Thornhill Academy (By Sheridan Hartin) novel Chapter 70

Touch her and die,” I said, voice a mix of my own and my hound’s low, dangerous rumble. The room went a fraction of a beat quieter. His buddies scattered like cowards; a group of demons at the next table started to rise, their instincts razor-sharp and immediate.

Allison’s face was a map of horror. I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but her eyes fluttered and she tipped and went limp in a way that sickened me. I caught her before her head hit the floor, curling her into my arms on instinct alone. The hound under my skin began to purr. Not the lazy sound it made at home, but a low, possessive vibration meant to soothe and mark what was ours. Our mate. The thought was conflicting. Evander would have a fit if he knew; that made my jaw clench harder. He was my brother in everything but blood, and he’d damned well put me in the cruellest position. To choose between our friendship and the truth of how I felt. That thought

pissed me off all over again.

“Is she okay?” The demon with the purple-and-green horns by Tessa asked, eyes flicking between my face and the girl in my arms.

I sniffed at her like a dog checking a scent and scowled. “Which one of you is responsible for getting her that drunk?” My voice was flat, but the question was a fully loaded gun. I inhaled deeper; the liquor and cigarette smoke clung to her hair, but underneath it was her.

Tessa fidgeted, cheeks flushing. “We were… celebrating,” she squeaked.