Even though I thought he looked glorious nude, perfectly chiseled with hard lines and firm muscle, I hoped to the high heavens Ray didn’t wake up. If he does, he’s in for the first ever vampire cardiac arrest. I chuckled to myself and the sound came out in short snuffs.
Rourke wrapped the layers of chains around his chest and hoisted a still-unconscious Ray over his right shoulder. Well, at least the chains are separating all his parts from Ray. It afforded Rourke a little modesty. He disappeared into the forest and I trotted to the other side of the tree line closest to the cabin. There were a lot of smells, but none of them seemed particularly fresh.
Picking up a strange smell of mustiness, I followed the circle, weaving my way in and out of the trees. I walked outside to investigate and was just about to head back to the center to wait for Rourke when a low growl rent the air.
No more than thirty paces from me.
It sounded like a wolf, but I couldn’t see what it was.
I lowered myself into a fighting stance and cocked my head, lifting my nose. I still don’t smell anything clearly. Do you? My wolf was at attention, already standing sentinel against the threat. Can you detect any movement? We took a step closer. The growling increased and something rustled to my left. It rose off the ground slowly and shook itself off, and right as it began to move, its scent hit me.
An old, decayed smell almost fully masked its signature, but there was no mistaking who it was.
Hank.
How come we didn’t scent him before? As he shook his coat and paced forward, I realized why.
Hank had lain down to die.
He’d dug himself into the earth and had been covered in mud, pine needles, wet leaves, and moldy dirt.
There was no indication any other wolves were here. My father had told me before I’d left town that he’d dispatched two wolves to track and find Hank. As I inhaled once again, I opened my mouth, tasting the air. There was a very faint scent of death, but it wasn’t in the immediate area. Hank had likely killed them and taken their bodies somewhere days ago. We attack first and catch him off guard. It looks like he hasn’t eaten in a long time. I hoped that meant he was weaker than usual, because Hank was a fighter.
He growled at me, his eyes beginning to spark a deep amber.
My wolf pitched her muzzle in the air and we let out a deafening howl into the night sky, letting Rourke know there was trouble.
Then we sprang.
My claws hit Hank’s flank hard, tumbling us both down to the ground. He snarled, rolling away quickly, adrenaline aiding his fight-or-flight instincts. Hank was a mean wolf, which had always given him an edge, and he was getting his gumption back more quickly than I’d hoped.
He turned and lunged, snarling furiously, saliva leaking from his jaws. I’d just given him the only reason to ever emerge from his grave. To exact revenge. I’d killed his only son and this was his chance—his last chance, and likely one he didn’t think was possible until a few minutes ago—to avenge his son’s death.
I sidestepped him as he came at me, sinking my teeth into his hind leg and biting hard.
He yipped and stumbled forward and I rounded on him quickly. We are not losing this advantage. I want to be done with this … and him. I aimed for his neck, but he surprised me by lashing out and connecting with my head. His jaws were around me before I could blink.
A mew escaped my throat as a ferocious snarl erupted right behind me.
Hank heard it too. He unlatched his hold on me reluctantly and peered around my body. I followed his gaze. Rourke stood behind us. He had shifted again. He’s not taking any chances, I told my wolf. He can kill Hank in seven seconds in that form. The snarl coming out of him was full of menace.
But this was my fight.
It was mine and I wanted it. Hank had made my life a living hell since the day I’d been born. I’d dispatched his son with no regret, and I needed this saga to end on my terms. Wolves fought for status constantly; it’s what we craved. It was our hierarchy. If I beat Hank, it meant I was superior to him in all ways. I wanted that. I deserved it.
I snarled back at my mate, warning him to back off.
His ears shot up. The surprise lacing his features almost made me laugh.
He took a tentative step forward and I snapped my jaws decisively, letting him know I’d keep him posted if I needed him. He cocked his head and sat down with a thump, a small questioning huff escaping his lips. I’m sorry you don’t like it, honey. But that’s the way it’s going to be.
Hank growled. All my wounds had already healed from our little altercation. I took a step back and allowed Hank to regroup. I wanted a fair fight. He glanced from me to Rourke, trying to figure out the dynamic. I barked until Hank brought his attention back to me.
If wolves could sneer, Hank achieved it.
Then, surprising me, he turned tail and ran.