The storm broke at 2:13 AM.
Not outside.
Inside her.
Maya woke with a sharp gasp, her fingers clutching the silk sheets as a violent pressure tore through her lower abdomen, deep and crushing, like her entire body had suddenly been caught in the grip of a tightening fist.
For one disoriented second, she thought she was dreaming.
Then the pain hit again.
Harder.
A low, broken sound escaped her throat before she could stop it.
Beside her, Reid Sterling woke instantly.
Not slowly.
Not groggily.
Instantly.
Years of sleeping like a hunted man had hardwired his body to recognize danger before consciousness fully arrived.
His silver eyes snapped open in the darkness.
"Maya?"
She couldn't answer immediately.
Her breathing had gone shallow.
Another contraction rolled through her body, stealing the air from her lungs.
