comes next, then the snapping of bones and muscle fibers.
Normally, shifting is instantaneous, painless, and causes an indescribable joy. But that was when my wolf and I were one—when I allowed the transition to happen.
Now, we’re not of the same mind, and the shift is fucking agony.
No! I attempt again to stop him, but my sight changes, and burning needles stab through me as my human emotions dim.
He’s coming. He’s only a second away. No. No. No.
A howl penetrates the air.
Too late. It’s too late.
It’s the last human thought I have and then…
He’s here.
Chapter 10 – Brianna
He let me leave.
I walk quickly along the side of the road. I’m still so shocked that I’m halfway convinced that I’m dreaming, as if the last few minutes will evaporate if I open my eyes.
But the gravel under my feet feels real. The dry hot air filling my lungs tastes dusty. And the gin-like scent of junipers fills my nostrils.
Those kind of details don’t permeate dreams.
This is happening. I didn’t imagine Collin tearing off.
After I’d started walking away, guilt had initially flooded me. The thought of leaving him here, without water or food, had made me pause and turn back to him, but all I’d seen was the flash of his clothing as he took off running through the trees.
I’d yelped more in surprise than anything. And now, while a pit has formed in my stomach, I’m not waiting to see if he returns. I have to remember that Collin can’t be trusted. He and his wolf are one, and if his wolf wants me dead, it doesn’t matter if Collin disagrees.
So I carry on, and my quiet footsteps fill the desolate surroundings. I keep glancing over my shoulder, though, waiting for him to appear through the trees or be walking silently in my tread, but each time…
He’s not there.
All I see are the narrow gravel road behind me and the mountainous desert with its looming peaks and dry vegetation rising along the roadside.
I consult the map again, then pull out my cell phone. My battery’s now below ten percent, and there’s still no service. I power it down, knowing that I need to conserve the battery. I reason that I’ll walk for a few more hours before turning it back on. With any luck, the closer I get to civilization the more likely it will be that I reach cell service.
I pick up my pace and wish I was wearing better shoes. Maybe I should start jogging. It will go faster—
A faint howl rises in the distance.
My breath stops, and I nearly trip. I right myself, but my heart is instantly beating a hundred miles an hour. I look left and right but don’t see any animals.
Maybe it was a coyote.
I scoff.
Yeah, right. And maybe I’m the Queen of England.
I break into a run, the backpack jostling awkwardly against my spine. It’s too big for me, and the straps aren’t adjusted correctly. Despite that, I don’t slow. I know I can’t out distance him, especially if he’s turned into that crazy wolf again, but I can sure as hell try.
Another howl sounds. Closer. To my right.
I glance through the trees again and don’t see him, but he’s coming. I know he is.
My mouth goes dry as the hot hair wicks all moisture from my tongue. Shit! What the hell should I do?
I breathe heavily but keep up my pace. I can’t fight him, at least, not without a weapon. But maybe if I find another stick, or a large sharp rock—
The faint sound of a truck reaches my ears.
I stop and twirl around. Blood pounds through my ears, but I hear it again.
A semi. I’m certain of it. I’m not imagining it.
I run into the middle of the road just as a logging truck rounds the corner in the distance. It’s headed in my direction.
“Help!” I wave both arms overhead and jump up and down. “Please stop and help me!”
I don’t move from my position in the center of the narrow gravel road even though I know the crazy wolf is closing in. The approaching driver is either going to have to stop, run me over, or witness my death when Collin’s wolf attacks me.
The semi gets closer, and I give another anxious glance toward the trees. A flash of something golden flickers by a rock before it disappears behind a large cactus.
It’s him!
I bolt to the truck’s passenger door, before the logger has fully stopped, and climb up the steep steps