Talus howled as his attacker literally ripped into him with claws and teeth. Bits of flesh and cloth flew. Loud snarls fill the air as the shape tore Talus apart.
I realized that the massive shape on top of Talus was Bokkan when he reared back and raked his claws across the other daemon’s throat, tearing it open. Talus jerked, a choking sound emerging from his mouth before he began to gurgle. Blood bubbled in the wound, spilling over his neck to the ground. His body shuddered again as his feet drummed on the ground.
Talus reached out for Bokkan, grasping at his forearms.
Bokkan brushed his hands away and got to his feet. He looked down at Talus, derision written all over his face. He stood in silence and watched as the male on the ground shook within the throes of death. When the final raspy breath rattled out of his lungs before he went completely still, Bokkan backed away, still staring at the prone body.
It was like I wasn’t even there.
Taking a shaky breath, I leaned back against the tree behind me. The knife in my hand scraped against the bark and Bokkan’s head whipped toward me.
I saw it then… the jagged red streaks through his eyes.
He called it the mating rage before, and it was clear he was feeling it now.
His head cocked as he stared at me. The movement was so alien that fear slithered down my spine.
“Bokkan?”
“Yes?” His voice was deeper than I’d ever heard it before. Full of gravel and bass. It resonated from his chest and vibrated deep within me.
“This might be a stupid question, but are you okay?”
He nodded but didn’t speak.
“What about Masu? Is she hurt?”
Bokkan shook his head, this time, answering me verbally. “She will be fine. There was a healer nearby.”
My legs wobbled at his answer. I hadn’t realized how worried I’d been about the imp. She’d become important to me in the short time I was here. It was impossible not to like her or care about her.
His chin tilted down as he studied me from beneath his heavy brows. I doubted he missed the sudden weakness in my knees. “Come here.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I replied, inching to one side.
His demeanor was odd. I couldn’t quite place my finger on what was bothering me.
“Why?”
I realized then why his mannerisms were peculiar to me. He seemed detached and his responses to me were terse and unemotional. He’d never acted like this before. His words were flat and monotone, but every inch of his body screamed that he was moments away from pouncing on me.
“You don’t seem to be yourself,” I answered.
“I am fine. Come to me.”
I inched to the side of the tree, keeping my hands on it. “I already told you I don’t think it’s a good idea, Bo.”
His body tensed when I took a step back, putting a bit more space between us. “Do not do it.”
“Don’t do what?” I took another step back.
“Don’t. Run.” The last word was nothing more than a low, rolling growl.
“You’re freaking me out, Bokkan.”
“Stop moving.”
When I crept back another step, he crouched slightly and glided forward, mirroring my motion.
