“Reacting instantly, with a speed born of ingrained instinct and protective love, Declan felt the familiar surge of power coursing through his veins. Skin rippled, bones shifted, and in the blink of an eye, he stood as a magnificent black wolf, fur the color of midnight absorbing the faint light. He lowered his head, a low growl rumbling in his chest, and faced the attacker. He was a shield, a wall of muscle and teeth, ready to defend himself and Elara from the deranged Rougarou, whatever dark force had twisted it into this horrifying parody of its former self. The air crackled with tension, the calm of the bayou replaced by the imminent threat of a brutal and desperate fight.”