80. (DANE POV)

(DANE POV)

I drifted in and out of consciousness when I caught his scent. At first, I hoped it was just remnants of his blood inside Jo, but I knew better.

Mag was near.

Every instinct I had screamed danger, but my body was weak, and my mind was foggy.

I took Jo's hand quietly, the warmth of her skin a small comfort in the encroaching dread. I pushed my nail into the pad of her thumb, and she jumped.

I held her tight and whispered, "Just a little... I just need a little until they get back, okay?"

As soon as her blood touched my tongue, I pulled her into the whitespace. "He's close, Jo. I can feel him."

"What does he want?" she asked.

"I don't know, but he's watching us for some reason," I replied. "Don't panic, whatever happens, okay? I will kill him before he hurts you."

"But that'll kill you," she said.

"I don't care at this point. I'm going to do whatever I have to do to protect you," I assured her.

We left the whitespace when I pulled her finger out of my mouth, and I snugg