Chapter 49: Self-defense

I OPENED MY EYES to my bedroom curtains rustling in the night breeze. Releasing a long sigh of relief, I sent a prayer of gratitude out into the great unknown. Thank goodness it was just a nightmare! Had I woken up Dad? I listened. Silence. A relieved laugh escaped me as I swept back the covers and swung my jean-clad legs over the side of the bed.

Jean-clad legs.

I jumped from my bed and stared into my mirrored closet doors. My hair was wild and tangled, my T-shirt ripped and bloody. My face had muddy streaks across it. I was filthy.

"No!" I groaned, collapsing to the floor.

"Tru."

I yelped and spun around.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

An equally disheveled Zander sprawled on my over-sized beanbag in the corner of my room. He ran his hands through his already spiky hair and stared inquiringly at me. He looked like he'd just woken up.