Branches tore past as we ran.
Fast.
Too fast.
The howls behind us grew louder.
"They're gaining," I said between breaths.
"I know."
Very reassuring.
The stranger didn't let go of my wrist.
Not controlling.
Practical.
Still annoying.
We crossed a narrow stream, boots splashing through cold water before climbing the other side.
"Who are they?" I asked.
"Not your pack."
That didn't answer anything.
I shot him a look.
"They're trackers," he added. "Mercenaries."
My stomach tightened.
"For me?"
"Yes."
Great.
Absolutely great.
Another howl echoed closer.
Too close.
The stranger stopped suddenly.
I nearly crashed into him.
"What now?"
He looked around quickly.
Thinking.
Calculating.
Then
"This way."
We cut sharply through thicker trees.
The ground dipped lower as the forest darkened around us.
I could hear them now.
Footsteps.
Several.
"They found us fast," I muttered.
"They were already searching."
"For my bloodline?"
"Yes."
I hated how calmly he said terrifying things.
A sharp whistle cut through the air.
Instinct screamed.
I ducked
An arrow flew past my head.
Close.
Very close.
"Move!" he snapped.
I didn't argue.
We ran again.
Another arrow hit a tree beside me.
These people were getting on my nerves.
A figure dropped from the trees ahead.
Wolf.
Armed.
Not from any pack I recognized.
His eyes locked on me instantly.
"There she is!"
Wonderful.
The stranger stepped in front of me.
Fast.
Protective.
The tracker smirked.
"You're causing trouble again."
The stranger's expression stayed cold.
"Leave."
The tracker laughed once.
"You know we can't."
More footsteps approached behind us.
Surrounded.
Perfect.
I exhaled slowly.
"Tell me we have a plan."
"We do."
I looked at him hopefully.
"Run faster."
I stared at him.
"That's not a plan."
"It's the best one available."
Unbelievable.
The tracker lunged.
The stranger met him instantly.
Quick. Precise. Brutal.
Not flashy.
Efficient.
I barely had time to watch before another attacker came at me from the side.
I moved on instinct.
Duck.
Turn.
Strike.
Silver energy burst from my hand again
The attacker flew backward violently.
Everyone froze.
Including me.
The tracker on the ground looked shocked.
"What the hell was that?"
Good question.
The stranger glanced at me sharply.
Too sharply.
Like he had just confirmed something.
"Diana," he said carefully.
"What?"
"We need to leave. Now."
That tone again.
Urgent.
Seriously.
Dangerous.
I didn't argue this time.
More wolves appeared through the trees.
Too many.
At least ten.
One stepped forward slowly.
Older.
Scar across his face.
Eyes fixed on me.
"There's no point running anymore," he said calmly.
I crossed my arms slightly.
"I can think of several."
His gaze shifted briefly to my glowing hands.
Interest flashed in his expression.
Then greed.
I recognized that look.
I hated that look.
"You really are alive," he murmured.
My stomach tightened.
Alive?
The stranger moved slightly closer to me.
Subtle.
Protective again.
The scarred wolf smiled faintly.
"Hand her over."
"No."
Simple answer.
Good.
The wolf sighed dramatically.
"You always make things difficult."
"I will try."
That almost made me laugh.
Almost.
The scarred wolf's attention returned to me.
"You don't understand what you are yet, do you?"
I was getting tired of people saying that.
"Then explain it," I snapped.
Instead, his smile widened.
"No."
A pause.
"You'll come with us first."
My wolf growled instantly.
Not happening.
The stranger's voice dropped lower.
"Touch her and lose the hand."
The threat hung in the air.
Real.
The scarred wolf chuckled.
"You're protective."
"I'm practical."
"Sure."
Silence stretched.
Tense.
Sharp.
Then
The scarred wolf lifted a hand.
Every tracker around us shifted into an attack position.
My pulse quickened.
The stranger exhaled once.
"Diana," he said quietly.
"What?"
"When I say run…"
I frowned.
"That plan again?"
"Yes."
The scarred wolf's smile vanished.
"Take them."
Everything exploded at once.