Chapter 2

Zara"s paws pound against the forest floor, the rhythmic thud reverberating through her body as she leads the pack. The scent of the deer grows stronger with each stride, and a surge of excitement courses through her veins.

This is what it means to be a werewolf, embracing the primal instincts that define their existence.

Around her, the pack moves as one, their bodies flowing like water through the trees. Their eyes gleam with a vibrant gold, reflecting the intensity of their heightened emotions. Zara can feel their energy, their anticipation, their hunger. It"s a shared experience that transcends words and connects them on a primal level.

The closer they get to their prey, the sharper Zara"s senses become. She can hear the frantic beating of the deer"s heart, smell the fear that emanates from its body. It"s a scent that triggers something deep within her, a primal urge to chase, to hunt, to conquer.

With keen tracking skills honed over years of leading the pack"s hunts, Zara zeroes in on the deer"s path.

Easy,Zara tells herself, scanning the forest floor. Her nostrils flare as she analyzes the assortment of scents - crushed plants, stray tufts of fur caught on branches, the musky stench of panic wafting off the fleeing deer.

She motions subtly to her pack mates, redirecting them without a sound as she reconstructs the deer"s mad dash through the brush.

You can run, but you can"t hide. Shesmirks inwardly, her eyes blazing with the anticipation of the kill. Every perfectly honed instinct is laser-focused on this lethal little dance between hunter and prey.

Zara bursts through the undergrowth like an avenging fury, her powerful jaws snapping at the deer"s heels. Got your scrawny ass now, Bambi.

The animal is fast, its hooves pounding against the earth as it tries to escape, but Zara is faster. She can feel the adrenaline pumping through her body, the thrill of the chase consuming her every thought.

As Zara draws closer to the deer, she can feel the anticipation building within her. She knows the kill is near, that the hunt is almost over. But for now, she revels in the moment, in the pure, unadulterated thrill of the chase. This is what it means to be alive, to be a part of something greater than herself, to embrace the wild and untamed spirit that flows through her veins.

Zara"s canines sink into the deer"s vulnerable neck, her jaws clamping down with a practiced efficiency. The prey"s blood spills forth, its iron-laden scent mingling with the damp earth and pine-scented breeze as it struggles weakly against the inevitable. With practiced ease, she backs away, blood dripping from her muzzle, her amber eyes alight with the primal fire that burns within every alpha.

With a triumphant howl, Zara releases her grip, her golden eyes blazing with the thrill of the hunt.

As Zara finally lets go, her prey"s body collapses to the ground, its blood seeping into the forest floor. She throws her head back and unleashes a victorious howl, savoring the thrill of the chase and the savory taste of warm blood on her lips.

The rest of the pack converges around her, muzzles stained crimson, tongues lolling in anticipation of their hard-earned feast.

Shifting back to her human form, Zara rises to her full height, her toned physique glistening with perspiration from the exertion of the chase. She runs a hand through her tousled chestnut locks, pushing them away from her face as she surveys her pack with a mixture of pride and affection.

"Well done, my brothers and sisters," she calls out, her voice rich and commanding. "Tonight, we feast!"

A chorus of cheers and howls erupts from the assembled wolves as they, too, transition back to their human forms. Zara"s gaze sweeps over them, taking in the diverse array of faces—some young and eager, others weathered by years of service to the pack.

As the pack finishes their feast, Zara can"t shake the restless energy thrumming through her veins. It"s a sense of anticipation, a feeling that something significant is on the horizon. Despite the satisfaction of the hunt, the nagging unease persists, like an itch she can"t quite scratch.

Something feels off.Zara wonders, her brow furrowing as she tries to pinpoint the source of her disquiet. We just had a successful hunt. The pack is strong, everything is as it should be.

She shakes her head, trying to dispel the unsettling thoughts. Get a grip, Zara. You"re the future alpha, you can"t let some vague feeling throw you off your game.

Desperate for a distraction, Zara turns to her best friend, Lena. "Hey, what do you say we hit up The Shadowglass tonight? I could use a drink and some good company."

Lena grins, her golden-brown eyes sparkling with mischief. "Thought you"d never ask. I"ve been itching for a night out."

Zara smiles, her eyes returning to the natural sea-green, grateful for Lena"s easy companionship. Maybe a night of revelry is exactly what I need to clear my head, she muses.

They make their way back to the pack"s territory, Zara can"t help but feel a flicker of excitement at the prospect of letting loose. It"s been too long since she"s allowed herself a moment fun.

