ying not to breathe too loudly. Every muscle in my body was tense. The air smelled of sweat, rain, and something sha

lked ahead, long strides that ma

rs," he said without looking at me. His voice

I had to say something. My throat felt dr

ing me without saying it aloud. I felt a shiver crawl up my spine. I

ostile. A few nodded at Dominic as if he were the sun itself, and others also looked

aid, sharply, and the hall fell

aring at the man leaning casually against the far wall. It was Ja

x for a brief second then he turne

. Every instinct screamed danger. Not just from the pack, but fr

ng at him," Dominic muttered under his

of his presence and the sharp heat of his eyes

ous kid, and I felt slightly safer. His energy was different, more prote

t smile. There was too much ten

speaking. "You'll be safe here," she said. Her voice carried warmth

y life had ended up like this. But Dominic's gaze pinn

. Heads turned, growls murmured under breaths and I wasn't ready fo

pulled me behind him, placing himself between me and w

ne again, accidental or deliberate.... I didn't know. Bu

t recognize, my face twisted in panic. "They're attacking

growls rang out. I stumbled, trying to stay upright, and D

. Sparks of violence crackled around me. Someone fell with a scream. I froze for a second, terror sharp and bright but Dominic's pres

ctively. I connected, not sure if it hit a friend or foe, but it bought me a secon

He grabbed my other arm, pulling me with him. I stumbled and nearly fell but he caught

, claws and teeth flashed, and through it all, Dominic stayed near me,

r. Dominic turned to me. "You survived," he said quietly, but there was a hardness underneat

alive in a way I had never known. Dominic was dangerous and

ting. And I realized that survival wasn't just about fighting the pack, it was a