"Even the strongest beasts carry scars; some are seen, some are hidden, but all demand gentleness when touched."
Standing by the window, his body stiff, "Are you two insane?" Riven snapped, throwing his hands up. "Dragging me here like some prize stag for your hunting lodge? Do you even hear yourselves?"
Rell leaned against the wall with arms folded, calm as ever. "You came willingly."
Riven whirled on him. "I did not—"
"You walked here on your own two feet."
"That's because you two—"
I cut it in before he could gather steam. "—because you couldn't resist, Riv."
His head snapped toward me, eyes narrowing, a low growl curling from his chest. Oh, stars, that sound. I felt it deep in my bones, and my wolf preened, ears forward, tail lashing.
"Don't call me that." His voice was a blade.
I grinned, leaning against the table with all the arrogance I could muster. "What? Riv? It suits you. Short, sharp, bites like you do."
