42

Forty Two

*Freya*

I stared at Rafe as if the rest of the world had ceased to exist. It was only him. The beastly scent of him overwhelmed my senses - a blend of earth, sweat, and something wholly animal. Positioned so close, I could feel the rumbling growl vibrating through his body as his eyes scanned our surroundings for any remaining threats.

Just then, a deafening roar of fury echoed across the pit. Zephyr, bloodied but still standing, leveled an enormous flamethrower directly at Rafe's back. "If I can't have her...no one can!"

Rafe whipped around just as the first lick of flames erupted from the barrel. He shielded me with his body as the searing blaze engulfed him. An anguished roar tore from his throat as he crumpled to the ground, his skin smoldering.

"No!" I screamed, cradling his massive, unmoving form. Tears streamed down my face as I shook him desperately, calling his name over and over. But he didn't respond, his eyes remaining eerily shut.

Zephyr stalked forward, the