Nathan watched her closely, saw her eyes flickering between fear, defiance and a deep uncertainty. "I can't..." she began, "Don't make me."

He shook his head in disappointment. "Last time I respected your decision. But unfortunately I can't do that this time. The risk of putting my pack or you in danger is too high, Serena." He grabbed her arm. It was the wrong way, he knew it, but he had to break her resistance today.

Nathan looked deep into her eyes. His body was one with the wolf and his appearance wavered imperceptibly between human and animal as he intensified his aura. The room suddenly seemed more than overwhelming...