My head snaps left, heart ricocheting inside my ribs.
The sound is faint, almost nonexistent.
And then, warm breath caresses my cheek. A dark, accented voice, like bittersweet blackstrap before the shoofly, murmurs, “I will see you soon, little lupine.”
My breath shatters.
Every muscle in my body seizes.
For a split second, everything around me stops—the music, the voices, the entire fucking planet.
Little lupine?
What the hell does that even mean?
And why the fuck am I entertaining the idea that some unseen presence just whispered in my ear like a lover while dragging me to the brink of orgasm?
My body knows something touched me. My brain insists nothing was there.
I’ve been through a lot these past few weeks. But I’ve never hallucinated before.
I must be exhausted.
Probably.
Maybe?
While I question my sanity, the charged, electric pull around me suddenly vanishes, snapping me back to reality.
I spin in my seat, scanning the bar, my neurons firing at a terrifying pace.
Nothing.
Just more shadows.
Just people drinking and laughing.
Except there’s a guy in flannel watching me like he’s reliving a hundred war stories, and I just became the next one.
The man beside him is draped casually over his chair, one arm slung around Flannel’s shoulders, whispering in his ear with a slow smile, his eyes never leaving mine.
Of course. It’s always right before a full-blown mental breakdown that men start taking an interest. I don’t have time to be anyone’s emotional support third.
I turn back to the table, dizzy, disoriented … and so freaking turned on.
“Hey! Earth to Aury! Girl, are you okay?” Eve’s voice filters through the noise, though it sounds muffled, like I’m underwater.
Okay, showtime.
I force a smile and turn toward her, praying I don’t look as fucked up as I feel.
“Sorry, guys. I’m not feeling great. I might head home if that’s okay.”
I keep my voice light and controlled, even though I can feel my pulse raging against my skin.
Eve frowns. “Your face is flushed, and you sound a little hoarse. I hope you aren’t getting sick. I can take you home once I pay the bill if you want.” Her offer sounds half-hearted.
I know she’s hoping for a wild night with Thane, and honestly? It looks like he could give her one. He’s tall and muscled, with rich brown skin, untamed curls, and emerald-green eyes that practically glow. The kind of dangerous-pretty that feels like trouble—the good kind.
