Derek shot up from his chair so fast that it startled everyone around the table. Before anyone could even blink, he was across the room and on Brian.
"You bastard!" he snarled, voice low and dangerous. "You dare show your face here after what you did?"
Brian didn't even try to fight back or defend himself. He simply stood there, pale and exhausted, letting Derek manhandle him. Derek shoved him to the floor and raised his fist, ready to drive it into Brian's face.
"Derek, stop!" Kira was there in a heartbeat, both hands wrapping around his raised arm, holding it back with everything she had.
Derek's head snapped towards her, his eyes still blazing. Kira shook her head slowly, her eyes pleading with him.
"Let me finish this bastard," Derek growled, his arm trembling under her grip with the effort of holding himself back. "He kidnapped you, Kira. That is a punishable offence. He deserves far worse than a few punches."
