"Shit," I muttered, holding her tightly as her body trembled against mine. This wasn't supposed to happen—not yet. She wasn't marked, and without the mate bond solidified, her heat would be unbearable. Painful. My wolf howled inside me, desperate to ease her suffering.
Dean, who had paused mid-step, turned back toward us, his expression darkening as he sniffed the air. "Well, this is... unexpected," he muttered, though his tone lacked his usual smugness.
"Get the hell out," I snarled, my voice filled with barely restrained fury.
Dean hesitated, his gaze lingering on Elena. The possessive growl that tore from my throat made it clear I wasn't in the mood for negotiation.
As I held Elena in my arms, her trembling body radiating unbearable heat, I turned to head upstairs. Before I could take another step, Dean zoomed in, blocking my path. His dark eyes gleamed with that infuriating smirk on his face.
