The chanting reached its peak.
Claire felt it like lightning in her veins.
The heat that had started as a warm flush in the clearing exploded into an all-consuming fire. It raced through her bloodstream, pooling low in her belly, making her thighs clench and her breath come in short, desperate gasps. Every inch of her skin became hypersensitive — the night air felt like silk sliding across her body, and the thin white robe suddenly felt too heavy, too restrictive.
Xander’s growl tore through the night, deep and primal.
His eyes were glowing — bright, feral emerald — as he rose from the stone altar with renewed strength. The silver poisoning was still visible in the angry wounds on his side, but the rut was overriding everything. His muscles rippled with power, veins standing out along
