out here, I just want this dream to last forever.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore,” I say softly, gazing at him before closing my eyes.

“Open your eyes, love,” Jax commands loudly in my ear.

I mutter something in response. I just want to rest, my body and mind are exhausted, and this dream is confusing me. No matter how hard I try I can’t figure out if I’m in a nightmare or if this is the best dream I’ve had in a while.

“Open your fucking eyes. Stay with me. Just stay with me.”

“I got here as fast as I could… Jesus Christ.”