Page 132 of Her Wolf

Cora sped up, falling twice before she could push her way out of the thick vegetation. Dusting off her clothes, she cast a vague smile around as she took in the scene.

No, not a road. A runway.

Her smile faded. And, just past that, a cliff.

The muscles on her legs writhed from the exertion she’d just put them through, feeling loose and rubbery as she slowly trundled over the runway. The sun had baked the tarmac to a blistering shine; she paused to slip her sandals back on and then forced herself to keep walking.

She stared down at the ocean where it beat relentlessly against grey cliffs.

Whoosh, crash, hiss.

Ad infinitum.

Cora looked up, but the sun was too bright for her to make out much beyond what looked to be a small control tower for the runway. But, even from here, she could see it was empty.

Keeping in sight of the ocean, she headed away from the runway.

It couldn’t have taken her longer than half an hour before she came in sight of the beach house again.

Zachary rocked in his chair on the porch. He’d taken away their plates, but a second bottle of wine had joined the first.

Condensation beaded the glass.

“Did you enjoy your walk?” Zachary asked cheerfully.

“Yes.”

Because what the hell else was she supposed to say?

“Good. I hope you worked up an appetite. Shall I go reheat your steak?”

Cora sat carefully in her chair.

She grabbed the rest of her wine and slugged it down, then wiped fingertips over her mouth.

They came back red.

Laying her arms on the table, Cora put her head down and began to sob.

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