Chapter 0316

This helplessness is suffocating. What terrifies me more is the gnawing fear when Victor isn't by my side. I'd face capture with him rather than be left alone like this. Back in my old town with Mom and Benny, at least I had roots—a home, a job, familiarity. Here? Without Victor, I'm adrift in a sea of unfamiliar sights and sounds, every rustle making my pulse spike.

I curl deeper into the rocky crevice Victor scouted for me. His knack for finding safe havens still amazes me. Then again, survival's been his life for years.

"He's a worthy mate," Aurora murmurs in my mind.

I can tell she's utterly smitten—not just with Magnus after last night's tender massage, but with Victor himself.

"He didn't have to ease our aches before hunting. Most wouldn't bother. But he's different—attentive, protective."

She's right. Victor hasn't pressured the bond once. Even our makeshift sleeping arrangements show his restraint. And though I won't admit it aloud, the bond's pull is undeniable. His presence steadies me, which makes his absence cut deeper.

"Let him claim us," Aurora urges.

I've considered it. He's proven himself—risking everything to keep us safe. But marking is permanent, reversible only by death. Trusting someone with forever? That's a leap I'm not ready to take.

A sign during our flight revealed we're near Black Canyon. The scenery should be breathtaking, but anxiety drowns out any appreciation. Every minute Victor's gone tightens the coil in my chest. I should rest, but my nerves won't allow it.

As I watch clouds drift, Aurora's consciousness sharpens.

"What is it?"

Through her senses, I feel her zero in on movement below. Ears pricked, she detects what I can't see—bodies shifting through underbrush.

"Scan our perimeter. Are we surrounded?" Dread claws up my throat.

"Stay calm, Isolde. Panic will give us away. Let me handle this."

I refuse to be some Alpha's trophy—forced into bonding just to bolster their pack's strength.

"There." Aurora's vision reveals ten wolves slinking through the trees. The lead one lifts its muzzle, sniffing the air before nosing the ground.

"Tracker," she growls. "We move. Now."

She slips from the crevice, weaving through rocks and foliage with practiced stealth.

"Where?"

"Victor said east. But first south—to water. We'll break our scent there."

Descending the hill, Aurora bursts into a sprint. The forest blurs past us until a howl pierces the air. They've found our hideout.

My blood turns to ice when answering howls encircle us.

"New plan," Aurora pants. "Straight east. Pray we hit water."

She rockets forward, pain forgotten. But the chase only fuels their bloodlust. Without Victor, my sole hope is outrunning them long enough for him to find us.

Another howl—closer this time. Aurora pushes harder. We crash through a shallow creek without slowing.

Panting and paw-steps close in from the left.

"Aurora—"

"I know." She swerves right, only to hear pursuers flanking us. East it is, then, flat terrain leaving no room for error.

They're closing in. The weaker wolves have fallen back—only the strongest remain. Which means their Alpha is likely among them, intent on claiming me.

After an hour of flat-out running, Aurora's running on fumes. Victor must know we're gone by now. Unless they left wolves to delay him...

A nip at Aurora's hind leg sends her tumbling. She scrambles up, only to be bitten again. A well-placed kick connects with a pursuer's snout, but his yelp offers no comfort.

We're hopelessly outnumbered.