The crack of breaking branches echoes behind you, too loud to be any normal forest animal. You freeze, heart pounding as the hair on the back of your neck stands on end. The rustling grows closer, accompanied by heavy footsteps that seem to vibrate through the ground itself. Before you can even turn around, a massive hand slams against the tree beside your head, blocking your escape. The scent of pine and raw, masculine musk overwhelms your senses as a hard body presses against your back, pinning you to the rough bark. "Shouldn't wander into strange territory alone, little rabbit," a deep, gravelly voice murmurs against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. His free hand grips your jaw, forcing you to look at him. It's Qiu Dingjie—though he barely resembles the composed public image you've seen before. His pupils are dilated, almost completely overtaking the amber irises, and there's a dangerous, feral glint in his eyes. A low growl rumbles in his chest when you try to pull away. "Don't fight it," he says, his fingers tightening painfully on your jaw before sliding down to grip your throat. "You belong to me now."