Page 9 of King of Forest and Fur

Rehn and Idris nodded to one of the staff members as they entered the academy’s front doors.

“What did you tell the administration when you called?”

“Just the truth. We’re hunting an escaped convict and it will be handled swiftly.”

“I know it’s not my place but remember to not rip his head off when you see him, as much as he deserves it.”

Rehn simply nodded to Idris, acknowledging his warning, but unable to vocally promise anything.

So, without another word, the two split through the halls to find Drystan. And based on the strength of the scent Rehn just had hit, he would find him soon.

Rehn felt his inner bear growling to break free the stronger the traitor's stench became in his nose. He held it together as he approached a closed office door where the scent seemed freshest.

As he took a big whiff to make sure, Rehn heard a woman scream on the other side.

Without a second thought, he kicked down the door. Drystan was in mid-shift pushing a raven-haired sorceress against the wall. The ugly half-bear-man snarled at Rehn.

The woman looked terrified. Rehn needed to get her away from Drystan before the rogue completely shifted.

The bear king started his shift, lunging at Drystan.

Then, in midair, a purple flash of light blasted him. It had originated from the sorceress, sending all three of them flying in separate directions.

Rehn found himself slightly stunned lying flat on his back.

Shaking off the dust, he sat up. He looked around more confused than before.

They were no longer inside the office. Hell, they were no longer inside the building.

Rehn lifted his arm to dim the brightness of the sun. The place seemed familiar, but different all at once.

“Ughh,” came a moan beside him. Rehn jumped in surprise. He was too focused on his new surroundings to realize the woman beside him.

She was starting to stir. Her dark waves of hair covered her face. Rehn laid his hands gently on her shoulders to help her roll onto her back.

Her hair fell from her face and Rehn found himself staring into chocolate pools coated in honey. He pulled his stare away from her intense eyes.

She still looked groggy, but unhurt.

“Are you all right?”

“Yeah, I think so.” She pushed herself onto her elbow, her eyes somehow becoming wider with recall. “That… that man—shifter, guy! He… he…” She looked around quickly. “Where is he?”

Drystan! Rehn snarled to himself, standing abruptly. He was pissed he hadn’t looked for him immediately. He had let himself become distracted.

“What did he want with you, anyway?”

“I…I don’t know. He was waiting in my office and wanted my help. I told him he was crazy?—”

“Bad idea.”

“Yeah, no shit. I see that now,” she snapped back. It made Rehn smile hearing her voice that way. He wasn’t sure why.

“Anyway, he started to shift and I screamed then you busted in, and now here we are.”

“He has to be here somewhere,” Rehn huffed after not even seeing or smelling a trace of him. Magic was always stronger than a scent.

He turned back to look at her, still sitting on the ground. She was checking her body for injuries, but Rehn couldn’t help but notice her curves as her fingers traced over them to check for bruising. She looked up at him after a moment. Rehn cleared his throat and looked away.

---