The first light of morning broke through the curtains when Ivy opened her eyes. Her body still felt weak, but the air around her was warm. She blinked a few times before realizing someone was sitting beside her bed.

Damon.

He was leaning forward, his elbows on his knees, eyes fixed on her face. The moment she stirred, he exhaled deeply, almost in relief. Without saying a word, he reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Ivy froze at first. She didn’t understand why the Alpha would hug her, ...