And then I see him.
Every ounce of fear drains at the sight of my mate.
He’s here. Dean’s here.
For a second, relief floods me until the rage in his eyes registers, and my stomach drops.
I’ve never seen that look on his face. Dean isalwayshappy to see him. I could be making his life hell, but every time he looks at me, a smile breaks out that goes straight to my heart.
Dean storms toward me, rage burning in his eyes. Before I can react, his hand clamps around my throat, yanking me into him.
I freeze when his lips crash against mine. Too rough, too wrong.
Flashes of Tiberius doing the same make me freeze.
Hands on my throat. Forcing me up on my toes to show me how small I was.
I try to step back, but his grip tightens. My hands hit his chest. There’s no warmth to him, just cold, unyielding pressure that sends a shiver down my spine.
I shove at his chest, but he bites my bottom lip with a growl.
My shock fades when the pain takes hold. Something wet drips down my chin, falling on my wrist. He bit me. Hard enough to draw blood.
He growls into the kiss, arm locking around my waist, and it finally clicks.
The possession in his eyes, the violent moments.
This isn’t Dean.
I should’ve known. I shouldn’t have taken me so long. Dean would never treat me like this.
Tiberius.
I wrench my arms free and start clawing his arms, neck, face, anything I can reach, but nothing deters him. Dread coils in my gut.
He’s not going to stop.
His grip tightens, choking me, and I start panicking.
I twist my arm back, praying it works this time. I’ve never been able to hurt Tiberius in his astral form, but I shoved him earlier, and he felt it.
My fingers find the dagger strapped to my thigh. I don’t hesitate as I rip it free and drive the sharp blade into his stomach.
Tiberius stumbles back with a grunt, shock flashing across his face as his hand comes back red. His form ripples, the illusion melting until his real face stares back at me. The man I know and loathe.
The ire in his eyes finally feels familiar.
“You fucked up by pretending to be him. You’re nothing like my Dean.”
The shock on his face twists into rage as he lunges at me, but his magic fades, and I wake up before he can touch me.
My breathing turns erratic. I can’t feel my legs. My neck burns, and when I wipe my chin, my fingers come away bloody.
But I still laugh because I’m not the only one bleeding tonight. Somewhere deep underwater, Tiberius will be losing his mind because I was able to hurt him.
I should enjoy it, it’s the first time I’ve ever cut that bastard, but I’m seconds from a meltdown. I know the signs.
I need to get out. I need to run.
