Leaving her was the hardest thing I'd ever done. But I needed to deal with this. I'd toyed with my options in my head all day and now, seeing her in so much pain, I knew what I had to do. No one will ever lay a finger on her again. Ever.

Where this sudden animalistic protectiveness was coming from I didn't know and right now I didn't fucking care.

I walked over to the barn where the three bastards sat drinking and eating without a care in the world. Sat around a table playing some kind of game.

Gripping hold of the one who I knew had done the most damage to her I held him up by the throat. My crimson eyes blazing out at him. My canines sliding out as the beast inside me roared in fury. It spat out one word in my head: mine!

I tossed him aside like he was nothing against the barn wall. Growling, I turn to the other two who suddenly knelt at my feet. Staring at the floor like two little newborn pups. Pathetic!

I roared down at them. Turning my head as my ears twitch. Hearing rushing footsteps behind me. The main guy jumping on my back. Aiming his jaws for my throat.

I jump back, falling on top of him on the floor. Winding him. Rolling to my feet I watch as he gasps for breath. I crouch at his side. Running a claw over his heart. Drawing blood. Grinning as I watch him squirm. "Touch her again and next time I'll rip your heart out and feet it to your two pussy friends over there."

He nods silently. Satisfied I stand and walk away before I fucked him up to the point of being unrecognisable.

Once out of sight around the corner, I lean back against the barn door and steady myself. Trying to rein back in my beast. Exhaling deeply I breathe through the pain. My features returning to those of a man.

What the fuck is this woman doing to me?

Sensing eyes on me I look up. There she is. Stood at the window of my bedroom watching me. Her face is calm, reserved. Her beautiful mind closed off to me. She was so fiery before. So outspoken. Now, in agony, she's gone inside herself.

Why did I have a sudden need to keep her safe? To help her?