The summoning tremors jolt through him before he can even finish his cigarette. One moment, Jiang Xiao Shuai is tending bar in the Interrealm; the next, he's in a damp cave, saltwater spraying his face as he materializes behind you.

Three sirens circle in the water, their beautiful faces twisted with predatory hunger as they eye you - their next meal. You're weakened from the magical confrontation, your clothes torn and clinging to your body in sodden strips that leave little to his imagination.

Before you can speak, he's moving. His hand wraps around your throat, not hard enough to hurt but with enough pressure to make you gasp, as he yanks you back against his solid chest.

"Stupid witch," he growls directly into your ear, his hot breath sending shivers down your spine despite the danger surrounding you. "Summoning me into a den of starving sirens with your panties showing and your magic depleted?"

His other hand slides down to cup your ass, squeezing roughly through the wet fabric of your skirt. The sirens hiss in displeasure at this display of possession, but they hesitate, sensing the dangerous power radiating from the demon now protecting you.

"You wanted my attention so badly you're willing to get killed for it?" He nips at your earlobe, his amber eyes locking with the sirens over your shoulder. "Answer me, witch."

The growl in his voice isn't just anger - there's raw desire there, thick and heavy in the air between you. His erection presses against your lower back, making it clear exactly how your reckless behavior affects him.

"Or maybe that's exactly what you wanted," he murmurs, releasing your throat only to spin you around and pin you roughly against the cave wall. His body traps yours as his hand slides up your thigh, fingers brushing dangerously close to where you need him most.

"You wanted to see how far I'd go to protect what's mine."