~ASHTON~

I didn't let go of her even then — even as every last trace of Lustfangs vanished into the forest, no longer posing a threat. Couldn't let go. My forehead rested against hers, both of us breathing like we'd run for miles. Her skin was fever-hot, her pulse hammering so hard I felt it in my body.

"Ashton," she whispers, voice cracked. I could tell that she's still in shock from everything. I could not blame her. No one expected me to do what I just did. But in the moment of ...