50. Shya

Chapter fifty

Shya

T here were too many unfamiliar beings in the woods today—the forest had fallen silent; all the small creatures were in hiding. As I crept forward, my nose twitched, catching a whiff of something out of place. I slowed my pace, every muscle in my body tense as I followed the scent. It grew stronger with each step, a cocktail of aggression and anticipation that made my lips curl back from my teeth. Then, as I neared the crest of a small rise, I caught sight of movement through the trees.

At first, it was just a flicker—a shadow downwind passing between trunks, barely distinguishable from the swaying branches, but then I saw more. Bodies, low to the ground, slinking through the underbrush. Their movements were coordinated, purposeful. I could make out the sleek forms of wolves interspersed with the upright figures of those still in human form.

They moved like a dark tide through the forest, weaving between the trees with practiced stealth. Every now and then, moonlight would catch a glint of metal. I saw ears twitch, noses lift to scent the air, and eyes gleam with anticipation.

At the front of the group was Tristan. I shuddered, a mixture of fear and revulsion coursing through me. My heart rate spiked as dread, disgust, rage, all tangled up inside of me, each fighting for supremacy. My wolf snarled, thirsting for revenge, for justice. I could almost taste Tristan's blood on my tongue, could almost feel the satisfaction of ripping into the flesh of the man who had caused so much pain and destruction.

Then Mason was there, putting a warm hand on my back. My heart rate calmed slightly as I forced the rage back down. I couldn't attack now. I knew without a doubt if I did, Mason and the others would follow me, and I would be signing all our death warrants. No, I had to wait for Mason's secret weapon.

Ahead of me, Tristan raised a hand. As one, his Pack froze, becoming as still as the trees around them.

Tristan pointed one finger left, then right, signaling to his followers. They began to spread out, forming a wide arc that I knew would soon circle my Pack.

"It's time," Mason whispered as he turned to face the others behind us.

AJ's eyes darted between Mason and me, a question on his face. I could smell his uncertainty, his fear.

"I give you my word, AJ, we'll protect the Bridgetown Pack. We won't let you hurt them."

I whipped my head around. Had Mason lost his mind? Was he seriously about to unleash a crazed bear Shifter into these woods? There was no rational thought, no controlling AJ when he was in his bear form.

"Derek and Sam are going to flank AJ the whole time. They'll herd him. They'll make sure he only attacks Tristan's Pack."

I flicked my gaze to the twins and took in the look of resolve on both their faces.

We were vastly outnumbered. Mason was right. AJ would be able to go through Tristan's ranks and leave carnage in his wake. It was incredibly risky but right now it was our only chance.

I nodded. Immediately, Sam and Derek stripped off and started their Shifts.

AJ muttered something I couldn't catch, then closed his eyes. The air around him seemed to shimmer, and then his form began to change. It started slowly, almost imperceptibly. His skin rippled like water and then began to thicken, taking on a leathery texture. Suddenly, a low, rumbling growl emanated from deep within his chest, growing in volume as his body expanded.

The change accelerated. AJ's frame swelled, his muscles bulging and reshaping. Bones cracked and popped, elongating and thickening to support his massive new form. His fingers shortened, nails extending into wicked, curved claws.

Coarse, dark fur erupted from his skin in waves, starting from his spine and cascading down his body. His face contorted, his jaw jutting forward, teeth growing into fearsome fangs. His ears rounded and shifted position, and his nose flattened and widened into a broad muzzle.

Where AJ had stood moments before, now loomed a massive grizzly bear, easily twice the size of our largest wolves. His small, dark eyes glittered with a primal rage, and his nostrils flared as he scented the air. The sheer power radiating from him was incredible, wild and uncontained.

He swung his head around and glared at me. Mason moved, stepping in front of me as Derek darted in behind AJ, nipped at his back leg, then took off toward Tristan's forces. AJ twisted his body about and charged after Derek, Sam keeping pace with him on his left.

There was a solitary warning yell, then chaos erupted. Screams and howls filled the air, mingling with the sound of snapping branches and bodies hitting the forest floor.

Alright, then. My turn.