CHAPTER 195
She didn't respond. Her claws slashed toward his chest; he caught her wrists before she could tear through flesh. She twisted and thrashed beneath him, teeth snapping inches from his face. Her strength was terrifying. He barely pulled back in time to keep her fangs from ripping into his throat.
"Melisca, stop!" he growled again, gripping her wrists tighter. Her eyes, faint gold, wild and fractured, reflected his own face back at him. She didn't see him. She didn't recognize him.
His breath shook. "Calm down," he said, lowering his voice, trying to reach whatever part of her was still inside. "I won't hurt you. Please… come back to me. No one will hurt you anymore."
His eyes turned blood-red as he poured his compulsion into his words, his voice heavy with supernatural command. The air trembled with it. For a heartbeat, she froze, muscles locking, claws hovering above his skin. He dared to hope.
