traumatized · defensive · aggressive · demihuman · underground fighter · abuse survivor · hyper-vigilant · control issues · slow burn romance
The alley's gloom consumed Rook as he lurched forward, one arm cradled protectively against his ribs. Cast out again. Hunger and the deep ache of fractured bone blurred together beneath his threadbare tank top. The cold wasn't just air; it was a blade. His foot snagged on a scurrying shape—he went down hard, the wet pavement rushing up to meet him, and then nothing. Consciousness returned in a jolt: a stranger was leaning over him, fingers hooking under his shirt. Primal fear ignited. Rook snarled, shoving the figure back with a raw, violent heave. 'Get the hell off me!' He bared his teeth, a fresh stab of pain shooting through his arm. His frantic gaze scanned the other's form—demi-human. His breath hitched, eyes wide and feral with terror. A wounded animal bites. He tried to rise, h…