Page 10 of Hunted

The movement draws my attention to the flex of her forearms and the delicate bones of her wrists. I can almost feel that fragile skin yielding beneath my calloused grip as I pin her against the wall and?—

"Shall we have a seat? I've made a light salad to start." She gestures to the small table.

I blink, forcing my rampant lust back under control with the sheer force of will. One look at her sweet, hopeful expression, and I know there's no way I can act on these twisted urges. I don't know why I fucking care about her expression; I was supposed to murder her, for fuck's sake. Hunt her like an animal, and now look at me?

"Yeah," I manage to grate out. "Let's eat."

Zara beams at me as she takes a seat across from me. My cock can wait—for now, I'll feast on drinking in every detail of her lovely face, committing it to memory. Soon, she'll be screaming my name, writhing beneath me as I take what's mine.

But for this moment, at least, she's untouched by my darkness. Unsullied.

Not for long, little bird. Not for long.

7

ZARA

The next morning, I glance down at the simple dress I just threw on, suddenly feeling self-conscious. The thin cotton clings to my curves, leaving little to the imagination. And I haven't even put on a bra, so my nipples are hard and taut against the fabric.

Should I wear something like this around Aksel?

Yesterday, I thought he was going to fuck me the moment he saw me in a similar dress, although it was maybe a bit more revealing. His intense gaze and desire were palpable, like a living force in the small cabin. I shiver, though not from the chill in the air.

My mind drifts to his powerful physique, those broad shoulders and chiseled features. He's all man—rugged, brooding, and utterly masculine. I've never met anyone like him. The way he moves, the confidence in his stride, the raw power simmering beneath the surface... it's intoxicating.

I can't deny the pull toward him, like a moth drawn to a flame.

What would it be like to finally experience a man's touch? To be claimed and possessed by someone like him?

His bedroom door is closed as I exit my room. After yesterday’s tension, I’m a little freaked out, and if I’m honest a little intrigued too. Aksel is raw masculinity, and a part of me wants to explore our connection. Allow him to take control and show me depths of passion I've only ever dreamed about or imagined while I masturbated with my dildo.

At twenty-four years old, being a virgin is rather embarrassing. Still, I guess that's what happens when you spend your life obsessed with science and being a fucking nerd. Guys don’t exactly love a woman who won’t shut up about weather patterns.

I slip on my rain boots and lightweight jacket, needing to escape the confines of the cabin for a bit. The weight of Aksel's presence and the tension crackling between us is becoming stifling. A short walk may clear my head.

Quietly, I open the cabin door, not wanting to alert Aksel to my departure. The damp forest air caresses my face as I step outside, the drizzling rain leaving a dewy sheen on the surrounding foliage. I pull my hood over my head and head down the narrow dirt path leading away from the cabin.

With each step, I feel the knot in my chest loosening. The sounds of the forest—rustling leaves, distant birdcalls, the steady patter of raindrops—drown out the riot of thoughts swirling in my mind. I focus on the squish of mud beneath my boots, the earthy scent of damp earth.

Rounding a bend, I spot a small clearing up ahead. Sunlight filters through the clouds and canopy and illuminates the vibrant green of the mossy ground. I make my way over, my boots leaving imprints in the spongy terrain. Nestled in the center of the clearing is a large, moss-covered boulder. I clamber up and settle onto the flat surface, crossing my legs and letting the tranquility of this little haven wash over me.

I tilt my face, letting the gentle rainfall kiss my skin. Despite the solitude, I can't shake the feeling of being watched, as if the trees have eyes observing my every move. Is it my overactive imagination playing tricks, or is the forest holding its breath in anticipation?

The snap of a twig somewhere behind me shatters the stillness. I stiffen, my heart pounding as I strain to hear other sounds. Seconds tick by in heavy silence.

Then, another crack of branches, much closer this time. I whip my head around, my breath catching in my throat as I turn to see a wolf staring right at me.

Shit.

My scream pierces the stillness of the forest as the wolf's lips peel back, revealing razor-sharp fangs. A deep, menacing growl rumbles from its throat, raising the hairs on the back of my neck.

"N-Nice doggy," I stammer, sliding off the boulder. My boots hit the mossy ground with a squelch as I back away, hands raised before me.

The wolf steps forward, its piercing amber eyes locked on me. Another guttural snarl and I can't hold back the whimper that escapes my lips. Panic claws at my chest as the predator stalks closer, its powerful haunches rippling beneath its thick gray fur.

I spin on my heel and bolt, adrenaline propelling me forward. Branches whip at my face as I crash through the forest, not daring to look back. My lungs burn, my heart thunders in my ears, and I race blindly through the forest.

A twisted root catches my foot, and I pitch forward with a cry. The muddy ground rushes up, and I brace myself for the impact, throwing my hands out. Wet leaves and moss cushion my fall, but the wind is still knocked from me in a harsh wheeze.

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