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His vision went red. This male had poisoned Tessa. Had tried to take her while she was defenseless. Would have harmed the pups she loved.

The door creaked as his claws dug into the wood. Edgar’s head snapped up, his eyes widening as they met his.

His beast roared for blood as Edgar’s expression transformed from shock to terror. The human scrambled backward in his chair, nearly toppling it.

“You—what are you doing here?” Edgar’s voice cracked. His eyes darted to the door behind Korrin, calculating escape routes.

He stepped fully into the room, allowing the door to swing shut behind him. “You know why I’m here.”

Recognition dawned on Edgar’s face.

“Because of Tessa? Listen, there’s been a misunderstanding.” He raised his hands, palms out. “I only wanted to help her. She doesn’t belong in the wilderness with—with your kind.”

Korrin moved closer, each step deliberate. The stench of Edgar’s fear filled the room, sharp and acrid.

“Please,” Edgar whispered, backing against the wall. “I have money. Lots of it. Name your price.”

“My price?” His voice was dangerously soft.

“Anything. Gold, jewels, property. I’ll make you rich beyond your wildest dreams.” Edgar’s eyes brightened with desperate hope. “You’re a bounty hunter, right? You work for coin. I can pay you ten times what Lenora offered.”

Korrin’s lips curled back, revealing his fangs. “There’s only one thing I want in this world.”

“What? Tell me—I’ll get it for you!”

“Tessa.” The name felt sacred on his tongue. “And you tried to take her from me.”

Edgar’s face drained of color. “No, I just?—”

“You poisoned her.” His claws extended fully. “You would have violated her while she lay helpless.”

“I wouldn’t have?—”

“Don’t lie to me.” He could smell the truth on the other male, the lingering scent of lust and malice. “I can smell your intentions.”

Edgar lunged for a drawer in his desk, but Korrin was faster. He seized the human by the throat, lifting him off the ground with one hand. Edgar clawed at his grip, eyes bulging.

“The world will be better without you in it,” he growled.

With one swift, precise movement, he slashed his claws across Edgar’s throat. Blood sprayed in a hot arc as the human’s eyes widened in shock. He dropped him, watching dispassionately as Edgar clutched at his neck, making wet, gurgling sounds.

He felt no remorse as the light faded from the human’s eyes. Only a grim satisfaction that one threat to his mate was eliminated.

He slipped out the way he had come, vanishing into the night. His thoughts turned immediately to Tessa, his need to return to her side overwhelming everything else. His mate needed him, and nothing would keep him from her now.

CHAPTER 21

Tessa’s eyelids fluttered open, the dim light of the cabin casting everything in a soft glow. The first thing she felt was warmth—Bashful was curled against her side, his tiny body a comforting weight. Then she noticed the larger presence beside her bed. Korrin. His hand was wrapped around hers, his head bowed, golden eyes closed as if he was willing her to wake. She watched him for a moment, memorizing the way his lashes fanned against his cheeks, the tension still lining his features even in rest.

Her body felt heavy, as if she’d been sleeping for days. Her mouth was dry, her tongue sticking to the roof of her mouth. Gathering what little strength she had, she squeezed his hand. The response was instant—his eyes flew open, sharp and alert, searching her face. Then, his expression softened in a way she’d never seen before. Relief washed over his features, and a slow, almost disbelieving smile curved his lips as he whispered her name.

“Tessa.”

The way he said it—like a prayer, like salvation—made her heart flutter. She’d never heard such tenderness in his voice before, never seen him look so vulnerable. His fingers tightened around hers, warm and strong, his thumb tracing small circles against her palm.

“You came back,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “I thought I’d lost you.”

She tried to sit up, wincing as her muscles protested. Korrin was there instantly, his arm sliding behind her back to support her weight. The heat of him seeped through her thin nightgown, and she leaned into his strength, grateful for his steadiness.