He claims to have hellhounds and there's no reason not to believe him, but still. Hellhounds kill with single-minded purpose and in turn they are nearly impossible to kill. They have no problem breaking off parts of their bodies to slip through things like fences, gates, and prison cells. The Federation had no success at taking much less keeping one alive and whenever they tried, humans died. Six months before the end of the war-maybe I should call it the first war since the hounds are returning-a hellhound broke into the underground compound where I worked. It killed twenty-three people. Twenty-one of them were heavily armed. Three of my co-workers and I made it to a reinforced steel closet and closed the door with the hellhound inches from destroying us. I've had nightmares about them ever since. Now King is saying he can take me to see a hellhound. Before the war, I had a nice busy life going to school, hanging out with friends, and dreaming about my future. Just think

She's human, I tell myself. Not weak, just human. "Stay with me," I mutter as I carry her back to my room. I sniff her hair, which is partially in my face. She smells enticing and that isn't a good thing. "Please put me down," she requests when we're halfway to our destination. I slowly drop her legs and tilt her body upright. Breathing heavily, she grabs the wall and hangs her head. A few seconds later, she places her hands on her knees and takes huge gulping breaths of air. I say nothing as I wait for her to gain control. "It's a panic attack," she says after her breathing slows. "I get them occasionally." She stands straight and closes her eyes for a moment. "You've given me a lot to think about. Please take me to my room so I can sort it out in my mind." Sweat at her temple captures strands of hair and they stick to her pasty, soft skin. Incredibly soft skin. "This way," I point to the right and walk ahead of her to put distance between us. The s

If I'm lucky, she will remember every word tomorrow. I watch her sleep, and within a few minutes she begins softly snoring. While she's out, I do something I've wanted to try since discovering Beast's aversion to her. I allow him to come to the forefront without transforming. It's not easy to do and I must keep a tight leash in order to keep him from taking over completely. Beast leans over and sniffs her bare leg. He doesn't touch. Kill the woman, pops into my head. Why? I ask. Dangerous, he replies. Slowly I extend my hand and touch her leg again. Beast growls deep in my chest. Dangerous how? I press. Deadly. I don't see it. Her stumbling bumbling routine can't be a hoax. Beast leans over and licks her leg where I'm touching. He tastes her, but so do I. It's strange. I've been with women and none have tasted like her. It's an untamed wild flavor that makes me wonder if she's not quite human. Who the hell knows what other creatures roam this

"Did they kill the two hellhounds you have?" I ask Axel, hoping my wish came true. He crosses his arms. "King told you about the two we hold?" "King did more than tell me, he showed me. Alcohol didn't numb the sight of them or the smell." I can't help the revulsion running over my skin and I shiver. Axel's fingers are steepled and he softly thrums them together. "Did he explain what they are?" He's being careful. He must know if I find out certain things my life is forfeit. And that sounds as stupid as it is. "Yes, I know we're really fighting hellhumans and not hounds." He gives a relieved sigh. "We still call them hounds. Makes it easier than thinking of them as once being humans." I get that and feel the same. Something's been bothering me since King explained what they learned, though at the time I was too afraid of the answer. "I never saw my father's body. Is he one of those... things now?" I dread the answer and thinking in these terms

Cabel puts his sword down and walks toward me. "I didn't expect you back so soon," he says as way of greeting. "I didn't expect to be. It's good to see you training." I leave the bike idling unsure why I'm here. He wipes sweat from his brow. "It's hotter than usual today. I'll give the men a break if you'd like to come inside." I turn off the ignition and lift my leg over the bike's engine. I look around while we walk the hundred or so yards to his front door. Mary, his mate, is standing at the kitchen stove stirring something in a large pot. She glares at me as I take a seat at their table. Beast rumbles at her audacity and I pull him back. Cabel tries to smooth things over. "It's okay, Mar. It was only a small love tap. He wouldn't hurt me." He gives her a quick hug and kiss on her cheek. I know when to keep my mouth shut and head down. I steady my eyes on the table and do everything I can not to incite Cabel's Beast. The mating rage is hard enough