Page 102 of Burn for Her
Lena turned to the shifter snarling at her and she said, “I know of the blood curse on both your species. I know why you drink liquid silver, and why vampires stare at reflections. I know about the Savag-Ri.”
“Then you know too much, human.”
Lena wasn’t done. “I also know animal cruelty is unforgivable. I know you’re all scared and hurt and pissed off. I am too.”
Derek waved her off. “Get her out of here, Emerick. We don’t need a tiny human whore acting like she’s even close to our caliber.”
“I just proved I was,” Lena growled. Stalking over to the biggest Lycan—next to Alistair—she tipped her head back and glared at him. “Want me to drop you in three seconds too? Because I will.”
“Watch yourself, girl.” Derek shivered and snarled, then shifted into an explosion of black fur and vicious teeth. In human form, he was a foot taller than her, and a hundred pounds heavier, at least. In wolf form? Shit, even on all fours he came up to Lena’s chest. Derek was an Alpha and built for fighting.
Lena didn’t even flinch.
As if sensing Dorian already running towards her, she flicked her hand in the air, telling him to back off. His body obeyed her, though he didn’t know how it was possible.
“Careful, Derek,” Lena cautioned, staring the wolf directly in the eyes. “I might not be able to shift, but I’ve got my own set of claws and teeth, and I’ve been dying for a chance to use them.”
Derek gnashed his teeth at her. Saliva dripped down the corners of his mouth as the fur on his back stood on end.
He attacked. Dorian’s heart seized. With lightning speed, Lena screamed as she flipped on top of the wolf and slammed his muzzle shut.
“Holy shit,” someone said from the sidelines. “That’s…”
“Impressive. Necessary. Slightly scary,” Bane said with a smile.
Lena squeezed Derek’s snout. “Who needs the muzzle and choke collar here, asshole?”
“Damn,” Bane said. “Someone just got a lesson in manners.”
“Shut up, Bane,” Alistair growled.
Unfazed and fearless, Lena climbed off the wolf and stabbed her finger in the air at him. “Don’t ever try to make Dorian feel less than what he is again, or I’ll wipe the goddamn floor with you.”
Derek actually backed down and shifted into his human form again. Crouched on the ground, naked, he tossed her a smile that was one part hate, two parts humiliation, and three parts impressed.
“Apologize,” Alistair barked at Derek.
He looked like he’d rather eat a broken glass sandwich, but said, “Sorry. I stepped out of line.”
Dorian’s eyes widened with shock. Derek’s never apologized to anyone for anything. He was an alpha for fuck’s sake, and alphas don’t like being brought to heel. Although Dorian was impressed, he was also worried about the Lycan taking revenge for this humiliation.
Was Derek dumb enough to try?
Probably.
“Damn, Lena.” Emerick regarded her like she was a masterpiece as she marched over to them. “Welcome to the family, woman.”
She swept the hair out of her eyes, and Dorian saw that she was trembling.
“Sorry,” she said to everyone. “I’m…” her brow pinched as she tried to explain herself.
“No explanation needed, Lena.” Dorian cupped her face and pressed his forehead to hers. He wanted to kiss her, mate her, and worship her for what she’d just done. Hell, he wanted to do it no matter what.
Dorian’s heart swelled at the sight of her flushed cheeks and fiery gaze. It sparked a heat in his soul that scorched his heart and strangled his senses.
He had no idea love could pack a punch like that.
Chapter 32