Torrent laughed, there was no humor there. “Feelings. How unimportant. Their feelings do not concern me.” He said. “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. He ignored the emotion. It meant nothing to him. He would convince her by any means necessary.

Like you convinced Candy. Fuck off! He pushed down that irritating voice… yet again and pushed out another laugh. This one sounded real. Almost. “Not happening.” He ground out. “You’re coming with me and that is final.”

“Be reasonable,” Blaze implored him. He took a step towards Torrent. “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. Fuck him. No legs to stand on!

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.” His heart felt like it was going to burst as he said the words. It hurt so fucking much… no it did not! “I will take this one in her place. This is the one I wanted from the start.” Torrent reached past Coal. Once he rutted this dark haired one… Julie… all would be well again. Equilibrium would be restored.

The idiot, Coal lunged at him but Blaze pulled him back, taking him in a headlock. “Don’t do this, Torrent!” The king shouted.

Coal didn’t know it yet, but Torrent was doing him a favor. It complicated things to feel too much for your partner. “It’s already done.” Torrent wrapped his arms around the human who struggled against him. Not for long. She would soon give in.

Coal roared. Flames erupted. Torrent ignored the male. Coal roared again as Torrent gripped the human to his chest. She kicked at him and even punched him in the face. The screaming hurt more than the blows. Torrent only gripped her tighter. It wouldn’t do if she fell.

If she wasn’t careful he would accidentally drop her. Idiot human! “Stop,” he choked out. “Behave,” he said on a growl.

Julie sank her teeth into his neck. Torrent roared in pain and rage but kept moving. He could hear Coal screaming and shouting behind him. The male would get over it.

Torrent’s clothes ripped as he shifted. He clutched the female to his scaly body. She continued to fight him even though she would fall to her death if he released her. Human females were strange creatures.

“I’ll come for you!” Coal yelled at the top of his lungs. Torrent could still hear him, even though the human wouldn’t be able to.