The scream must have roused Griffin from his slumber because the Beast staggered back as though he'd taken a punch to the gut. Without hesitating, Violet scrambled away with her heart hammering in her chest. She loved every version of Griffin, but if he took her in that form, he was going to shatter her into pieces. Literally.
The Beast let out a guttural groan, his body trembling violently as though he was wrestling something from within. He stumbled like a drunk, shaking his head and thrashing, and Violet had to dive for safety, scared he might stomp over her in the process.
From her hiding spot, she watched in stunned silence as his massive body began to shrink until he was back to his normal size. Griffin's tall, six-foot-six frame collapsed to the ground, his chest rising and falling in labored gasps. Hosting the Beast always drained the life out of him.
"Griffin!" Violet ran to his side, dropping to her knees. "Are you okay?" she asked, cupping his face.
