The moment Leo staggered back, I rushed to his side without thinking.
“Leo! Are you okay?” I grabbed his arm to steady him.
Instantly, a wave of perfume hit me, causing my breath to stutter in surprise. My heart skipped a beat unnaturally. This feeling. It was almost like—
“I’m fine,” he gritted out, though his face was contorted slightly in pain.
His ears had turned increasingly red, and his breathing was labored. The needle was still sticking out of his forearm where he’d intercepted it before it could pierce my skin. A thin trickle of amber liquid was dripping down his skin.
Behind us, Levi moved with lightning speed. Before Esther could retreat, he had her in a chokehold, his muscular arm wrapped around her throat. Her eyes bulged as she clawed at him.
“Tell your people to stand down,” Levi growled, tightening his grip just enough to make his point, “or I snap your neck right here.”
