A Crack

Roman easily avoided Galen’s charge by rolling away from where he stood. But then, it had never been Galen’s goal to take him down at that moment.

Galen had managed to get Roman away from Bell without even trying. He turned and placed himself directly between his wife and the monster that hunted her. The small pin at his chest was activated, and he was covered in armor, his shield sprung forth, and he placed it firmly before him.

Roman ground his teeth in irritation as he realized what Galen had done.

He would have found it mildly amusing if he was already so irritated.

The sweet smokey scent of their bond was saturated in the smell of the creature that stood before him. This irritating distraction.

He needed to end it quickly and take Bell home before word spread through Winter. Unfortunately, these traditionalist fools were quicker to gather than a swarm of bees protecting their hive.

“So,” Roman said, “you are the bastard that has corrupted my mate.”

Galen growled.