“Because I don’t need it!” I pressed my hands to the wall on either side of her head and stared down at her, caging her in. “I’ve dealt with this threat on my own until now, and that’s what I will continue to do.”
She looked up at me defiantly. “Not anymore. I’m going with you from now on.”
“No, you’re not. I will not let you put yourself in harm’s way for my sake.” My anger grew hotter at the thought of one of those shadowy tendrils dragging her into the darkness. “I forbid you from doing it again.”
“You forbid it?” She glared at me and all the candles in the room flared brighter. “What makes you think I would listen to you?”
“Nothing. You obviously don’t listen to a damn thing I say.” I lowered my head until my mouth was almost touching hers. “But I can prevent you in other ways. You
