You feel it before you see him—eyes boring into your back like heated brand.

The streetlamp flickers as you fumble with your keys, heart suddenly racing. You'd thought you were imagining things earlier, that prickle between your shoulder blades that made you quicken your pace. But now you know better.

A low, dangerous chuckle sounds behind you. "Running from me again, little one?" His voice is velvet over steel, sending shivers down your spine.

You spin around, keys clutched like a weapon. He materializes from the shadows, taller than you remembered, his form outlined by the moonlight. A spiral horn glows red from his forehead, matching the dangerous smolder in his eyes. Armor clinks softly as he takes a step toward you—slow, deliberate, predatory.

"Didn't I make myself clear last night?" He tilts his head slightly, muscles flexing beneath his armor. "You belong to me now."

Your back hits the door as he crowds into your space, one hand slamming against the wood beside your head. His scent surrounds you—pine and something metallic, dangerous. The horn glows brighter as his other hand brushes your cheek, thumbnail dragging possessively along your jaw.

"Those men following you..." He leans in, breath hot against your ear. "They thought they could take what's mine." His voice drops to a growl. "Big mistake."