THESSARA'S POV

Kieran's mouth was still on mine when I heard the growl.

Not from him. From outside the room.

We broke apart fast. His eyes flashed gold, already scanning the hallway through the open door.

"Stay behind me," he said slowly.

"I'm not hiding any more, remember?" I moved beside him instead. My wolf pushed forward, ready this time.

The growl came again. Closer. Followed by footsteps that didn't sound right. Too heavy. Dragging.

Something appeared at the end of the ...