| Gryphon's POV|
The moment my mouth claims hers, it's fire. Not a kiss—no. A war. One I never wanted, but now that it's started, I intend to win every damn battle.
Serena gasps, and I take full advantage, slipping my tongue into the soft heat of her mouth, tasting the bitterness of her fear, the sharpness of her rage, and something else—something sweet and forbidden. Her fists beat against my chest once, twice, before her fingers curl into my shirt, anchoring herself to me like she's drowning and I'm the only oxygen in this f*****g world.
And maybe I am.
My free hand slides down from her cheek to her throat—not squeezing, not hurting, just claiming. My thumb brushes over her pulse point, thundering under my touch. She moans softly into my mouth, the sound so full of unspoken pain and
