“Get off me!” Rett shouted. His other hand flailed, trying to pry Ash away and in that moment, his grip on Althea loosened.

Althea didn’t hesitate. She jerked free, twisting out of his reach and slammed her palm against his chest. A burst of golden light flared from her hand, blasting him backward several feet.

Rett hit the ground hard, his arm bleeding where Ash had torn into him.

“Ash, back!” she called, and the wolf quickly obeyed, leaping to her side and baring its fangs. ...