Amara stared at Derek, her eyes wide with fear. She recognized him as one of Killian's friends. She had seen him occasionally at college, always lingering with Killian's group. He had even visited the mansion once, but she had never interacted with him—Killian had strictly forbidden her from speaking to any man other than Aiden. There had been times when she caught Derek's gaze lingering on her, making her uncomfortable, but she had dismissed it as her imagination, overwhelmed by her senses.

Now, she wished she had trusted her instincts. The man before her looked lethal, a predator ready to tear her apart and feast on her remains.