ice quiet, asking where she could wash up

toward a secluded bend in the river loca

atively clean, soft animal hide. He hand

rushing sound of the water grew louder, maski

ted firmly that he would stand guard facing the forest to

t a deep sense of security with his ma

y in the evening breeze as she stripped off her dusty, sweat-st

out a soft sigh of relief as the grime washed away f

like reptilian eyes watched her every move

glided silently into the water. His moveme

derwater. She used her fingers to vig

ply. A faint, unnatural disturbance in the water's current and an icy, metallic scent triggered his deepest predatory instincts. He spun aro

natural chill ran down her spine

lly. It formed a distinct V-shape

rpent head rose from the depths. Water

Sheer, paralyzing terror locked her

motion. It instantly turned into a breat

ful arm around her bare waist. He jerked

or her to cry out. A thunderous, earth-shattering roar erupted from his throat as he lau

inst her wet, exposed neck. His silver ey

oxicating thing I have ever encountered. You smell so pure, complete

. She finally found her voice. She let out a p

her hands desperately against Cristian's im

ly across the shallow water. He launched himself

was forced to release Cadence's wai

ntically onto the rocky shore, her breath coming in ragged gasps

and Cristian. He bared his massive fangs in a mur

er. His expression shifted from surp

blood from his pale cheek. Harl

ver eyes locked onto Cadence over