“Pray tell mutt,” Ethan spoke in a measured resonant growl, stopping right in front of Higan. “Why shouldn't I end your misfortune-stricken life right now?“

Higan’s shoulders twitched, his fingers flexing like he was considering something reckless. Then the groans got louder. I frowned, darting my gaze toward the source of the sound.

I couldn't feel it myself but I knew somehow. Perhaps from the way my body hummed, or from the growing urge to touch Ethan, I knew. It was another ...