Gavin released a screech and launched into the air. Winging his way toward the wolf, he increased his speed, then dove with his talons balled in a fist. He struck the side of the wolf's head. The beast staggered and growled but stayed on its feet. On Gavin's next pass, it bounded up to grab with ferocious fangs. Gavin dodged out of the way. The unnatural glowing green eyes confirmed 'twas Wilona MacRae.
He glanced at Dani.Run, lass!He wanted to yell the words at her but could only screech.
Wilona, in wolf form, could kill her without difficulty.
But Dani stood on the rock, screaming words at him, concerned about his safety instead of her own.
He flew over her head, trying to get his message across. She needed to flee back inside the castle. Finally, Dani chased after him, but so did the damnable wolf. Seeing a fist-sized stone on the ground, he swooped down and grabbed it in his talons. He doubled back, aimed, and released the stone. It smashed onto the wolf's head.
The beast fell and rolled, then bounded up and shook off. The hag continued the pursuit, but Dani had gained some ground. She was racing for the break in the wall.
He emitted loud calls toward the castle, over and over, hoping Ewan or Crocker would hear him and realize they needed help.
Wilona was closing in on Dani, almost nipping at her heels. When the animal vaulted over the crumbled wall, Gavin lit on her head and sank his talons in. Faltering, she brought up a front paw to dislodge him. Tenacious, he hung on. Using the power of his wings, he tugged her upper body into the air. He hated that, in this form, he could only lift his own body weight, while she weighed at least seven stone. As she struggled, snarling and growling, her back paws remained on the ground.
"Ewan!" Dani screamed as she approached the keep. "Help! There's a wolf!" She ran up the steps and banged her fists against the entry door.
The door swung open, and Ewan appeared. Seeing the wolf, he grabbed Dani's arm and yanked her inside.
Thank the saints!Gavin released the beast and ascended to circle around the bailey. Her head scratched and bloody, Wilona bared her teeth in a furious snarl.
Sword drawn, Ewan trotted down the steps. Wilona turned tail and fled, leaping over the tumbled-down wall. Sailing above her, Gavin followed. In mid-lope, her body transformed from a wolf into an owl. She flapped her wings hard, then glided over the moor. After she crossed the border and disappeared from sight, Gavin returned and lit on the curtain wall.
"Lady MacRae, aye?" Ewan called.
Gavin gave a brief screech of confirmation.
"I didn't ken your bride left the keep. We'll have to guard her more closely."
Gavin bobbed his head, disappointed in himself, for he couldn't even protect his own wife from his enemies.
∞∞∞
An hour later, Dani sat in front of the bedchamber's fireplace, finishing a bowl of porridge. She didn't want it, but she'd grown weak and quivery after the terrifying sprint back to the castle. Since she'd skipped breakfast earlier, her blood sugar must have dropped. Her stomach still felt queasy. She'd had no clue wolves lived in the area.
Now, discouraged and tired, she pulled off her clothes, except for the smock, and crawled into bed. She'd only gotten a couple of hours' sleep the night before, amid thrilling bouts of Gavin's voracious lovemaking. Her body tingled at the memories.
How on earth had her life turned into such a roller coaster ride? Her wedding night had been the peak of bliss, perhaps the best night of her life. But today… being chased by a wolf, of all things, and running for her life. Also afraid the wolf would kill the friendly hawk, who'd tried his best to protect her.
Plus, Gavin had vanished again. She covered her head and prayed for sleep so she wouldn't have to think about it anymore.
A while later, a knock sounded at the door, waking her. "M'lady?"
She uncovered her head and glanced around at the dim room, orienting herself. A sliver of light gleamed through the crack in the drapery. "What?" she called.
"Are you hungry?" Crocker asked.
Her stomach did ache. "Wait a minute." She got up and pulled the old cloak over her gown-like smock. She shuffled to the door barefoot and opened it to find Crocker holding a tray containing food. "What time is it?" she asked.
"Afternoon."
Wow. Talk about specific.
He deposited the tray on a table inside the door. "It has been hours since you ate, m'lady. I reckon you must be famished."
"I am. Thank you."
He bowed and left.
