"Such a naughty kitten," the vampire mutters, scowling in a way that erases the beauty of his face.


    The vampire''s grip tightens, crushing my throat as I thrash against him. My lungs scream for air. I claw at his hands, nails scraping uselessly against unyielding flesh. Panic floods my mind, blotting out rational thought.


    Your training, Ava! Remember your training! Selene''s voice slices through my rising hysteria.


    Right. Training. Jericho''s lessons flash through my oxygen-starved brain. I stop flailing and focus, letting my body go limp, conserving strength. The vampire smirks, misreading it as submission. His cold breath washes over my face as he leans in, nostrils flaring.


    He''s...sniffing me?


    Revulsion churns my stomach as his nose skims along my jaw, down to the crook of my neck. He lingers there, inhaling deeply, a pleased rumble vibrating his chest.


    The scar, Ava! Don''t let him near it! Selene''s warning ricochets through my head. He can''t bite you there!


    Fragmented memories resurface—Selene cautioning me about my scar during my heat, insisting I keep Clayton away from it. I hadn''t understood then. I''m not sure I do now. But her urgency propels me into action.


    Gritting my teeth, I shove at the vampire''s face, fingernails gouging. He snarls, jerking back slightly but not releasing me. The pressure on my windpipe eases a fraction and I suck in a desperate breath, spots dancing across my vision.


    That scar is where your power leaks out. It''s like a drug to creatures who can sense it. It isn''t quite an aphrodisiac, but it can be, in the right circumstances, Selene explains rapidly.


    Well that''s just great, I grouse in my head, still scrabbling to dislodge the vampire''s chokehold. Whose brilliant idea was it to put a magic neon ''bite me'' sign on my neck?


    A sickening crunch makes me whip my head around. My heart seizes in my chest. Teddy lies crumpled on the ground, his head twisted at an unnatural angle. His wolf eyes stare sightlessly at the sky, his muzzle slack. The vampire stands over him, lips curled in a cruel smile.


    "Foolish pup," he sneers, wiping blood from his chin. "Did you really think you could best me?"


    Cold laughter rings out as he steps over Teddy''s body, advancing on me with predatory grace. I scramble to my feet, positioning myself between him and Lisa. My hands shake, my breath coming in sharp gasps, but I clench my fists, readying myself for a fight.


    Remember your training, Selene whispers urgently in my mind. Use his strength against him. Go for the weak points—eyes, throat, groin.


    I nod, more to myself than to her. The vampire stalks closer, his gaze raking over me with a mix of hunger and amusement.


    "Still want to play, little wolf?" he taunts, circling me slowly. "I promise I''ll make it worth your while."


    Revulsion shudders through me, but I force it down, keeping my eyes locked on his. I can''t let him distract me. I have to stay focused, find an opening.


    He lunges, too fast to track. Instinct has me dodging to the left, and his fingers graze my arm. Lashing out blind is stupid, because he catches my wrist easily, yanking me off balance.


    When I stumble, he uses momentum against me, spinning me around until my back slams against his chest. One arm wraps around my waist, pinning me to him. The other grips my chin, forcing my head to the side, baring my neck, my scar to his eyes.


    "Mmm, there it is," he purrs, nose skimming along my scar. "That tantalizing scent. I wonder what you''ll taste like."


    Panic explodes through me. I thrash wildly, kicking and clawing at his arms, but his hold is unbreakable. He laughs, the sound vibrating against my back, as his tongue drags over my skin. I shudder, bile rising in my throat.