If there was one thing the wolf didn't like, it was being kept anywhere. Having the door blocked put Akeem on edge, and there was a low growl of warning when Pippa reached out to touch him. But then he made a surprised sound at the feeling of her magic, warm and wild, just like the way she smelled.

It was so long since Akeem had been a wolf around anyone, and he had to focus and try a few times before managing a single, rough word that was more like a quiet bark. "What?"