“The danger came faster than thought, and closer than feared.”

The moment the hand clamped down on my shoulder, instinct overrode thought. My wolf surged forward, taking control before I could question who it was. I twisted, grabbed the wrist, and slammed my elbow into the attacker’s ribs.

A grunt. A male voice. Not Gideon—too light, too startled.

Another figure moved from the shadows, this one faster, heavier. That scent—burnt cedar and cold steel—hit me. Gideon.

My wolf bared ...