Nicole’s sobs had quieted, though her cheeks were still streaked with tears. She sat slouched against the arm of the sofa, drained, while Daniel leaned back, staring at her with a mischievous glint that hadn’t been there minutes ago.

“So…” Daniel began lightly, his lips curling into a weak grin. “If you’re a she-wolf, that makes me… what? Half-human, half-werewolf?”

Nicole turned her damp face toward him, her lips parting in surprise. For a moment she simply blinked, unable ...