The cave was quiet, and I swear my heartbeat was the loudest at the moment, because it wouldn't stop hammering wildly against my ribcage.
I could feel my breath caught and my eyes stuck on his.
When he said "Mine," it wasn't a sweet endearment that made my toes curl in a giddy feeling. It was a claim that was very much unlike him.
It was the sound of a predator marking his territory after a long, hungry winter.
The way he looked at the mark on my neck made me feel like I was being cataloged and claimed all over again.
"Damar..." I breathed, my voice barely a whisper. "You're... you're scaring me a little."
He didn't pull back despite my words. If anything, he leaned in, closing the gap between us as his nostrils flared. He took in my scent, the scent of the cubs, and the lingering smell of Noah and Fenric on my clothes.
His tongue flicked out again, tasting the air near my ear, and a low vibration rose in his chest.
