acted like a lit match dro

e most beautiful, vibrant female in sight overrode all logic. They surged forward, a tidal

brown hair shoved his way to the

He held up both hands. Resting in his massive palms was a jagged, glowi

ing across the clearing. "I am Gus! A five-sta

stomach violently lurched. She took a quick step back, pr

only fuele

for you every day!" another male screame

r be cold in the winter!" yelled another,

of males competing for dominance. Catherine felt a wave of claustrophobia crash over her. Her hands st

their faces twisted in ugly masks of jealousy, but they c

er mouth. She opened her mouth to

a sound, the sky above

ssive shadow plummeted from the sky, accompanied by a crushin

O

se rocks exploded outward, forcing Gus and the othe

, Amon stood between

, bloody carcass of a seven-star flying beast by its neck. His rig

intent. The energy radiating from him was so cold and

His voice was a demonic rumble that vib

of a seven-star aura. But the intoxicating scent

pointing a trembling finger at Catherine. "The

!" the crowd echoed, feedi

sanity

and began to rapidly spread up his forearm, crawling toward his neck. His breath

ick brown fur erupted from his skin,

y in this brutal world. She knew what mating meant-the absolute, terrifying surrender of her body and future-but looking at the desperate, suicidal fury in his golden eyes, she realized he was already willing to throw h

d Amon's solid waist from behind. She pressed her

around him froze instantly. He jerked his head around, his le

ind him, keeping one arm wrapped tightly around his waist.

g her voice so every single perso

voice ringing clear and absolute. "I, Catherine Mays, wil

e crowd like a p

energy drained out of the mob, r

e! Mating with a snake shifter? His rut will tear yo

ooke. She tilted her chin up, her

mn business," Ca

words, her face turning

her hand down from Amon's waist and grabbed his large, rough han

She gave him a reassuring smile, turned, and pulled him toward