With an uneasy exhale, I return my attention to the stage. My intention was to discuss a proposition with the Alpha on behalf of the coven, but that’s not going to happen.
I didn’t anticipate his pack finding mates. From what I’ve heard of Shadow Falls, it hasn’t happened in quite a while. So color me surprised by the change of plans. My nails tap impatiently on the metal seat in front of me as I watch both girls struggle against the massive beasts. Fear permeates the air around me and it reminds me of my youth.
For some reason I have a soft spot for the petite blond wolf. Lizzie, if I heard her friend right. I don’t know how they can’t hear her wolf whining. Someone needs to let it out of its cage. My nose scrunches and my tongue clucks. If they’d calm the hell down, I may still have a chance to speak with Devin. That’s all right, though. I’m sure I’ll be meeting him soon when my big bad wolf comes to fetch me.
My smirk is at odds with the screams around me, with the humans who cower in terror in their seats. Yet all I can focus on is the beast of a man who dares to stare me down as if I’m his. As if it’s his right to take me.
He’s so obvious. A small smile plays at my lips while my heart beats with lust. He’s fucking adorable. Well, maybe adorable isn’t the right word. Sexy as fuck. Yes, that’s a better description. I could feel his eyes on me ever since he got here, willing me to stare back at him. My smile morphs into a wicked grin. He’s going to have to learn that it’s not so easy to earn my submission. Hell, I’m used to being the one giving the orders.
“Let’s run them off the road,” one wolf murmurs beneath his breath just outside the stadium, grabbing my attention once again. Three are certainly werewolves, and one must be something else. Otherwise they wouldn’t have needed to speak aloud. Irritation runs through me.
This time I’m even more displeased; they’ve interrupted the little fantasy I was concocting of my strong, handsome wolf on his knees for me with his tongue between my thighs. Holy hell, I can’t wait to enjoy him, play with him. I may even allow him to toy with me.
The four assholes have finally gotten out of their cars to witness the spectacle on stage. It’s far too easy to hear the doors shut. They’re so fucking reckless. If we weren’t bathed in chaos, every soul in Devin’s pack would hear them with how loud they rush around the stadium’s perimeter. I’ve been listening to them rant incessantly about taking back this town for the past half hour. Their voices picked up with excitement when they realized Devin and the hulking doom-and-gloom were taking mates. That’s when I went from bored to pissed.
With what they joked about doing … I’ll enjoy making them suffer.
“You two go in the first car and we’ll follow. As soon as we get a chance, we’ll grab whichever one we can. We only need one to bring to Alpha.” My eyes roll at their piss-poor plan. Haven’t they seen the size of the werewolves they’re so desperate to fuck with? They truly are idiots.
I don’t know much about the pack of Shadow Falls, but I know enough. Devin, the current Alpha, has always belonged here. A few years ago, he left before returning with a new pack to reclaim this territory as his. He had the backing of the Authority, and he’s the one the coven wants to deal with. So the “rightful pack” can piss off.
The wolf girl shrieks yet again and it pierces my eardrums, making me wince. She needs to get her shit together. I look to the stage to see the Alpha mate passed out in Devin’s arms. My perfectly plucked eyebrows arch in surprise. I didn’t take her to be one to faint.
“I hope we get the blond one; she looks like fun.” My attention is drawn back to these four dumb fucks. Devin doesn’t need to deal with this.
As I right from my seat, I imagine he’ll be thanking me if I intervene and our negotiations will start out with the coven having the upper hand. He’ll owe us greatly for ensuring the safety of his mate and her friend. His pack will be more willing to hear the wishes of my coven.
And from the way these dogs have been talking, it’ll be my pleasure to handle this minor mess for Devin. My lips curl up into a fiendish smile. Pride flows through me as I stride toward the parking lot to take care of this little problem. Taking one last glance over my shoulder, I’m certain my wolf will search for me. He’s eager and if I’m honest with myself, so am I.
Vince
Tossing the cloak in the trash, I’m clad in dark washed jeans and a gray hoodie as I stalk around the back of the stadium. It’s mostly empty now so I can move around without being seen more easily. At the entrance to the stadium, I catch my mate’s sweet scent. My chest rises and falls with a slow beat, inhaling the soft fragrance. A heat spreads along my skin and my hands flex … fuck, my mouth waters even more.
I walk slowly to the gate, my boots crunching over small rocks on the pavement, and inhale deeply, taking in the faint aroma of jasmine. Relief floods through me. The gnawing pit in my stomach subsides and my skin tingles with excitement. A wolfish grin graces my lips; the hunt is on. Unfortunately, the relief is fleeting as I follow the floral breeze to the parking lot. My heartbeat picks up once again. The thought of her getting into her car and leaving me forever is a real possibility. With my inner wolf howling in protest, my pace quickens. Staying quiet and crouched in the shadows of the building, I need to stay inconspicuous. There aren’t many people lingering, but I don’t want to draw any attention.
I’m already too tall, my eyes not quite right. I don’t fit in but I don’t stand out too much either. Still, I’m careful to stick to the shadows and remain quiet.
The scent trail takes me to a few parked cars, but then it continues past the lot and toward campus. Her sweet smell cuts off to the right down a sidewalk between two dorms. My head tilts as I eye the large brick buildings. Maybe she’s a student. My lips kick up into an asymmetric grin. Stalking past campus and toward Main Street, I’m eager to learn more about my mate. There are a few shops just now closing down, but there’s a bar and a nightclub at the end of the street. I follow my tantalizing mate and that’s when I go on high alert. Scenting the air, I fight the urge to growl.
Wolves are here. And they sure as fuck aren’t from my pack. Adrenaline floods my veins knowing the trail to my mate and the trail to the unknown werewolves lead in the same direction. Both panic and anger consume me.
“Devin, we have problems.” Not waiting for a response, I continue along the path. My focus narrows; my pulse accelerates. They better not fucking touch her. I’ll kill them. They will die slow deaths if they dare to approach her. Woods to my left offer a modicum of cover, allowing me to sprint. No more of this plodding human pace. I’m barely able to keep my composure until I’m safely hidden in the shadows of the forest.
I try calling for the pack again, but it’s too late. They’ve traveled too far and can’t hear me. Fuck! Rushing past the trees, branches snap loudly under my boots. I don’t care about stealth, only speed. I need to get to her as fast as I can. If they’re after my mate, I’ll rip their throats out. I refuse to fail my mate. To hell with that shit about waiting until she’s offered. I’m taking her with me and Devin will just have to deal with it. It only takes minutes to reach the end of her scent but with each second that passes, the growl deep in my chest gets louder. The trail cuts past the bar and through a deserted alley.