A hand grabbed her shoulder and a scream tore from her lips. She tried to fight off her attacker, but strong hands held her arms to her sides and pinned her to the tree. The bark was rough, even through her coat. Blood scented breath blew hot in her face and she imagined a thousand screaming horrors all piled together. Claudius' basement. Kateesha's stronghold. Nirel and Adam. Terror swirled behind her eyes and she kicked furiously, determined to get free.
"Chill out!" a familiar voice cried. "Before I have to get really violent."
She froze, her eyes wide. Slowly, her assailant released her and stepped back, his hands in the pockets of his black hoodie and a delighted smile on his lips. It was Loren.
Fury left her speechless, but her face said everything. She raised a warning fist, and
