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“Ourcommunity. I care very much about what happens.”
“Hmmm… You have a funny way of showing it.”
“I’m not your enemy, Gregor, no matter what you think. If we can’t work together, this killer will have an advantage. He is far more cunning than anyone understands.”
Gregor studied me for a few seconds. “You mean he’s planning his kills for a reason.”
“I have no doubt. I’ve seen through his eyes, read his thoughts.”
“Which means you turned. How interesting.” He took a step back, hesitating for a full minute. “We will never be close friends again, Maximillian, and I am uncertain I can trust you, but I do believe you have an idea of what we’re facing.”
“Then you’ll agree to work together.” I remained unyielding, my tone more demanding than anything else. It was his choice to accept my role as alpha or face scrutiny. He was no fool, although we’d never be able to trust each other.
He took a deep breath before holding out his hand. “For now, we are blood brothers and we will hunt side by side, you and I.”
“If we do this, you will no longer threaten weaker pack members. Are we clear? We go by the book.”
Gregor’s upper lip curled. “Fine. I can accept that.”
I took a gamble, one I knew would be criticized but a chance I was willing to take. As I accepted his handshake, I shifted my gaze toward the forest surrounding us. “Then we should begin tonight, you and I. Just like before. When we work together, we are damn good.”
Gregor lifted his eyebrows, shooting a glance toward the trees before grinning. “I will admit I didn’t expect you would have the guts to come here, let alone accept your place among us. I will accept. Let the hunting begin.”
I’d experienced remorse over the years, but the aching in my gut at this moment would forever change our future. My desire to protect the pack was stronger than ever. No matter the circumstances or the outcome, I would fight for our people to the death.
To. The. Death.
* * *
Predator.
The term had never entered my mind during any of the times I’d shifted, although tonight everything seemed to have a different meaning. Merely shedding my clothing held an entirely different reverence than ever before. Our laws were strict, preventing a shift for the majority of our lives. Yes, I’d violated the rules on more than one occasion, enjoying the freedom that running uninhibited through the darkness of the forest had provided. Had I succumbed to my natural instincts, killing a number of smaller animals in order to feed? Yes.
Had I enjoyed the experience?
Without a doubt.
But I’d never considered myself a slayer until now.
What I had the capability of doing to this rogue wolf was violent, and as I released the beast I harbored inside, I felt freer than I ever had before. As my muscles lengthened, bones cracking from the force of the transition, the pain was almost exquisite. The moment I dropped to the ground, hunkering on all fours, scents became stronger, my sight perception heightened to the point I could see every night creature within a mile range.
No matter that they were hiding from the monsters ready to forage and feed.
I felt Gregor’s presence beside me, his massive body matching my own. And we were both hungry.
As the claws finally erupted from my paws, I tipped back my head, drinking in the fragrance of the wild. The moment I dragged my rough tongue across my canines, a sound erupted from my throat, the ragged growl permeating the night air. There were no instructions needed. Gregor would follow my lead.
I pawed the ground, digging in the mud for a few seconds, gathering additional smells. There was no indication that the wolf I’d seen before had been anywhere close to the proximity of the camp, although the distinct and rich scent of blood created turmoil. The hunger to feast was ripe, rippling throughout every cell. I snarled, moving further toward the trees. While I certainly didn’t want the rogue to be a Wolfen, identifying him as a Nightwalker would be even worse.
The notion of a fresh kill couldn’t be denied.
Gregor flanked my side, sniffing the underbrush. His low-slung growl indicated he’d gathered the same scent. When he swung his head in my direction, the cold look in his eyes was telling. There was something worth investigating.
We both took off running, weaving our way into the denseness of the forest. The fog had increased, the heavy dew lifting like fingers from the depths of hell. There was at least fifteen miles of forest surrounding Roselake, the location home for at least a dozen species, all able to live without fear.
Until now.
Within seconds, the stench of blood was overpowering, creating bile in my throat. We were both easily capable of controlling our thirst, the rumbles in our stomach, but the desire was already increasing with every yard gained. The sound of smaller animals scattering to protected locations mixed with the rapid beating of my heart pounding in my chest. I was almost overwhelmed by a longing I hadn’t experienced in years, fearful of surrendering to the need that was innate to every Wolfen.
