Chapter 31 · The Hound's Heart

His claws were at my throat.

I could feel each point pressing into my skin. Not breaking. Not yet. Kade's hand shook so hard I thought he'd slice me open by accident. His eyes weren't his anymore. All wolf. All gold. The pupils blown so wide I couldn't find the guy who'd kissed me three hours ago in the ruins of Theron's so-called Moon Door.

"Kade." My voice came out steadier than I felt. "I know you're in there."

He snarled. The sound rattled in his chest and I felt it through the bond, a bass note that made my ribs ache. His other hand was braced beside my head, claws sunk into the stone floor like it was butter. We were still in the chamber. The Moon Door's archway glowed behind him, silver light spilling everywhere, and I could smell blood. Mine. His. Theron's people, scattered around us in pieces.

"You need to listen to me." I kept my eyes on his face. Didn't look at the claws. Didn't flinch. "You're not gone. You're right here."

Another snarl. His lips pulled back and I saw too many teeth. The wolf was winning.