Navien lay against the tree, coughing blood. His chest rose and fell in ragged bursts, his eyes wide with shock. He wanted to roar, to shift into his wolf and show this bitch who was the powerful one here. But when he tried to call it forth, nothing came. His body trembled with rage.
Selene walked toward him slowly, each step calm, unhurried. Her eyes were cold, her lips curved in that same soft smile that made him feel smaller than dirt.
Navien growled, forcing himself to stand. "You..." he spat blood to the side, his teeth red. "You little bitch. You dare..."
Her fist connected with his jaw before he could finish. His head snapped to the side, blood spraying from his lips. He staggered, but before he could catch his breath, her knee slammed into his stomach. He gagged, his body folding forward, and she brought her elbow down hard across his back.
The forest echoed with his screams.