Who knows,she thinks with a wry smile, maybe I"ll even meet someone interesting. God knows I could use a distraction from all this responsibility.

But even as she tries to focus on the promise of a carefree night out, Zara can"t entirely shake the feeling that something is coming. It"s like a storm on the horizon.

Whatever it is,she vows silently, I"ll be ready for it.

With that thought, Zara squares her shoulders and quickens her pace. Whatever is going on with her can wait until tomorrow. Tonight, she"s letting her hair down.

Zara and Lena step into The Shadowglass, the neon lights casting an ethereal glow on their faces. The bar is a sharp contrast to the serene forests they call home, a cacophony of scents and sounds assaulting Zara"s heightened senses. She navigates the crowded space with lupine grace, Lena close behind, their eyes scanning the room.

As they weave their way through the throng of supernatural beings, Zara"s nostrils flare, catching a scent that sets her blood on fire. It"s a tantalizing mix of danger and allure; cool pine and cedarwood with a hint of mint, layered with leather and spice. The aroma wraps around her like a seductive embrace, drawing her in, compelling her to follow its trail.

What the hell is that?Zara wonders, her heart racing as she tries to make sense of the intoxicating fragrance that both excites and unnerves her.

Lena leans in close, her brow furrowed with concern. "You okay, Z? You look like you"ve seen a ghost."

Zara shakes her head, trying to clear the haze of desire that threatens to overwhelm her. "I"m fine," she lies, her voice barely audible over the pounding bass. "Just need a drink."

But even as the words leave her lips, Zara knows she"s not fine. The scent is growing stronger, more insistent, pulling her towards its source like a moth to a flame. She can feel it in her bones, in the very core of her being, and she knows she won"t be able to resist its call for long.

Following the scent, Zara"s gaze lands at the end of the bar, where she spots a figure hunched over another, their bodies entwined in a macabre embrace. As she watches, the figure lifts its head, revealing a pair of glowing red eyes and lips stained with blood.

Vampire.The word echoes in Zara"s mind, a primal growl building in her throat as she recognizes the creature for what it is. But there"s something different about this one, something that sets it apart from the others she"s encountered before.

And then she sees its face, and her world tilts on its axis.

It"s him. Alexi Dragomir. The notorious vampire assassin whose name has become a terrifying legend, enough to make even the hardest supernatural creature break out in cold sweat.

Zara"s breath catches as she watches Alexi"s lips close around the witch"s throat, his eyes fluttering shut as he drinks deep. It"s a sight that should make her stomach churn, but, to her horror, it does the opposite.

Her blood pulses hotter, and her heartbeat quickens, a hunger uncoiling in her belly that defies any logic or reason. It has nothing to do with hunt, and everything to do with the man—er, vampire—feeding so carnally in front of her.

What the hell?Zara thinks, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.

Before she can think of what she"s doing, Zara"s feet taking her straight to Alexi. He turns to face her, recognition dawning on his handsome features as he takes her in. A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. "Well, if it isn"t the future Silvercrest Alpha in the flesh. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Zara snarls. "What the hell do you think you"re doing, Dragomir?"

Alexi chuckles, the sound dark and sultry. "Just having a little snack, darling. No need to get your tail in a twist."

Zara"s inner wolf bristles at his arrogant tone, a growl rumbling in her chest. "Not here, you"re not. Now, cut the crap, bloodsucker. Let her go."

"Look around, darling, this is nothing new here."

Her heart pounds in her chest. She can feel the heat of Lena"s body behind her, as she steps up beside her with a defensive stance, ready to jump into action at a moment"s notice.

"You heard her, Dragomir. Back off." Zara hears the slight tremble in Lena"s voice, as they face off with the vampire.

"As you wish, ladies. I wouldn"t want to cause a scene," Alexi chuckles, the sound dark and sensual. He releases the witch, who stumbles away. Zara swears she could see a look of disappointment in the witch"s eyes.

Zara takes a step forward, her eyes flashing gold. "You already have."

The tension between them crackles like electricity, centuries of animosity between their species fueling the fire. But there"s something else there, too—a strange, magnetic pull Zara can"t quite explain.

Focus, Zara. She shakes her head, trying to clear the haze from her mind.

Alexi"s eyes rake over her, a slow, appraising gaze that sets Zara"s blood on fire. "You know, Knight, you"re even more stunning up close."

She scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Save the flattery for someone who gives a damn, Dragomir."

Alexi"s blue green eyes flash a vivid crimson as his grin widens, his fangs glinting in the low light. "Oh, I think you give more of a damn than you let on."

Zara"s hands clench into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. "You know nothing about me."

"Don"t I?" Alexi invades her space, filling her senses with his heady, masculine scent that threatens to overpower her resolve. At 6"4" with a muscular build, chiseled features, and dark brown, thick hair, he towers over Zara, his presence both thrilling and unnerving.

She battles the temptation to drink him in, to savor his aroma like a fine whiskey.

Damn him.Why does he have to be so...

Her thoughts fade as his crimson eyes pierce straight into her core, promising pleasure and pain in equal measure. Alexi is sin incarnate, temptation made flesh, and damn if Zara doesn"t want to take a bite.

Zara mentally slaps herself. Focus. He"s the enemy, remember? Devastatingly handsome or not, he"s off limits.

Lena clears her throat, breaking the spell. "Z, we should go."

Zara nods, tearing her gaze away from Alexi"s. "Yeah, let"s get out of here."

But as she turns to leave, Alexi"s hand shoots out, gripping her wrist. Zara whirls around, a snarl tearing from her throat. "Let go of me."

Alexi"s gaze smolders. "Not so fast, darling. Tell me, what are you really here for? Maybe it"s something I can…satisfy."

Zara"s gaze narrows, her inner wolf bristling. "None of your damn business! Let me go!"

But Alexi doesn"t release her. Instead, he yanks her closer, his body pressing against hers. Zara"s breath catches in her throat, her heart pounding in her ears.

Fuck, he"s strong.She struggles against his hold, but it"s like trying to break free from a steel trap.

Zara grit her teeth, her anger boiling over. "Get off me, Dragomir!"

Somehow, she escapes his grasp, or rather, he releases her, and she launches an attack, landing a brutal right hook on Alexi"s jaw. He staggers back slightly, his eyes widening in surprise, and then he smirks.

Did he just fucking smirk?

Zara"s knuckles sting from the force of her punch. Alexi"s lip was split, a trickle of blood tracing his sardonic smile before it immediately heals. "Well, well, Knight. That"s more like the fighter I"ve heard so much about."

A low growl leaves her throat as she lunges, swinging her fist towards his face once more, the force behind her punch almost knocking Alexi off his feet. But, just as she thinks she"ll get the upper hand, he catches her wrist midair, his fingers digging into her skin as he turns her around and pulls her against his chest. Again. "Is that all you got?" he taunts.

Rage pumping through her veins, Zara breaks from his grip and delivers a swift roundhouse kick, catching him off guard. Her heel connects with his chest, sending Alexi crashing into a nearby table. But he doesn"t stay down long. He rolls to his feet and springs, fists outstretched in her direction.

The underground bar thrums with energy as Zara and Alexi"s battle intensifies. Nearby patrons instinctively give them a wide berth, long accustomed to the occasional supernatural skirmish erupting amidst the dim lighting and clinking glasses.

Lena tenses, ready to leap to Zara"s defense, but her friend waves her off with a look that says, "This is my fight." The chaos swirls around them, yet they remain totally focused on each other, oblivious to the curious onlookers.

"Get out of here, Lena," Zara commanded, her voice firm but laced with concern. "I"ve got this."

Lena opens her mouth to protest, but Zara"s steely gaze leaves no room for argument. As her future alpha, Zara knows Lena has no choice but to obey.

Zara can feel the heat of his gaze, the raw intensity of it searing her skin. Her pulse quickens as their eyes lock, and she curses the traitorous fluttering in her chest.

Get it together, Zara. He"s the enemy, no matter how intriguing those eyes may be.She thinks, her mind reeling.

Intriguing? Seriously?

But there"s no time to dwell on it. Alexi comes at her again, his movements a blur of speed and precision. Zara meets him head-on, her own body responding instinctively to the threat.

"You think you"re so tough, don"t you?" Zara pants, her fists raised as she circles Alexi. "Let"s see how cocky you are once I wipe that smug look off your face."

Alexi chuckles, the sound low and taunting. "Big words for such a little wolf." He feints left, testing her defenses.

Zara doesn"t take the bait, her footwork light and precise. "I"m going to enjoy knocking you down a few pegs, vampire."

