The moment we reached the bottom, I propelled Ameline ahead of me. She stumbled, spun to snarl, only to find Charlotte in her face, her wolf emerging just enough her snout pressed a wet mark into Ameline's cheek.

I grinned, all anger, no humor. "Try it," I said. "I'd love to see what a mess Charlotte's teeth will make of your throat."

Ameline shoved my bodywere aside. "You need me." She pointed one long, slender finger at me. "Don't forget it." Spun and marched off, the ...