Lainey had fanned herself watching him work. I googled more chainmail.

If I googled any more, I was going to get carpal tunnel.

All that considered, I wasn’t too surprised that I was dreaming of Declan wearing what could generously be called chainmail shorts in my dreams that night. I was surprised to be back in the forest.

Declan took in his outfit. “Really?”

“It’s been a difficult week,” I grumbled. “I’m sorry.”

He crossed his arms. “Oh, it’s okay. I just want equal objectification.”

“Fine.” I concentrated until I was wearing a skimpy chainmail top and shorts. “This is both awkward and cold.”

Declan grinned. “I’m not cold. At least you got a shirt.”

Stupid shapeshifters and their stupid body heat.

In the distance a dog bayed, several other dogs taking up the chorus, the sound splitting the calm night air. My stomach flipped, fear shooting along my nerves. Declan’s grin collapsed, his head cocked as he listened.

“Hunters?” I asked.

Declan turned his head away from me, still listening. “Far off, but coming closer.”

I did my best to shove my fear aside. It wouldn’t help me think—and I needed to think. I absently adjusted my shorts as I considered our situation. They weren’t very comfortable. You wouldn’t think that chainmail could ride up, but you would be wrong. Which made me realize something. “We’re in my dream—not yours.”

“What makes you say that?” Declan asked, his head still cocked.

“I changed my clothes.” I wasn’t one of those people who usually had control over their dreams. Not like this. “What does the wolf think? Does this smell like the forest?”

Declan’s nostrils flared as he scented the forest around us. The moonlight gilded his profile, making him look almost like a carving of a wandering god. Eros, perhaps. “Normal forest smells, but I keep catching a hint of something else.” He sniffed the air again. “Something…” He dipped his head, his eyes disappearing into shadow. “Eva.”

I slipped my hand into his. “I think this is another trap. A spell. Is Eva any good at dream magic?” It wasn’t something animal mages were usually skilled at, but anomalies happen. Declan was one thing—he was a shapeshifter and she’d been bonded to him before. I was fully human and a stranger. She shouldn’t be able to influence me like this.

He clasped my hand tight, pulling me closer to him. “No, but she could have hired another witch. She prefers to work alone, but she’s probably frustrated, so she’s trying a different approach. Getting at me by coming through you.”

“Yeah, let’s not wait around to find out.” I wasn’t sure how to get us out of the dream, but I definitely didn’t want to wait around like sitting ducks. I took a mental snapshot of Declan in his chainmail booty shorts, because if we survived this, I would want to remember how he looked. Just, damn.

He grinned at me, his voice dipping low as he spoke. “I can wear them for you later.”