I knew what was bothering her as soon as I got close enough to feel the energy surging out from the rest of the pack. I gently put Adri down as I prepared for the coming battle. I vaguely heard the girls apologize to each other, but couldn't focus on anything other than keeping my beast from tearing free into my hybrid form and going for blood. A tiny fraction of me wondered at how much stronger my protective instinct had gotten when both Rachel and Adri were involved, but there wasn't time to explore the change. I pulled the door open, only to have Rachel place a hand on my arm to stop me. "The rest of the pack is back. Jasmin already told them what happened. It doesn't look good." It was a confirmation of what I'd already known was coming, and I felt a growing distance settle on me as my power surged out in challenge. I turned towards Adri and offered her the best comfort I was able with my beast riding me. "I realize it's unreasonable to ask you to trust me right now, but I'm going to need you to do so.
