He had hurt her.
The proof was still there the faint, angry marks of his fingers wrapped around her delicate neck.
He had watched her in silence like a damn creep while she changed, and he didn't regret that part for a second.
What he regretted…
Was striking her yesterday.
He never should have raised his hand.
Now, in her eyes, he would be no different from the monsters who'd touched her tonight.
At least she hadn't seen his glowing golden eyes.
Hadn't witnessed the shift when Hunter surged forward.
If she had, she would've run for the hills.
She was already terrified of him.
He couldn't let her learn what he truly was.
Not now.
Not ever.
"Let's go home," he said gently.
Her gaze locked on his hands.
As though they were weapons.
Dangerous.
She didn't answer.
Instead, she inched backward, shrinking into herself as if she could melt into the wall.
Hunter snarled inside him demanding he grab her, throw her over his shoulder, and take her back where she belonged.
