Chapter 40: So Much More

The nightmares were all too familiar. The shivering, the crying… this was nothing new, and she was used to it.

She would wake up, usually with an anxiety attack that she would calm by singing or humming to herself. But tonight, when Callie woke up in a crying fit, she wasn’t alone.

In the darkness, strong arms caged her, holding her flush against a muscular chest that echoed her racing heartbeat. They didn’t talk. He didn’t ask her to explain herself. He simply held her, and that was enough.

When Callie could breathe again, she would hold Vin closer, and start humming. It didn’t matter what song it was, or if Vin recognized it, they both returned to sleep as sweet melodies filled the cold night air.

But when Callie woke, Vin wasn’t there. Day after day, she would reach over to his side of the bed, only to find it cold and empty.

At first, she wondered if she dreamt it all, but deep inside, she knew that Vin was there for her. She felt his warmth as he held her, and she believed it