The second Raelyn woke up, she had a plan. She swiped the blankets off her, grateful that she had clothing on this time. She surveyed the area only to realize she was back in her room.

"Oh."

Her voice filled the dark room. She glanced at her clock and saw that it was a little past dinnertime. Her hand ached, reminding her that yesterday wasn't a dream. Her right hand felt a bit heavier, and she realized that she had an Apple watch on. She tried to take it off, but with one hand incapacitated, she was stuck.

She poked the screen with her nose.

I'm sorry we freaked you out. I left a packet of information on your desk. This watch will help keep track of your heartrate

She used her nose to scroll down.

so you can stay under 150. The packet will answer all your questions.

She poked at the next message.

You are safe there. I left you a present.

Call me when you wake up.

Dominic had already put his name in her contact list, but she realized that he was the only contact there. The home screen showed the time and her heartbeat. She was hovering around 82. She took a deep breath and swung her legs out from the bed, scanning her desk for the packet.

As she went to stand, her feet landed on something soft. Dane stood up, sniffing her. She petted him in surprise, and he wagged his tail, happy to see her awake.

"Hey, Siri. Text Dominic." Dane sat down, placing his head on her knee. "My apartment doesn't allow dogs. Send."

Raelyn got up and sat down at her desk, followed shortly behind by the mammoth dog. An hour later, she got to the end of the packet and sat back. She glanced down at the watch. Her heartbeat had fallen to 73. Still high, but not too bad. She bit her lip.

"Hey, Siri. Call Dominic."

At the first ring, Dominic answered.

"Are you okay?"

Raelyn ignored him. "Dominic, is this true?"

A pause. "Yes."

She took a deep breath. "Okay. How do we break the bond?"

Another pause. "It takes some time. I'm working on it now, but it may be a few months."

Raelyn sat back. "Okay. And you have this same mark behind your ear?"

"Yeah."

"Okay."

Silence.

"Okay, well, thank you. For, uh, saving my life. I can't keep Dane, though. My apartment doesn't allow dogs."

"He's your temporary support animal."

Raelyn paused. "What do you mean?"

"I filed the police report—excluding some details. Then, I got the paperwork for a temporary support animal while your hand heals. The card is in your wallet."

Raelyn fumbled for her wallet, opening it with a single hand and finding a card next to her license. "Is this fake?"

"Of course not. Expedited through a few friends, but legit."

"Oh. Well, thank you again."

"I'll be by Monday morning to walk you to work."

Raelyn shot up. "Wait, why?"

Dominic huffed. "Why would I not? You're my bonded. I'm going to keep you safe."

"And feed from me?" The words sounded strange on her lips.

"That, too. It doesn't hurt."

"You say that like you've been bitten before," she retorted sarcastically.

"You bit me, remember?"

"Oh."

"See you Monday. Let me know if you need anything. I restocked your fridge with what I thought you might need." With that, he hung up.

Raelyn shook her head. Everything seemed to boil in her brain. She left her room and immediately, a small Sam jumped at her. Raelyn nearly fell back, but Dane supported her.

"Are you okay? That guy told me what happened."

Raelyn blinked. "Oh."

Tears filled Sam's eyes as she saw Rae's hand. "What rando would attack you? Chicago is going to hell, I swear. Are you okay?"

Raelyn nodded, relieved she didn't know the full story. "Yeah, I'm okay."