Victor's POV
No matter what I do, Helena's blood still lingers on my tongue. The metallic sweetness haunts me, exactly like it did all those centuries ago. Tempting. Forbidden. Dangerous. I nearly lost control then, just like I almost did last night. Those frightened eyes staring up at me, her lips trembling in that perfect pout, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. Everything about her called to the darkness in me. I could have taken her right there on that bastard rogue's couch. Could have claimed what was mine. But I held back. I always hold back. Because I'm poison for her. I know it. Soon, she'll know it too. But there's one last thing I need to handle before I disappear into the shadows again.
The Shadowcrest Pack house looms through the morning mist like some ancient stronghold. Black stone and dark timber make it feel cold and unwelcoming, nothing like the warm Wildmane territory. This place radiates hostility, and the people inside will show me nothing but hatred.
