Chapter 0315

My mate is stronger than she realizes. Pushing through an entire day of running would break most wolves. I drove us relentlessly, knowing the red wolves were tracking our scent. The silence stretching for hours gives me cautious hope we might have breathing room.

Near the Colorado border, I spot a rocky outcrop perfect for shelter. Isolde needs rest more than I do. Years of survival have conditioned me to function on minimal sleep, but she's lived a sheltered life until now. Tomorrow we'll slow our pace, but first we must clear Silver Fang territory.

When Aurora collapses from exhaustion, I shift and pull on shorts before gathering her in my arms. Her wolf form is magnificent - obsidian fur streaked with russet and gold. A unique beauty I've never seen before.

"I've got you, love," I murmur as she whimpers. "You were incredible today. Magnus and I are so proud." Her muscles tremble beneath my fingers as I massage her shoulders, working down her spine. Her whines gradually turn to contented rumbles.

Using pine boughs and vines, I fashion a crude nest. When her eyes grow heavy, I nuzzle her muzzle. "Rest now. I won't be long."

She jerks awake, scrambling up. I press a firm hand to her chest. "Stay. You're safe here. Remain in wolf form. Promise?" Her tongue swipes my cheek in answer.

Magnus hunts with lethal efficiency, taking down three rabbits. He presents them to Aurora with a proud rumble. My mate hesitates only briefly before tearing into the first with ravenous hunger. She devours two before nudging the last toward Magnus with her nose.

He cleans her muzzle tenderly before swallowing the final rabbit. With gentle insistence, he herds her back under the overhang, curling his massive form around hers. I feel her relax against him with a sigh.

We remain alert until the rhythm of her breathing lulls us into light sleep.

Moonlight still bathes the landscape when my eyes snap open. Magnus lifts his head, nostrils flaring. The night sounds ordinary at first - rustling rodents, an owl's call, distant water. Then comes the unmistakable crunch of paws on pine needles. Multiple sets.

Aurora's glowing eyes meet mine in the dark. She's already alert, nudging my shoulder in silent understanding. We move like shadows up the hillside, using the terrain to our advantage. The pursuing wolves will lose precious time navigating the steep incline.

Once clear, I set a punishing pace, letting Aurora find her rhythm before pushing harder. By afternoon we reach the Missouri River's rushing waters. The rocky banks offer countless hiding spots if we avoid human trails.

Finding a secluded cove with fresh water access, I shift back and dress quickly. "Isolde, I'm getting us proper food. Stay hidden in wolf form. If danger comes, run east." When she protests, I cradle her face. "You're too vital - to me and all Guardians. If they come, you flee."

Our foreheads touch. "I'll always find you. Stay safe, my heart." With one last look, I shift again, gripping my bag in powerful jaws as I vanish into the trees.