Their gazes lock, a silent challenge passing between them. Then, in a blur of motion, they collide—a flurry of punches and kicks, each competitor giving as good as they get. Zara can feel the adrenaline surging through her veins, the thrill of the fight consuming her senses.

Zara is about to lunge at Alexi again when the bar erupts into chaos, the atmosphere shifting from charged tension to utter pandemonium in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, the doors explode inward as two grotesque, twisted creatures force their way inside, their feral snarls and ravenous hunger sending patrons scrambling for safety in panicked droves.

Zara"s heart races as she witnesses the horrifying scene.

What the fuck are those things?Her mind races, every fiber of her being coiled tight, ready for battle against this new, monstrous threat.

As if reading her mind, Alexi curses under his breath. "Ghaurs."

Zara shoots him a confused look. "What the hell are Ghaurs?"

But there"s no time for explanations. Instinctively, Zara and Alexi turn their attention to the new threat, launching themselves at the creatures before they can get to anyone else.

Fighting side by side, Zara and Alexi move with surprising coordination, their strengths complementing each other as they battle the monstrous Ghaurs. Zara"s claws slash through the air, ripping into the tough hide of the creature in front of her, thick black ichor oozing from the deep gashes. Beside her, Alexi fires off rounds from his gun, the silver-coated bullets tearing through flesh and slowing down the other Ghaur"s movements.

We make a damn good team,Zara thinks, a fierce grin spreading across her face as she dodges a swipe from the Ghaur"s razor-sharp claws, the air hissing with the near miss. Her heart thrums with the thrill of battle, her wolf"s senses heightened and alert.

Together, they drive the creatures back, their movements fluid and deadly. Faking left, Zara suddenly twirls and flings herself towards the Ghaur.

From the corner of her eye, she sees Alexi as he dances around the other Ghaur, narrowly avoiding a swipe of its claws that slices through the leather of his jacket.

Got you, you ugly son of a bitch,she thinks, her inner wolf howling with satisfaction as she tears into the Ghaur"s chest, ripping out the creature"s still beating heart in a spray of viscous black blood.

The lifeless husk crumples at her feet. She whips around, her chest heaving and her mind racing.

What the hell just happened?

She catches sight of the second creature"s decapitated corpse, a spray of dark blood painting the concrete. Alexi is gone, leaving her alone amidst the carnage

Standing amidst the wreckage of the bar, Zara"s heart pounds, her mind reeling from the unexpected battle. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the scent of blood and destruction only serves to heighten her senses. As she surveys the damage, her eyes are drawn to one of the fallen Ghaurs, its lifeless body sprawled across the floor.

"Z, what the hell just happened?" Lena asks, her voice shaky as she approaches Zara"s side. "Those things... they were..."

"Ghaurs," Zara finishes, her voice grim. "At least, that"s what Dragomir called them."

At the mention of the vampire assassin"s name, a fresh wave of anger washes over Zara. That fucking leech, she seethes internally. He just disappeared.

Zara whirled to face Lena, brows furrowed. "Hang on, didn"t I tell you to head back home?"

Lena"s gaze doesn"t waver. "And abandon my closest friend? Yeah, I know better than to stick around when you"re raging mad, but there was no damn way I was leaving you either."

But even as she tries to focus on her anger, Zara can"t ignore the strange heat coursing through her body, the way her skin tingles with an unfamiliar sensation. It"s like her inner wolf is clawing at the surface, desperate to break free.

What in the world is wrong with me?She wonders, her heart racing as she tries to control the urge to shift. Am I in… she shakes her head, it"s not the right time...

Lena notices Zara"s discomfort, her brow furrowing in concern. "Z, are you okay? You look like you"re about to..."

"I"m fine," Zara snaps, cutting her off. She takes a deep breath, forcing herself to focus on the task at hand. "We need to figure out what the hell is going on here."

Lena nods, her expression grim. "And what about Dragomir? Do you think he knows more than he"s letting on?"

Zara"s jaw clenches at the mention of Alexi"s name, the heat in her body spiking once again. "I don"t know," she admits, her voice tight. "But I intend to find out."

With a final glance at the fallen Ghaurs and the mysterious symbol, Zara leaves The Shadowglass, Lena falling into step beside her. As they step out into the night, Zara can"t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of something much bigger, much more dangerous than anything she"s ever faced before.

And if Dragomir is involved,she thinks, her eyes flashing gold in the darkness, then I"ll make damn sure he doesn"t walk away from this unscathed.