BOUND BY BLOOD AND CLAWS

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. Elena sat by a crackling fire Ethan had built, her knees hugged tightly to her chest.

crimson eyes flicking to her now and then. Ethan paced in wolf form nearby

by the occasional crackle of the

drian said, his voic

na muttered, her eyes

form, his brow furrowed. "You'll n

r'? You said you'd protect me. How am I supposed to

otect you, and we will. But this is bigger than just us,

ant?" Elena demande

, an unspoken conversation passing

blood," he sai

ze. "My..

owerful. It holds something neither clan fully understands, but t

n. "How is that even possib

, Elena. If you were, neither the vampir

for a moment, she couldn't breathe. "So what am I s

id firmly. "You

drian taught Elena how to handle a dagger, his movemen

guiding her hands. "You don't need

clearing, his arms crossed. "Dagger

im a glare. "

. "I don't think this is goi

said, his voice surprisingly ge

ng. "She needs more than survival. She needs t

what do you suggest? Teach

irked. "

n took Elena's hand and led her t

ing slightly. "We're fast, aggressive, and unpredi

ddenly, and she yel

ll, Ethan?"

esson one: Alw

. "You're going to scare her to d

than retorted, his tone ser

re, you know. And I'd appreciate it if you

ened. "Good. Cha

lemented Ethan's wild, instinct-driven approach. Despite their differences, they

neath the surface, read

Elena couldn't help but notice the way Eth

" she said, brea

than asked, fei

you two," Elena replied. "You

through his dark hair. "It's n

added. "It's

s. "I think I've earn

ide her. "Fine. Keep your secrets. But if we're supposed

ged a look, guilt flash

Adrian admitt

ne. But you're not

Elena ch

reath. "The clans ar

ood ran co

re you, killing you is the next

ep that from me?" Elena asked,

t to scare you

fists. "Scare me? I have a right to k

et that happen," Etha

Elena demanded. "You can

ning. "We know this is hard, Elena. But we'r

welling up in her eyes. "I

pression earnest. "We know.

e'll protect you,

arried-the burden of their clans, their rivalry

, her resolve hardening. If they were willing to