Chapter 37: Back from the Dead

Ellie woke slowly, her eyes still closed. She was being cradled against a strong, firm chest. Two arms held her close, holding her tight. She knew this chest. It was familiar to her. It was comforting. She nestled closer to the warm body as she let her senses awaken from the deep sleep she had found herself in.

"Do you have to hold her so close?" A soft voice called out, laced with jealousy. Ellie tried to place the owner of the voice. It sent tingles through her body.

"Well, that's a fucking relief." The voice muttered, barely audible, and she knew, somehow, that the owner of the voice knew the effect he had on her.

A soft voice interjected.

"Do you really want to have a monologue over there or are you going to clue the rest of us into what you can hear in Ellie's head? Is she ok?"

Ellie was so comfortable, she just wanted to drift back to sleep. It had been so peaceful, she had been warm and safe. Something about the world around her was wrong though and she could feel it in the ai