DESPERATION

Everything hurt despite me being at peace. I’d honestly thought I wouldn’t feel anything once I was dead.

Why did I still feel?

A feeling of grogginess overshadowed my thoughts and I became painfully aware of my whole body as I stirred and clawed my way out of unconsciousness.

My whole body felt heavy and my chest felt constricted yet, I could tell I was somewhere safe.

I was laying in a deliciously soft bed, the kind of plush comfort I’d missed dearly. The crisp scent of freshly washed linens intermingled with the woodsy, piney aroma that could only belong to one place, my cozy little cabin back at Aspen’s pack.

Confusion flooded my senses.

Wait…how did I end up here?

My brain felt foggy until the memories came crashing back like a violent wave. Luke’s sadistic torment, the crushing certainty that I would never see my precious Cole or family again, the terrifying descent into blackness. But then, cutting through it all…Aspen’s intoxicating scent had washed over me. That earthy