The world inside the dimly lit apartment came to an absolute, terrifying standstill.
Jake’s massive hands were clamped around Avery’s shoulders like twin vices, his grip firm but careful not to crush her. His bare chest heaved with a ragged, uneven breath, the heat radiating from his skin so intense it felt like a furnace. His green eyes were entirely gone, replaced by two glowing, hypnotic pools of emerald fire that burned straight through the darkness, anchoring her to the floor.
"You're not human," Jake breathed, his voice dropping into a low, rumbles that vibrated directly against her ribcage. The ancient, possessive authority of his Alpha lineage bled into every single syllable. "Avery... what the hell are you?"
Avery’s heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird. Her m
