*William*

“Don’t shift,” William implored Brynn as he was hauled painfully to his feet. “Whatever happens, Brynn. Do. Not. Shift. You will be okay. It will all be okay. Just don’t shift.”

“William,” Brynn choked. Her voice, so vulnerable as she called his name, ripped his heart in two. The fire in her eyes was gone – doused by the fearful tears already spilling down her cheeks.

Again, she tried to come to him. He struggled to close the distance, ...