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"This is pack territory," Leo explains, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. "Bears and wolves don't always mix well."

"Will you be, okay?"

He glances at me. "I can handle myself."

"I know you can," I say. "That's not what I asked."

A small smile tugs at his lips. "I'll be fine. Just stay close to me."

We pull up to a large compound surrounded by a high fence. The gate opens as we approach, as if they were expecting us.

My heart hammers against my ribs as we park. I haven't seen Onyx since that night in my apartment, when he awakened something in me, I didn't know existed. Part of me wants to run into his arms. The other part wants to punch him for turning my life upside down.

Onyx steps out onto the porch as we exit the car. He's even more imposing than I remember.

"Dahlia," he says my name like a prayer.

"Onyx," I reply.

His gaze shifts to Leo, and his expression hardens. "Who is this?"

"This is Leo Byers," I introduce them properly. "He's been... protecting me."

Onyx's nostrils flare slightly, and I realize he can probably smell Leo on me. Wonderful.

"Come inside," he says curtly, turning to lead us into the house.

The interior is surprisingly cozy. It's built with wood and stone with comfortable furniture and the lingering scent of pine. Several people move around the space, casting curious glances our way.

"Where's she?" I ask, focusing on why I'm here.

"This way."

He leads us down a hallway to a bedroom at the back of the house. Inside, a young woman lies on a bed, her skin glistening with sweat. Even from the doorway, I can see patches of fur appearing and disappearing on her arms.

"Oh god," I whisper, moving quickly to her side.

"It's getting worse," Onyx says. "The episodes are coming more frequently."

I press my palm on Mara's forehead. She's burning up. "How long has she been like this?"

"The fever started three days ago. The partial shifts began yesterday."

I examine her carefully, noting her rapid pulse, the dilated pupils, the way her skin ripples with aborted transformations.

"I need to get her to the lab… I can monitor her there, run tests, maybe try some experimental treatments."

"You want me to bring her to Blackthorn's facility?" Onyx asks.

"It's the best equipped lab I've ever seen," I admit. "And time is running out for her."

He studies Mara's face, then nods sharply. "Fine. I'm coming too."

"I expected nothing less," I say. "We should leave soon… Can you show me around first? I'd like to see your pack."

Leo steps forward. "I should call this in, let Blackthorn know…"

"Give us an hour," I cut him off. "Please, Leo."