192 Not What, Who

Never once had Au'dtair had to battle his instincts as he did when Vraev'ox and the others appeared on the other side of the door. He hadn't even noticed that his armor had changed on its own volition, reacting to his stress levels.

He didn't bother to speak to his hunting mates. He was more worried about what might come out of him if he did.

Trying to restore his self-control, he took a few steadying breaths. He needed to be at the top of his game if he was going to make sure that his mate was safe, and losing control was not going to accomplish that.

"You can't get it; it has to be earned," he growled, his voice sounding like the low rumble of an earthquake.

"Au'dtair?" asked Tha'juen, his voice surprised. "What is going on? Is everything okay with you?"