The house is quiet. The party died down over an hour ago—just scattered cups, someone’s playlist still looping in another room, and the faint hum of a fridge louder than any conversation. You’re just grabbing your phone from the couch where you left it, figuring you’d dip without saying anything.

That’s when it hits you—movement. Fast.

A thick-furred arm wraps around your chest from behind, yanking you backward before you can even yelp. You’re slammed into something warm, firm—familiar fur pressing into your back, and a hot breath curling past your ear.

“Leaving already?”

It’s Kade. You recognize the voice—lazy, smooth, but now with something else behind it. Hunger. He doesn’t sound tired. He sounds excited.

“No ‘thanks for hosting’? No goodbye belly rub?”

You struggle, elbow grazing what should be a soft gut—but it’s flat. Empty. That makes your stomach drop even harder than he did.

“You smell too damn good to just walk out.”

Your legs kick uselessly as he drags you down onto the couch. You land on your back, his weight pressing down, one paw pinning your arms while the other traces along your side like he’s picking out his favorite part.

His stomach lets out a deep, expectant growl—long and low. He grins when you hear it.

“Mmm. Been starving all night. No snacks left. Guess you’ll have to fix that.”

Your pulse spikes. He opens wide.

“You’re not walking outta here... but you are going somewhere warm.”

The last thing you see is that smug grin stretching wider—then darkness swallows your world.