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But also praying it’s not.
It’s torture being so close to him, a man I know I can never have. And there’s always the chance my mind will crack again, his eyes shifting to that intense red.
It’s better this way, focusing on my work, ignoring the rest of it.
Even if I know I can’t, not ever.
Nothing’s going to happen, fine, but I’ll never be able to shake this feeling.
CHAPTERSIX
Ramsey
I’m running again. I can’t help it, bounding on all fours, my powerful body roaring with each leap.
I cover a dozen feet with each stride, leaping across the field as the grass rustles the pads on my paws. My claws cut into the ground, and I almost howl, the moon glaring down at me, the stars bright this far outside the city.
The cabin sits up ahead, obscured by layers of leaves and foliage that would make it difficult for a human to find.
But I can smell it, the odors calling to me.
Liam’s already here.
I run to the cabin and stop, taking a moment, my tongue hanging out as my hot breath makes the air cloudy.
My thoughts are on Ruby, always, a piece of them given to her as I prepare to change back.
It’s difficult to think about anything else. It was a mistake how close I got to her in the gym, like I was bathing in her scent.
It was wrapping itself around me, cloaking me.
It felt like home.
Taking a few moments, I calmed myself, getting ready for the change.
It’s more painful than usual. Probably because the wolf doesn’t want to go, doesn’t want to do anything other than run toward Ruby’s scent as quickly as possible. I can’t scent her this far outside the city, but the wolf within trembles when I think about returning, finding her, and claiming her.
With the change done, I walk over to the cabin, removing the camouflaging branches and grabbing my duffle bag from the container next to the door.
Grabbing my clothes, I quickly get dressed, pulling the hoodie over my head and then pushing the door open.
Liam sits at the table, the lamps lit, looking down at a book. He’s only three years older than me, but sometimes I still see him as much older as I did as a kid.
He’s as tall as me, wide, with similar silver-streaked hair. His eyes are darker, and he has a small half-moon scar on his chin, the result of my first change when he supervised me into becoming my wolf self.
I lost control, fought him, a kid who couldn’t control this power, this curse.
He stands, walking over, clasping my hand.
I clasp it in return, and our eyes meet.
We don’t meet often. One of the ways hunters track us down is by our scent, and that’s always stronger when we’re with our own kind.
It’s like the wolfish parts of us can’t help but send out signals, like the beasts are having a conversation of their own, one too complex for words.
“Is everything okay?” he asks. “You sounded...different on the phone. And your scent, Ramsey. Something’s changed.”
I swallow, walking over to the adjoined kitchen and pouring myself a coffee. I raise an eyebrow at Liam. When he nods, I pour him one, too, carrying both over to the table.
