And freeze when I see Zane.
Relief hits me so hard it's almost painful. He's already moving toward me fast.
"Elaine…..I went back but couldn't find you…i thought…i thought they took you away."
And then his arms are around me and for a second….just one….i let myself sink into it.
My body leans into his without thinking, my fingers gripping the front of his shirt as if I need to confirm he's actually here and alive.
"You're okay?" His voice is rough, low, edged with something I don't hear often from him..worry.
I nod against his chest, still catching my breath. "I'm fine."
It's not entirely true but it's enough as he pulls back slightly, his hands still on my shoulders, his eyes scanning my face, my body, like he's checking for injuries I might be hiding.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he snaps suddenly, the relief shifting quickly into anger. "I told you to stay put."
I roll my eyes immediately. "Yeah, and wait to die quietly? Not really my style."
His jaw tightens.
