The crushed white pearls lay in the palm of Julian's hand like tiny drops of shattered crystal. His strong fingers closed around them so tight that the sharp edges cut into his skin, drawing a tiny line of bright red blood.

The silence inside the wrecked master bedroom was heavy, dark, and terrifying.

Julian stood completely frozen for two long seconds. His broad chest rose and fell with slow, heavy breaths. When he lifted his head, his dark eyes were no longer human. They looked like the eyes of a wild predator that had just seen its mate stolen away by a thief.

The terrified intruder kneeling on the floor...