Alaric’s POV I hear a low growl coming from somewhere. It takes me a long moment to realize that it is my own throat eliciting that noise. It is my own rage at what I’m witnessing that is making my eyes burn and my vision go red. My hands are curling into fists. I’m nearly going to shift the jealousy rocks through me so severely, practically overwhelming me. Noel hears what I’m saying and steps back slightly, but it’s too late, the damage is done. I blink, and suddenly, I’m standing next to Cara, my hand on her arm. I’m not pressing down, but I am holding her firmly around the waist. I would never hurt her, not on my worst day, but I am insistent. Especially when I feel the instinctive way that she leans into me, as if she is savoring my closeness. “Cara,” I say. I barely recognize

