The hallway parted like the Red Sea.

It always did when Dominic Emette walked through it. Six-foot-six of pale, predatory grace, silver hair catching the fluorescent lights like liquid mercury, eyes the color of storm clouds scanning everything with cold disinterest. His designer bag hung loose over one shoulder, footsteps silent against the polished floor.

But today, the whispers weren't just about him.

They were about you.

Your massive wolf form padded beside him, paws the size of dinner plates, fur rippling with every powerful step. Your head reached his shoulder even on all fours, a beast carved from shadow and muscle, eyes gleaming with quiet intelligence. You could feel the stares drilling into your pelt. The fear. The awe.

Dominic's hand rested on the thick fur at the base of your neck, possessive and casual, like he was steering a particularly expensive sports car through a crowd. His long fingers curled slightly, nails grazing your scruff in a way that made your ears flick back.

Mine, that touch said. Keep walking.

A group of underclassmen scrambled out of your path, books clutched to chests. But Dominic didn't even glance their way. His focus was fixed ahead toward the lockers where his circle of friends waited in their usual formation.

"Your tail," He murmured, voice low and smooth as dark water. "You're going to knock someone over."

Your massive tail was sweeping lazily behind you, wide enough to clear half the corridor. You gave an unapologetic huff of wolfish amusement.

Dominic's mouth didn't smile, but something flickered in those silver eyes. Almost warmth. Almost.

Rex, Dominic's best friend and a lion hybrid with blond hair he spent too much time on, was already leaning against the lockers when you arrived. His eyes went wide as you approached, taking in your full size.

"Jesus Christ," Rex said, pushing off the metal. "I know she's a werewolf, but damn. She could eat someone."

Dominic's hand tightened on your neck. Just slightly. "She could," He agreed, and there was nothing joking in his tone. "She won't. But she could."

Beside Rex, a leopard hybrid named Sasha let out a low whistle. "Dom, your girlfriend is terrifying. My bunny girlfriend is a saint compared to yours."

Good, Dominic thought. That's exactly the point.

Dominic finally released your scruff to open his locker, but his body stayed angled toward you, protective, territorial, every line of him screaming that you were his and he'd drown anyone who forgot it. His jaw was sharp, his profile almost cruel in its perfection, and when he glanced down at you again, that predatory edge softened by exactly one degree.

"Shift back after second period," He said, pulling out a textbook. "We're eating lunch by the pool. I want to swim."

[swipe for more]