She wasn’t done fighting. Not by a long damned shot. Julie repositioned her handmade spear and with a quick jerk of the wrist, she plunged it into his back and bit down on his tongue. That would serve the asshole right for thinking he could rape her and take advantage of her. The huge shifter pulled away on a loud snarl. The sound was mix of confusion, anger and… hurt. Like she’d hurt his feelings somehow. Good. It served him right.

Piece of shit asshole. Julie kicked him in the shin for good measure and slipped out from between the tree and his massive body. Without looking back or thinking, she ran just about as fast as her legs would carry her. It didn’t matter that her legs hurt, that she couldn’t see a damn thing. She just ran, praying that the riverbank was free from debris.

There were crashing, banging and snarling noises coming from behind her. There were also numerous footfalls. Was there more than one of them back there? She prayed not. It wasn’t like she could take them all on, but she at least stood somewhat of a chance against one. If there were more of those goons back there, she was done for.

Someone grabbed her by her shoulders and jerked her back. She screamed and elbowed him hard. It almost felt like her elbow cracked from the sheer force of the blow. The guy behind her didn’t so much as grunt or make a sound. He secured an arm around her and pulled her up against him.

“I said to let me go.” She squirmed. “Do you want me to stab you again? Is that it?”

“I thought I smelled blood.” This guy’s voice wasn’t nearly as deep as the one that had kissed her. The huge one with the dark eyes. Those haunting eyes. The one that held her, pulled her closer. “I was too focused on your scent to take much note.” He chuckled. “So you stabbed Coal?” He chuckled even harder. He rubbed himself against her back. There was the telltale bulge poking into her. Dragon shifters wore thin cotton pants and nothing else it seemed.

“Stop that.” She was irritated to find that her voice shook ever so slightly. Julie was more afraid than she’d ever been in her whole life. “You have no right to touch me like this. Let me go.” She fought hard. Using every ounce of strength she had to try and free herself from his ironclad grip. She kicked and squirmed. Even though her heels hurt, she felt satisfaction when one of her kicks hit home.

“I am the water prince and I am claiming you.”

“Let her go.” A deep growl, and a voice she recognized. It was him. “Do it now.” He snarled, sounding like a lion with a bone to pick.