For a moment, Tessa didn't even know where to begin. The eagle beastman was trapped between his spiritual form and his physical body.
He was in terrible pain, and seeing him like that hurt her deeply. As much as she hurried forward to help, the merman beside her suddenly turned almost feral.
"What is it, Valen? Cut it out! I'm trying to take care of someone."
Tessa wasn't ready for his tantrums, and this poor man was clearly losing it from the pain. She just wanted to help.
Valen stepped forward and blocked her view, standing between her and the groaning beastman.
"You're my female. I can't have you taking care of another male."
The possessive tone in his voice, along with the subtle shift in his demeanor into something more primal and instinctive, made her step back.
