“Sure,” I reply, getting up. “I’ll do that.”
Rex shakes his head. “I know you won’t, but okay.”
“I have to find her,” I mutter, my throat closing. “I just can’t imagine—”
I can’t finish the sentence, and Rex gives me a brief hug.
“I can’t, either, my friend. I’m so sorry this is happening to you.”
“Let’s move on,” I say, heading for the door. “We both have things to do.”
Even though I stride out with “go get ’em” energy, I end up standing outside in the parking lot, looking at the sky as Rex takes off with Cody. I have absolutely no idea what to do with myself, and I almost jump right out of my skin when someone touches my arm.
“Sorry, Alpha Bradley,” Grace says, hopping back a step. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“It’s quite alright, Grace,” I answer, my heart suddenly swelling in my chest until I feel like it’s strangling me. “What’s the matter?”
“It’s Alisha,” she says, and her words put more stress on my already struggling heart.
“What about her?” I croak, waiting to hear the worst.
“She’s okay,” Grace says. “She’s safe at my place.”
The relief that floods through me then is so shocking and powerful, I buckle at the knees and waver on my feet. My chest aches and my vision blurs, and I can barely hold myself up.
“I’m so sorry, Brad,” Grace says. “But Alisha made me promise not to tell, and I wouldn’t betray her confidence.”
“It’s okay,” I manage. “I’m too relieved to be mad. But why are you telling me this now?”
Grace’s eyes look pale, studded with glimmers of crystal reflecting the pale blue sky. Her mouth twists downwards, and I can see that she is truly frightened.
“Something is wrong,” she whispers. “Very wrong. She was having bad dreams and—well, it’s escalated. They aren’t dreams, Brad.”
“Then what are they?”
“Visions.”
It comes back to me in a rush that Alisha had a nightmare the last night we slept together, and it was about the snake.
“The spirit,” I mutter, and Grace nods.
“I fear so, yes.”
“Did you tell her about it?”
“I didn’t know how to. So far, I just guide her through the dreams as best I can and comfort her when she wakes.”
“What does it mean?”
“I don’t know, Brad. But danger is coming. It might have something to do with the spirit, but it’s such a strong presence in the area, it could be affecting her dreams just by existing.”
I think about what Sloan said, but I don’t share it with her.
“It might have something to do with her ex, or another event entirely. I only know this—Alisha is suffering, and she isn’t safe with me. That’s the only reason I’m telling you. I’d abide by her wishes before anyone else’s, but I am truly frightened for her now.”
“She’s alone?” I ask. “Right now?”
“Yes,” Grace answers. “She was watching TV when I left. She should be fine so long as she doesn’t fall asleep.”
