Wolf's Call (Wolves Next Door #2) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,199

the other side. I felt my claws slip and the dirt packing between my toes, but I didn't even care. I'd never felt this strong in my life. Not even when I was a young girl. When I found a downed tree blocking the path, I jumped it, never slowing, and landed mostly the way I wanted on the other side because my body knew what to do.

I was a fucking werewolf. I was the Alpha Bitch of this pack, but when I looked behind me to see my people, I realized that not all were keeping up. Some had faltered, others had taken shortcuts. That was ok. All that mattered was that we were together, and the moon hung overhead giving us permission to play.

Tongues were hanging from faces - even mine - but I didn't want this to end. I kept going, doubling back on my trail to rush through a group of packmates trying to catch their breath. The whole time, my mates and pup followed. Her betas ran with her, ignoring their own exhaustion to keep up. Then there was my Sisterhood. They didn't care about the rules. They didn't follow me. They flanked me, cut me off, and then Bridget dared to snap at my tail.

Oh, it was on. Spinning around, I raced to grab hers, not shocked to find that it was as dark as her face, only her body was that beautiful tawny color. Then Ian darted in to nip at my neck. I jumped back, surprised at how easy it was, only to crash into Lane. He woofed playfully, then darted for my tail. Next was Gabby, trying to tag me, and I felt like I couldn't stop laughing, even if it didn't sound the same.

But when Trent and Pax moved in together, I knew I was in for trouble. Scurrying away, I dared them to chase me, because I had a feeling those two would be the ones to trap me. Not surprisingly, they did, running hard, dodging to my right, which made me go to the left. Then they moved to the left, turning me right. The pair ran hard, moving around me until I was headed back the way that I'd come.

I knew I was slowing down, but I couldn't catch my breath. At one point, my leg buckled, making me trip, but I didn't want to stop. I didn't want all of this to be over. I knew the air had grown cold, and the moon was no longer on the horizon but well over head, yet it only felt like a few minutes had passed. The problem was that my body didn't agree.

Then something slammed into me hard from the side. Before I knew what was happening, I was beneath nothing but fur. Brown, blonde, red, white, and even more brown. I struggled to break free. I yelped and snapped, trying to keep going, but they didn't hold me like wolves. They were smarter than that. And when Ian moved to loom over me, I knew what was happening.

Those golden eyes of his found mine. Lane ducked his head in to nuzzle at my throat, but I was panting so hard. Without thinking, I reached over to lick at the corner of his mouth, which earned me a nibble as a reward. One that felt oddly good, almost like a hug or a back rub. A sharp bark from Ian pulled my attention back to him, though.

The problem was that I didn't want to go back. I didn't want to give up this body yet. I couldn't say that, though. Instead, I nipped at his throat, licking and nuzzling the spot beneath his jaw. He allowed that for a moment then barked again. This time, it was a command, and a rush of guilt hit me. He wanted me to stop. He needed me to change back, but I was so tired.

Now that I'd stopped moving, I realized just how far I'd pushed myself. My arms ached. The spot where Lane had bit me felt like it was bruised. Every muscle in my body burned, warning me just how much I'd hurt tomorrow. I whined, making it clear I didn't want to do what he was asking. I wasn't done being a wolf. I wanted to run a little longer, but he refused to look away from my eyes.

I felt something click into place, and my body began to hurt again. My fur felt like burning ice.