50. Mai

The cold night air whipped against my skin as I sprinted into the forest, the rough terrain a blur beneath my feet. My wolf was scratching at my insides, demanding to be let out, to take control. I held her back. Not yet. I had to stay human for a bit longer, had to get more distance between me and the house.

I had made it about a mile when a howl shattered the night. Seth. He knew I was gone. Panic clawed at my insides. I had to Shift. Now. Stripping off my clothes, I let my wolf out. The Shift was quick, my body twisting and reforming in less than a minute. It hurt, fuck did it hurt. But I welcomed the pain, welcomed the adrenaline that surged through me, urging it to make my Shift quicker.

I stood as a wolf and howled my defiance into the wind. Rage filled me, anger at the audacity of Seth to think he could take me.

I mentally slapped my wolf.

Enough. Not now.

Now I had to run. She shook her head, her rage subsiding. As a wolf, the forest became a spectrum of smells and sounds, each one telling a different story. I sensed water ahead and sprinted through the undergrowth, my powerful limbs carrying me with ease. If I followed the water, eventually, I'd come to a settlement.

Another howl pierced the night air. Seth, coming in fast from the east. He was stronger, faster. Even as a human, he could outrun me. As a wolf, I had little chance of beating him. My wolf growled, disagreeing.

I zigzagged through the forest, using the undergrowth and trees to my advantage. If I could lose him or even just slow him down, I might have a chance to reach help.

I could sense Seth behind us, pounding ever closer. I used the fear to spur my legs faster. Branches whipped against my fur, and leaves crumpled underfoot as I ran. I could feel every twig snap beneath my feet, every thorn that grazed me. I changed direction, running to the left before doubling back. As I ran, I brushed against trees and bushes, leaving traces of my scent in the hopes of misleading him. I doubted it would work, but it might slow him down. Then I turned right, toward the water. The river came into view, its dark waters churning and frothing. Dead leaves and twigs swirled around in circles, forming ungainly eddies in the movement.

I didn't hesitate, leaping straight into the freezing current. The cold shocked my system, knocking the air from my lungs. My muscles seized up, and I struggled to keep my head above the surface as the river pulled me along.

I kicked furiously, fighting against the current that wanted to drag me under. My sodden fur weighed me down, but I pushed on, swimming diagonally toward the far bank, each stroke making my limbs grow heavier, the chill of the water sapping my strength. I had to get out of this water.

I saw our chance a moment later. A thick branch on the side, partly fallen into the river. I headed for it and swung a paw over the end. I kicked and heaved, dragged myself along the branch before collapsing on the muddy bank in a heap. My breaths came in ragged gasps, the cold air burning my lungs. I was utterly spent, my chest heaving as I gulped down air. A howl sounded from the other bank, piercing the night air.

Fuck!

Why couldn't he just leave me alone? Scrambling to my feet, I shook the water from my fur and glanced back across the river. My heart froze at the sight. Seth was there in his wolf form. Even from this distance, his silhouette was imposing. His body, wrapped in charcoal-black fur, bristled with raw power and intimidating muscle. His massive paws scratched the ground, the tension rippling through his muscular frame as his eyes narrowed on mine. He'd found me, and I knew I couldn't outrun him. I was exhausted, cold, and wet. I was out of options. If this was my fate, then so be it. I would face Seth head-on and teach him there were consequences to messing with Mai Parker of the Three Rivers Pack.

I snarled, the sound reverberating through the forest. It was a declaration. A challenge. I wouldn't be a victim any longer. Seth's eyes hardened, and his lips curled. With a muscular flex, he leaped into the river, his powerful strokes cutting through the water. I steeled myself, my legs tensing, as I gathered every scrap of strength left within me. As soon as he scrambled up the bank, I lunged, my teeth aiming for his throat. He ducked, spinning around to snap at my exposed flank. I yelped as pain blossomed, but managed to rake my claws across his face.

He charged. I braced myself, digging my claws into the earthy forest floor. He came at me like a living missile, an intimidating mass of fur and fangs. I stood my ground, my focus never leaving him. I dodged at the last moment, his momentum causing him to overshoot and giving me a brief opening. I took my chance, snapping at his exposed side, my teeth finding his flesh. His surprised yelp echoed in the forest and gave me a glimmer of hope. Seth came at me again. My mind became a blur of pain and determination, my body reacting purely on instinct. I could taste his blood in my mouth and knew he was injured. I could feel my strength ebbing, though. The initial adrenaline was wearing off, and the effects of the last few days were making themselves known as my limbs grew slower.

Seth, his fangs exposed in a sneer, seemed to sense my waning strength. In his eyes, I saw only his will to dominate. He crouched, ready to spring, his body tensed, just as a new howl pierced through the air. It was an anguished cry filled with rage and desperation. Its raw power froze both of us in place. It was a voice that was both strange and familiar, one that filled my heart with dread and hope.

Ryan.

I sought out the bond that connected Ryan and me. I howled, calling to him.

It was now a race against time. I saw the moment Seth realized he would soon have two werewolves to fight against. His eyes focused on me, and he let out a savage growl.