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And something warm blooms in my chest.

He is protecting me.

Coach takes a step forward. The growl gets louder.

“Easy,” Coach says.

I honestly can't tell whether he's talking to me or the Wolf.

Then he reaches out. The Wolf snaps.

Crack.

Those massive jaws close inches from Coach's fingers. Coach jerks his hand back.

“Jesus Christ! He’s fucking rabid!”

“Don't touch him!” I yell.

“He almost bit me!”

“You reached for him.”

“He shouldn't be here!”

Neither should you.

Again, I don't say it.

Progress comes in baby steps.

Coach glares at the Wolf. Then at me.

“Is that your pet?”

“What?”

“Maggie, you need to have better control over magical animals.”

My spine stiffens.

“He's not my animal.”

The Wolf glances back at me.

Just for a second.

Shit. Maybe he is.

Something passes between us.

Magic.

Warmth.

That same strange little tug behind my ribs.

Then his gaze returns to Coach.