Page 85 of Fang Fatale

I laugh despite myself.

“Pity.”

“Why?”

“I was hoping to be exceptional.”

“You already are.”

He says it so quietly I'm not entirely sure anyone else hears it.

Unfortunately...

I do.

His expression changes.

The warmth between us cools.

“Mason knows this area,” he says. “We have maybe two days before he narrows it down.”

“So... we run again.”

“We move.”

He shakes his head.

“There's a difference.”

Outside, the forest presses against the windows, patient as ever.

Watching.

Waiting.

Keeping score.

I've been running for three years.

Maybe I'll be running thirty more.

“Maybe I should just go back.”

The words surprise even me.

“To Thistlebrook.”

“To Leland.”

Alaric goes completely still.

Not thoughtful.

Not angry.

Dangerous.

“No.”