Ethan's Doubts

Ethan Stone POV

The shadow creature's claws missed my neck by inches.

I rolled sideways across the hospital parking lot, my hockey instincts the only thing keeping me alive. The thing that had been pretending to be a nurse snarled and lunged again, its fake human skin melting away to show something from a nightmare.

"Ethan!" Lily screamed from behind me.

I couldn't look back. Couldn't let myself get sidetracked. But hearing the fear in her voice made the mate bond burn like fire in my chest. Every urge I had screamed at me to protect her, even though protecting her was exactly what had gotten us into this mess.

The shadow thing slashed at my face. I ducked and grabbed a chunk of broken concrete, throwing it at the thing's head. It connected with a wet thud, buying me seconds to scramble to my feet.