“I’m not available.” Julie tried to step from behind him but he gripped her waist and pushed her back.

“This female does not understand our ways. She does not wish to go with you.”

“Her wishes are no concern of mine.” Torrent spat, he shook his head.

“Stop this, Torrent.” Blaze tasked. “Don’t do this.” He stepped in between them. “When I said that you could have the female, I didn’t realize what she meant to my brother. He just told me that he has feelings for her.”

Torrent laughed. “Feelings. How unimportant. Their feelings do not concern me.” He growled. “The female renounced Coal and I am stepping up. You”—he pointed at Julie—“are coming with me. Now.”

“No. I’m not. I want to go home.” There was a slight quiver to her voice but she also sounded angry.

This elicited another laugh from Torrent. “Not happening.” He finally ground out. “You’re coming with me and that is final.”

“Be reasonable,” Blaze said. He took a step towards the water king. “There will be another hunt next month. Coal and the female are having an argument. They care for one another.” He grimaced as he said the word care. “Don’t do this.” His voice took on a harsh edge.

Torrent shook his head. “I tried to be reasonable but look where it got me. I don’t have a female to show for it. She left.” He looked beyond angry. “I will take this one in her place. This is the one I wanted from the start.” Torrent reached past Coal.

No damn way. Coal lunged at the male but Blaze pulled him back, taking him in a headlock. “Don’t do this, Torrent!” His brother shouted.

“It’s already done.” The male grabbed his female. He put his hands on Julie. On his female.

Mine.

Coal roared. Flames erupted. Do. Not. Hurt. Her. No! He roared a second time as Torrent gripped a kicking Julie to his chest. She punched him in the face, screaming in both pain and rage. She squirmed so hard, he was sure she would fall. Torrent only gripped her tighter.

“Stop,” he choked out. “Behave,” the water king growled.

Julie fought harder. So did Coal but Blaze held him tightly.

Julie sank her teeth into his neck. Torrent growled in pain and rage as he strode from the room. Coal could already hear the male’s clothes ripping as he shifted.

“Stop him!” he screamed. “Julie!” His female called his name and it felt like his insides were being ripped apart. She sounded afraid. Like she was in a full blown panic.

“I’ll come for you!” He yelled at the top of his lungs.

“Calm down,” Blaze said. “She renounced you publicly. Torrent is well within his rights. You would’ve been wrong to stop him with force. We will work this out.”

“How?” he yelled, trying to free himself.