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I shake the thought away. I need to focus. This is it. This is really happening. I’m taking my life back and putting my future in my hands. Nothing has felt as right as it does in this moment. Fear kept me down. But I no longer fear being a wolf. I embrace it.
The second the thought crosses my mind, a deep ache rolls through my body, stealing my breath away. I’ve changed into a wolf at will a handful of other times, but this time feels different. It’s not really painful, but more like my soul is desperate to escape. I groan and drop to my hands and knees, kicking out of my clothes as quickly as possible. Once the change starts, it doesn’t stop for me. I don’t have that kind of control like the moonborne and the wolves that have been doing this for years and generations. Ravi said it could take months or even years for some. There are some bitten lykoswulves that remain in their true form to help embrace their wild nature. I can’t give into that yet. Not now. I still feel stronger as a man. I feel as if I can survive more easily. I’m not used to having to use my whole body for tasks like walking, tracking, whatever.
I pant for a moment, catching my breath. The world shifts in color, and I look at the hypnotizing forest around me. I can see things that I couldn’t before with my human eyes. Bugs are brighter, louder even. A couple of rainbow-colored birds perch on the branches, their feathers glittering as if sparkles paint their wings. And the sky peeking through the trees...it’s the most mesmerizing indigo color I’ve ever seen, almost purple yet still blue. I could stare at it forever.
Shit. I need to get myself together. Come on, body. Don’t let me down. We need to do this right and quickly. Chase’s life depends on it.
Padding forward, I stalk through the trees in the direction of our small community. We have far fewer pack members than some of the other territories. It’s because Sunset Pointe doesn’t kidnap people until the others bring them to the island. Once they arrive, they are fair game. Like me and Eliana. Like the rest of us.
If it’s truly better or worse...I guess I’ll find out. I’m about to reject the pack that brought me in and helped me through the moon. Of course, Ravi did it in the shittiest way possible. I still can’t believe he manipulated Eliana and forced her to bow.
Anger rushes through me, and I pick up speed, racing down the path until I reach where the forest clears. I slow and hide in some bushes, watching the community for activity. It’s still quiet. I wonder where the rest of my packmates are. I know that Ravi sent them to track Eliana, but they haven’t checked back in. It’s strange. Concerning.
Lying low on my belly, I wait for Kellan’s call. My view of the small bungalow helps keep my nerves at bay. I’ll be able to see Ravi leave. When he leaves, I can make my move. I will have to rush to get through the door, but he’s known to leave it open. Most of the doors around here remain open so the wolves don’t have to keep changing back-and-forth if they don’t want to
Small miracles.
My heart pounds, and I rest my snout on my paws, peeking through the foliage. The anticipation drives me crazy. I just want to run. I want to feel the world rushing around me as my paws sink into the dirt. I want to explore the terrain and find out more about our territory. I haven’t had much of a chance to really take it all in. Ravi always has something for me to do. He doesn’t say it, but I know he wants to train me to be his betaborne. How do I feel about it? It’s nothing. All things considered. Yeah, it’ll be for Chase. Eliana. Anyone else besides this manipulating man.
Kellan’s howl sounds through the air, and I stare in shock as he waltzes through the trees in his wolf form. He didn’t tell me he was going to come out like this, and I wish I knew. It’s hard to stay focused with surprises.
The door to the bungalow swings open, and Ravi stands in the doorframe, clenching his fingers into tight fists. He peers around and locks his eyes on Kellan. Kellan freezes in place and keeps his eyes on Ravi, almost challenging him to do something. I expect them to rush each other and fight. I expect Ravi to try to dominate Kellan. But neither of them moves.
I realize it’s because they’re having a telepathic conversation. Ravi’s sharpening features tells me as much. What the fuck is Kellan saying?
He transforms into a man and crosses his arms over his chest. “I would like to make a deal with you. I know that you will not accept me into your pack, which I don’t really care for anyways, but I want to be able to stay on your territory. If you allow me as much, I will give you what I know about Eliana. I was nearby when the attack happened. I followed them.” Kellan is brave. Ravi could easily call the pack back to us and surround him, torturing him until he gives the answers.
“You better thank the goddess that Eliana bowed to save you. Otherwise, I would rip those answers from you and then murder you for giving me an ultimatum when my omega is missing and in trouble.” Ravi’s voice grumbles with his comment, his wolf peeking through with his gold flashing eyes.
And now his lack of fighting makes sense. He stays true to his word for Eliana’s sake, even if she isn’t here. He believes he will get her back, and that knowledge helps push me forward. Because he’s right. She will not remain in another pack forever. She will either fight with everything in her or we will get to her. There is no other option.
“So, give me your answer. All I’m asking is for permission to remain in your territory as a lone wolf.” Kellan gingerly steps forward, his mannerisms softening the closer he gets to the alpha. I wonder if it’s because of his upbringing and how he would bow as an infraborne. I wonder if it’s ingrained into his very being to submit to an alpha, and it’s taking everything in him to stand up for himself.
Ravi remains stiff and silent for what feels like an eternity. I stare past him and into the bungalow, studying the bed pushed against the wall and how Chase remains unconscious. My vision is far superior in this form. Chase no longer looks like he’s struggling to breathe. He’s already healing faster. I wonder if he realizes his true fate if he doesn’t hurry, and he’s channeling his wolf.
“I will give you permission as long as you agree to stay out of my community and away from Eliana. She is my omega, and I don’t want you thinking that you can have her.” Ravi’s sharp voice steals my attention away from the doorway. He flares his nostrils with his words, and I wonder if he will try to put a stop to me and Chase from pursuing Eliana as we had. It was already obvious that Chase had fucked Eliana. I didn’t say anything, but Ravi had muttered under his breath that he was angry they slept together before he had the chance to claim her how he wanted. The bastard. He shouldn’t have that sort of authority over her. Her body is hers alone to do as she pleases.
“I agree with your terms. They only include me. I will stay away from Eliana, but know that if she pursues me, I will not stop her. Now, do you want to know who took her or not?” Kellan puffs out his chest, testing Ravi. And damn. I have to give it to the bastard. He’s smart. That’s the way to do it. Put the choice in Eliana’s hands.
Once again, Ravi growls. He strides forward and fists his hand, looking as if he’s going to sucker punch Kellan in the face. He swings his arm, but stops short and extends his fingers out. “You have a deal. Now, where is my omega?”
Kellan shakes Ravi’s hand. “Mistharbor came in and took her.”
Ravi stiffens. “Mistharbor has an omega. Kai wouldn’t take another. You’re lying.”
Kellan shakes his head. “He didn’t kidnap her for himself. There are others.”
Fuck.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Thinking about it again sends rage exploding through my soul. I need to get out of here. I need to help her. My desperation runs hot and all-consuming.
Ravi transforms into a wolf in front of Kellan without another word. He releases a loud howl, calling the pack to him.
“Adam, I have word of where Eliana is. I need you to take care of Chase. It is too late for him.” Ravi’s voice smashes through my mind as if he’s breaking down a wall to get to me. I hadn’t realized that I put my guard up in place, preventing him from hearing into my thoughts.
“You are not implying that I mercy kill him, Ravi,” I say, fear washing through me.
