The banging at the door wasn't just loud—it was savage, like someone was trying to beat the whole damn cabin off its foundation. Silence? Yeah, that lasted about two seconds.
Selene nearly jumped out of her skin when splinters shot out, hinges whining like they were begging for mercy. Those shadows outside, the ones that used to just creep around? Not tonight. Tonight, they wanted blood.
Damien threw an arm in front of her, practically shoving her into the wall. His voice rumbled, rough and low. "Stay down."
Crash. Wood flying everywhere. Something with claws—too many claws—ripped through, and glowing eyes lit up the gloom. The voices weren't even pretending to be human anymore: just snarls, all teeth and hate.
"Hand her over, Alpha! The marked girl's ours!"
Selene's heart started hammering like it was trying to break out of her chest. Yeah, they knew. Somehow, they freaking knew about the mark. She tried to keep it together, but the words just tumbled out, all shaky.
"Damien, if it's me they—"
"Don't." He cut her off, sharp as a blade. No room for arguing. She could see it now—he was scared, too, not just pissed. "You're mine to protect."
Boom. The door gave up the ghost—exploded, really. This wolf, bigger than nightmares, crashed in. Pure black, pure murder. And behind it? More of the pack, all snarling and snapping, turning the place into a war zone.
Damien didn't even hesitate. He was a freaking hurricane—knife flashing, voice roaring, the whole cabin shaking. Blood sprayed.
Selene stumbled away, back squished against the wall. Her wrist burned, the mark practically screaming, and suddenly she felt chained to this fight. Her head spun. Out of nowhere, another beast slipped past Damien, teeth bared, charging straight for her.
"No!"
Damien slammed into it, knocking it sideways. They crashed into the table—bye-bye table—and his blade went deep. But claws caught him, tore up his shoulder, blood soaking through his shirt.
Selene's scream ripped out. Didn't even mean to—her body just moved, crawling to him, hands shaking so hard she could barely see. Then—another shadow, hulking, right over her.
Hot, rank wolf-breath puffed in her face. Jaws, way too close—
And then Damien's voice. Darker, deeper, downright monstrous.
"Touch her, and I'll tear you apart."
Everything stopped. Even the monster hovering over her froze.
Selene stared—wide-eyed. That wasn't just any threat. That was an Alpha King's command, the kind that makes your bones want to listen, even if you're the enemy.
The air snapped with energy, wild and dangerous.
And then—well, hell broke loose.