Rodrigo's strides were long and unwavering as he carried Nina through the chaos of the auction house.
People scattered at the sight of him. Some pressed themselves against the walls to clear his path while others lowered their eyes and stepped aside without waiting to be told, fear written plainly across their faces. Beyond Rodrigo's shoulder, lycans moved through the crowd as shouts and the clash of steel rose and fell around them.
Nina barely noticed any of it.
Her attention remained fixed on the steady rise and fall of Rodrigo's chest beneath her cheek and the rigid set of his jaw.
He had only taken a few steps toward the main entrance where most of the crowd were gathered when he stopped abruptly.
His eyes stayed over the crowd for a few seconds, and then without looking away from the hallway ahead, he turned his head slightly.
"You."
One of the lycans broke away from the others immediately and hurried toward him.
"Yes, Alpha."
The man bowed low.
