Once this is over, you will never see me again,” she tells me as she looks over her shoulder at my men chatting amongst themselves.
I hook my fingers under her chin, turning those gorgeous eyes to meet mine, long lashes raised, and fuck, she’s gorgeous. “Nothing is set in stone, little fox, so let’s focus on our mission before you make other plans.”
She glares at me, her entire body going stiff, while desire twists inside me. My wolf pushes to make a connection, wanting to eat her up. Now this is something new he’s never done before.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” she says, her voice harsh, her cheeks stained red. “You don’t get to decide what happens to me.”
I adore her fighting spirit and laugh, more sure about what I want from her now than I have been over the last few days.
“Here’s the thing,” I say to her, while the sparks in her amber eyes light up. “I told myself that nothing would happen between us, but I’ve changed my mind.”
Her gaze widens, and the reality of my words sinks in as awareness flares over her expression. In truth, my “stay away” policy had everything to do with completing our mission first, but now I’m not sure making myself wait will change anything.
“You must sense the connection between us,” I urge as she pulls free from my hold.
Her lips tighten. “I get that with all four of you, so it’s nothing special. Just the usual Alphas thinking of nothing but their dicks.”
My cock tightens at the way she says that… seeing her riled up turns me on. Little does she know how deep she’s in. “Tonight, you will be mine, and I will be your first.”
Her mouth parts with no response, but the look behind her eyes is either shock or murder. Fuck she’s hot.
“I’ll drive a blade into your heart before that happens.” She grips her hips, anger bleeding into her voice.
“I’ll hold you to that.” I reach for her just as an ear-piercing growl rips through the air.
The hairs on my nape rise while Narah shivers, glancing around.
“Oh, fuck!” she calls out and runs back to where my men are.
I jerk my attention to them, seeing nothing at first. My feet hit the ground with my hurried steps. “What the hell did you see?”
But something else catches my attention.
The air in front of Narah and the men ripples like heat waves, and instantly a monstrous bear materializes before us.
At least ten feet tall, the creature stands on hind legs, towering over us like a mountain. Brown fur sways in the breeze, and behind the creature, a trail of black fog disappears into the woods. It’s watching us with bright yellow eyes, back feet firmly on the ground, front paws by its sides, sharp claws extended. Its chest pumps in and out, hot breath flaring from wide nostrils.
My men and I step forward as they nudge Narah behind them.
“Find a tree and climb it, Narah,” I tell her, never taking my eyes off the animal. Except he’s not just any beast, now is he, having come from magic, from the witch’s intention to destroy anyone who crosses this land.
It raises its enormous head, and a tremendous roar bellows past his throat, spittle flinging in every direction. The woods tremble. My fingers curl over the hilt on my belt, and a spear of terror jolts through me. It races in my veins, yanking at my chest, but what would a battle be without the anticipation?
“Who’s ready for a new fur blanket?” I ask, but when no one responds, I glance at my men, who are too captivated by the sight. Suddenly, Crius sprints to the right, Stone to the left, and Nikos backs away.
A shudder consumes me.
The ground beneath my feet quivers so suddenly, so fast, I forget what I was saying.
I snap my attention straight ahead.
Coming right for me is the creature on all fours, thundering toward me, eyes burning as if on fire. Large paws pound the ground as the animal throws itself into each leap to reach me faster.
Those eyes… they pierce into me as though he sees only me.
Adrenaline floods me from how quickly things have turned sour. I don’t understand what my men are doing, but they must have a reason for backing away.
I grab my blade from my belt and rush forward, a war cry on my lips. My wolf is just below the surface, ready to emerge and spill blood,