Eric swallowed hard, forcing air into lungs that felt too tight for the power raging beneath his skin. His legs trembled as he straightened, spine locking into place inch by inch. Control returned—not because Ravok retreated, but because Eric forced him back.
"Well," Eric said quietly, a bitter edge threading his words, "this is a battle I know I'm going to lose someday. Thank you, John."
John nodded, relief flickering across his face as Eric finally turned, steady now. Eric slid into the car, the door sealing shut with a heavy thud, shutting the world out just enough to breathe.
******
Sera had no idea what the hell was happening to her.
She'd finally dragged herself out of the bathtub in Benedict's quarters, water sloshing against porcelain as her legs wobbled beneath her. The heat inside her hadn't eased. If anything, it had worsened—settling low in her belly, curling through her spine.
She felt feverish. Flushed. Too aware of every inch of her body.
