Chapter 10

The sunlight hit my face as we emerged from the forest, but I felt none of the relief I'd been desperate for just minutes ago. My heart was still racing, and not just from running. I couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened—about him.

I looked up at the tall, handsome male werewolf who still gripped my arm. Up close, his features were even more striking. He had a muscular body that his torn t-shirt did little to hide, healthy wheat-colored skin, and what I was certain were eight-pack abs under that fabric. His dirty blond hair was messy in that way that looked deliberate, making him appear wild and strangely charming despite everything I knew about him.

While I was studying him, I realized he was watching me too. Something shifted in his expression—his eyes gradually changing from cold to warm, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. I couldn't help noticing how full his lips were, how they curved into what could almost be called a smile. For a brief, insane moment, I wondered what those lips would feel like against mine.

The thought made heat rush to my cheeks. What was wrong with me? This was Kieran Stone—the cruel Alpha who had killed his own father. I shouldn't be thinking about kissing him. I should be figuring out how to get away from him.

"Are you alright, pup?" he asked, his voice surprisingly gentle. The pet name sounded affectionate coming from him, and it did weird things to my stomach.

"I'm fine," I said, trying to pull my arm free. He let go, but stayed close.

"What's your name?" he asked, as if he hadn't already called me by it in the forest. "And how old are you?"

Was this some kind of test? He already knew who I was. But something in his expression made me answer honestly.

"Lena Blackwood. I'm eighteen. Today was my first hunting party." I swallowed hard. "But you already knew that."

He looked at me for a long moment, saying nothing. His eyes—a striking amber color in the sunlight—seemed to be memorizing every detail of my face. Then, without another word, he turned and started walking away.

I felt a strange sense of loss as he moved farther from me. It was my wolf, I told myself. Just my stupid wolf reacting to his scent. It wasn't me.

"Wait!" I called before I could stop myself. "Where are you going? What's your name?"

He stopped and turned, his face once again a mask of indifference. "I'm going back to my cabin," he said coolly. "You should follow me."

"Tell me your name first," I demanded, crossing my arms. "Or I won't go anywhere with you."

His jaw tightened. "You already know who I am."

"I want to hear you say it."

"No." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "Now come with me, or there will be consequences."

I laughed, though it came out sounding more nervous than defiant. "Consequences? The hunt is over. You can't do anything to me."

In a flash, he was in front of me again, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. He grabbed my arm, his grip firm but not painful.

"Trust me, little wolf," he growled, "there are many things I can do to you, hunt or no hunt."

My heart hammered against my ribs. I could feel the terrible power in him, the strength that had made him Alpha at such a young age. I didn't dare resist as he pulled me along, away from the main gathering and deeper into the resort grounds.

As we walked, I spotted Ethan among the crowd, standing close to a pretty red-haired female wolf. They were laughing together, his arm draped casually around her shoulders. Despite my situation, I felt a surge of happiness for my brother. At least one of us was having a good hunting party experience.

Kieran pulled me onward, away from the crowds and buildings, back toward the edge of the forest where private cabins dotted the landscape. Twice, other male wolves approached us, their eyes curious and sometimes challenging, but each time, Kieran let out a low, warning growl that sent them scurrying away.

We'd just passed a small clearing when I heard someone call my name. I turned to see Maya running toward us, her face lighting up with relief when our eyes met.

"Lena!" she cried, reaching us and immediately pulling me into a tight hug. I hugged her back just as fiercely, so glad she was safe.

"You made it," I whispered, feeling tears prick my eyes. "I was so worried when you ran off to distract them."

"Me?" Maya pulled back, examining my face. "I've been going crazy wondering what happened to you!" Her eyes darted to Kieran, who stood watching us with an unreadable expression. "Who is he? Is he your mate? Did he hurt you?"

"No, no," I assured her quickly. "I'm fine. Everything's fine." It wasn't true, but I didn't want her to worry. "He didn't mark me. The horn sounded just in time."

Maya's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank the Moon Goddess. When I couldn't find you at the gathering point, I thought—"

A terrifying roar cut through the air, making both of us jump. Before I could even process what was happening, a man lunged forward and yanked me away from Maya, positioning himself between us. The movement was so sudden, I lost my balance and fell backward, instinctively grabbing his arm and pulling him down with me.

We tumbled to the ground, and somehow I ended up on top, straddling him with my hands pressed against his neck, squeezing hard. His eyes widened in surprise, then darkened with something that made me panic and scan my surroundings for my mate.

For a moment, neither of us moved.