The tavern door burst open, slamming against the wall with a crack that made Casey jump. Varkis's grip on her neck loosened, his head snapping toward the sound as Damian stormed in, his lean frame taut with urgency. His dark eyes narrowed at the sight of Varkis looming over Casey, her face pale and tear-streaked.
"What the hell are you doing, Varkis?" Damian growled, his voice low and sharp, like a blade cutting through the tension. "We don't have time for these games."
Varkis smirked, his tongue flicking over his lips one last time before he released Casey, letting her stumble back against the counter. She gasped, clutching her neck where his fingers had left red marks. "Just havin' a little fun," Varkis said, his tone dripping with mockery. "She's no wolf anyway, Damian. What's she worth to us?"
