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CHAPTER ONE
The twins’ round, shiningeyes stared back at me. Their brown coats were a shadow in the forest.
“Run. Hide. We’ve practiced this.”
White clouds formed in front of their faces with each panting breath.
“I know you’re scared. Be strong. Be smart. Run to the tree and wait...wait...”
For me.
The words stuck in my throat. If those who attacked my pack were who I assumed they were...
Don’t even think it.
“Wait until it’s safe to come out.”
Nereida and Arteisma understood what to do. They might be young, but I’d taught them well. Dear ancient gods, I never dreamed they’d need it, but they were prepared.
“If I’m not back by sunrise, you know what to do. Where to go.”
Determination was set on Nereida’s face as she gave me a quick nod. She’d keep her sister safe.
Nereida had my courage. Arteisma had my heart.
They weren’t my blood, but I’d raised them, taught them, loved them, and deep down to my wolf’s soul, I wished they were mine.
One last hug and a whispered, “Be brave. Be silent.” Then, I let them go.
They disappeared into the forest, their shiny brown fur blending with the dark shadows cast by the snow-laden boughs.
Leaving the young to hide on their own went against every human instinct I had. But the motherly impulse to stay and protect couldn’t override the fierce female wolf inside me. Facing those who had attacked our pack was the last thing I wanted to do and the only thing I could do.
Now, I stood motionless for what seemed like forever, listening, waiting to hear the crack of twigs underfoot, the rustle of branches brushed by legs, hips, or shoulders. Muffled shots. A howl of pain. The wind had died down, leaving me to scent only what was near me—evergreen trees, decaying leaves, earth, snow, my own cold sweat.
The snow fell faster, thicker, quickly erasing the twins’ tiny paw prints.
We were alone. None of my pack-mates had followed. Whoever had attacked my pack hadn’t seen us escape. They weren’t tracking us.
Yet.
Fat, icy flakes collected on my hair, my naked shoulders, and the back of my neck.
I whispered a prayer. “Gods protect them. Protect us.”
As my wolf swept through me, I embraced her as never before. I surrendered my humanity to the dark, untamed instincts I’d buried so deep even I didn’t recognize who I was anymore.
For what I was about to do, a dangerous, wild animal was what I needed to become.
