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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.