He kicked the door shut behind him and went straight to the bed.
When he laid her down, he didn't pull away. Instead, he climbed the mattress with her and pulled her into his arms again.
Her body continued to shake, but Alaric took her hands in his and kissed her palm, fingers, and knuckles repeatedly.
"I've got you," he whispered. "You're safe now."
His thumbs repeatedly caressed her skin as he leaned his forehead against her hands. "You scared me," he said in a rough voice.
"Goodness, Daphne... you scared me."
Her eyelashes fluttered. Then she held on to him a little tighter.
"Ric…" she muttered.
The sound of his name on her lips caused his chest to tighten painfully. He raised his head and looked into her eyes.
"I'm here," he blurted out. "I'm not going anywhere."
She swallowed, she was still trembling, but she was better now.
"I thought..." Her voice trailed off, her glassy eyes now fixed on him.
