Assassin

by Lexxie Couper

  “Safer for whom?”

  Zeric didn’t answer.

  A dull beat thumped in Jaienna’s temple and she settled back onto her heels, studying him. “Safer for whom, Zeric?”

  He moved his stare back to her face, his eyes fixing on hers with an unwavering intensity. “You.”

  She let out a sharp sort, crossing her arms over her chest. “Oh, of course. Me. Why didn’t I think of that? Oh wait, because I fought of half of Crortek’s personal guards, killed a Xolotlan and destroyed a sex den saving you four days ago, that’s why. Because I’m an Intel-Patrol Corp. assassin, that’s why.”

  “It’s not the same, Jaienna,” he snarled through clenched teeth. “You saw what I did in Crortek’s den. What I became. I have no control of it.”

  “So get some,” she snapped back. “I’m not scared of you and I’m not leaving you. If you want me out of your life just say so, but don’t hide behind the animal you are.”

  “You should be scared!”

  The words burst from him in a roar, so forceful Jaienna felt her hair blow back from her face. He glared at her, his eyes no longer human. His nostrils flared, his chest heaving as he sucked in breath after breath. Beads of sweat popped out on his forehead, trickling down his temple.

  Jaienna didn’t move. Her heart slammed into her throat, but she didn’t move. If she moved now, it really would be all over. She had to show him now she wasn’t going anywhere. “I’m not,” she said, keeping her voice calm. Steady. “Why would I be scared of the man I—”

  He roared again, smashing his palms against her chest and driving her backward. She slammed into the ground, the back of her head striking the cold metal with such force her teeth clicked shut and black stars erupted in her vision.

  Another roar ripped through the room and she blinked, pain blurring her vision as she watched Zeric leapt at her.

  But it wasn’t Zeric. He’d transformed.

  Massive claw-tipped feet punched the ground either side of her hips and her head. She scurried backward, staring up at the animal.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven