Page 247 of Split or Swallow

There was a pause, and Tem considered leaving out the rest. But something in Caspen’s expression told her he wouldn’t stop until he had the full story. So she finished quietly:

“And then he said you claimed me.”

Caspen straightened.

“Did he touch you when he said that?”

“He grabbed my throat.”

Shock passed quickly over Caspen’s face. Then unfathomable anger took over. He dropped his hands.

“Wait here,” he commanded.

“Where are you going?”

“I will explain when I return.”

Tem pulled him back.

“You will explain now.”

“Tem, stop. I must—”

“Caspen.”

At her cry, he went still. She threw her arms around his neck, holding him against her.

“I need to feel safe,” she said quietly. “Please don’t leave me.”

His face was an inch from hers. She stared into his golden eyes, seeing nothing but rage in them.

“I must kill him, Tem.”

A chill went down Tem’s spine. It was exactly what she’d threatened Rowe with, but now that it was actually an option, she knew without a doubt she didn’t want it to happen.

“It was nothing, Caspen. Truly.”

But Caspen was already turning to leave again.

“This cannot go unpunished.”

She pulled him back. “There’s nothing to punish.”

He let out a dry laugh.

“You are wrong.”

“He only grabbed me.”

“He tried to crest you.”

That made Tem stop short. She frowned. “How do you know?”

Caspen’s eyes went once again to her neck.

“The crest is most effective when done by the throat.”

Tem pictured the terrifying moment when Rowe had grabbed her and looked her in the eye.