Chapter 40: In The Throes of Heat

Selene’s POV

The heavy door slammed shut behind me with a deafening thud, locking me inside with Damien. My heart pounded as I turned to face him. He stood rigid in the corner, his chest heaving, muscles taut beneath his skin. His eyes, half-lidded and burning with an unnatural heat, were fixed on the floor.

“Damien,” I called, my voice trembling. He didn’t respond, only breathed harder. The air was thick with tension and filled with the smell of sweat and something far more primal.

I had to reach him, but my body was betraying me. The drug coursing through my veins was setting my skin on fire, pushing me toward something I desperately didn’t want. Every heartbeat intensified the heat. I bit my lip hard, trying to keep my mind clear.

“Damien,” I tried again, stepping forward. His head snapped up, eyes wild and dilated, recognition flickering briefly before vanishing.