Chapter 15 · Blood & Dinner

"Sit. Down. Now," Kael snapped, his voice like a grinding stone.

He didn't just say it; he shoved the wooden chair back with a violent scrape that echoed through the tiny, dim kitchen. I didn't budge. I just leaned against the counter, crossing my arms and letting a slow, mocking smile crawl up my face.

"Or what? You'll put me in the collar again?" I tilted my head, my eyes scanning the room. "You're awfully tense tonight, Kael. Did the big bad monster hunter have a bad day at the office?"

He stepped into my space, fast. Too fast. Before I could blink, he had me pinned against the cold laminate of the counter, his forearm pressing firmly across my chest. Not enough to choke me, but enough to let me know exactly who held the leash. He smelled like ozone and old leather, a sharp, metallic scent that always reminded me of a storm about to break.

"You're not a guest here, Sera. You're a liability with a price tag on her head," he hissed, his face inches from mine.