Chapter 6

After a moment he managed to crowd up to me, chest to chest, and then twisted and bit me, his teeth locking on the crest of my neck, taking full advantage of his greater height. I squealed, unable to help it, but fought to get free. He bit harder, until the pain made my eyes water and sent me to my knees.

He held me there for a long moment, then let go and stepped back. I didn’t understand why I’d attacked, but flickers of anger still ran over me, demanding I attempt to do him harm once more. I got to my feet uncertainly, looking for some opportunity to attack, but finding none. He stood, looking at me, his intense blue eyes just visible in the dark. I looked back, blowing hard, my inexplicable rage tangled with confusion and dismay at how easily he’d once again defeated me.

Finally, I gave up, sinking back to my haunches and then to human form, taking the more fragile shape as a surrender.

He changed as well, standing over me in the moonlight. “Feel better?”