The bond slammed through her like a blade of fire.

Her wolf recoiled, then surged, claws against the inside of her skin.

Her knees threatened to buckle as her breath hitched, trembling against him.

No-no, not here, not him, fight it, fight it.

Baron turned, his eyes narrowing, confused.

She could see the questions flicker there-why this cadet, why did his skin prickle like this, why did the air seem to thicken around them?

She yanked herself back, ripping her hand free as if burned. ...