Maybe it’s unfair that I’d be fine with a friend like Juliet keeping her secrets from me while I demand that Warner share his or get out.

But Juliet wasn’t covered in bruises.

And the rules of friends change when …

When you’re whatever Warner and I are.

“I got into a fight with another wolf,” Warner admits.

“Werewolf or wolf, wolf?”

“Werewolf.”

“Why were you two fighting?”

Warner grimaces before resting his head on my shoulder. “Because he would’ve hurt you if I hadn’t.”

Cold trails through my veins at his words, and I give an involuntary shiver.

“Could you elaborate on that?”

Warner loosens his hold, only to rub his hands up and down my back. The move is soothing, but I can’t give up all the tension thrumming through me. My eyes flit to the dark window, wondering if I’ll see the face of an animal on the other side of the glass.

“It was Ross. The asshole from my work. You insulted him, made him look stupid.”

Some of my fear gives way to anger. “Good. That was the point.”

Warner lifts his head to offer me a thin smile. His warm palms cup my cheeks, and he trails his thumb over my lips. “And I loved watching you talk circles around him.” He sighs. “But my kind doesn’t take insults lightly. And we hold grudges. When I got back, he made some more comments, and I knew things weren’t over. Not in his mind.” Warner’s hold becomes firm, as if he’s desperate to keep me in place. “I knew that if Ross ever came across you again, there was the real possibility he might hurt you.”

“So, you fought him?”

Warner nods. “Werewolves are territorial. We’ll get violent to protect what’s ours. Especially if it’s someone we care about.”

Is that what I am? His?

I don’t voice the question, not sure I want to hear the answer.

“But how does you two fighting solve anything? Did you … kill him?” I hesitate because this is another answer I’m not sure I want.

“No! No, I swear.” Warner presses a kiss to my forehead, so gentle that I have trouble imagining him getting violent with anyone. “Think of it like MMA. I just knocked him out. We weren’t even in wolf form.”

“Okay.” I’ve never been a fan of the sport, but at least I have a mental image. “Still, what’s to keep Ross from hurting me in the future?”

“It’s a dominance thing. And a warning. He knows that if he hurts you, I’ll come after him. Actually, if he comes after you, he’ll face punishment from the pack.” Warner grimaces, obviously realizing he’s not explaining the situation well.