Page 39 of His Mate

I stepped inside, my eyes adjusting to the faint light filtering through the cracks in the walls, and for a moment, I just stood there, taking it all in. It was small, one room with a stone fireplace, a single wooden table, and a bed pushed against the far wall, covered in an old quilt that had seen better days. But what caught my attention were the clothes scattered across the floor, the boots tucked neatly beside the bed, as if someone had left in a hurry, never to return.

I moved quickly, my hands shaking as I picked up the clothes—a flannel shirt, a pair of sturdy jeans, thick woolen socks that looked like they’d hold up against the cold. They smelled faintly of pine and smoke, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt as I stripped off my dress and pulled the new clothes on. But the warmth that spread through me was worth it, the fabric soft against my skin, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket.

I slipped my feet into the boots, lacing them up, and to my relief, they fit perfectly, the leather well-worn but strong. They were heavier than the shoes I’d worn before, but I welcomed the weight, welcomed the protection they offered, and I couldn’t help but feel a little more prepared, a little more capable of dealing with what lay ahead.

I glanced around the cabin one last time, hoping for something more—a weapon, a bag I could use to carry supplies—but there was nothing else, just the silence and the lingering scent ofwoodsmoke. I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and stepped back out into the forest, the boots crunching over the fallen leaves and twigs as I moved.

The air felt colder now, and I pulled the flannel tighter around me, feeling the weight of what I was about to do settle over me like a shroud.

I wasn’t going to let Mariah and Lia face this alone. I wasn’t going to let anyone else be taken.

And with that thought burning in my chest, I turned and continued onward, the wind biting at my cheeks, the shadows of the forest stretching out before me, leading me back to the place I’d fought so hard to escape.

The hours dragged on as I moved through the forest, but I couldn’t stop. The sun hung low in the sky now, its rays barely cutting through the thick canopy of leaves above me. Shadows stretched across the ground, and the air grew colder, but I pressed on, ignoring the ache in my legs, the way my muscles screamed for rest. I had to keep going. I had to make it back to the city before it was too late.

But then, somewhere behind me, a twig snapped.

I froze, my heart lurching into my throat, every nerve in my body going on high alert. I strained to listen, to hear anything beyond the wind rustling through the trees, but there it was again—the faint sound of footsteps, slow, deliberate, matching my pace. Panic surged through me, and I took a step forward,then another, picking up my speed, hoping it was just an animal, or that I was imagining it.

Hoping it wasn’t Rowan or something worse.

But then I heard it—an unmistakable growl, low and menacing, coming from somewhere behind me.

I broke into a run, my breath catching in my throat as I tore through the forest, branches whipping against my face, my heart hammering in my ears. I didn’t dare look back, didn’t dare slow down, because I knew what was behind me. I could hear them now, the soft padding of paws against the forest floor, the growls growing louder, more insistent. Whatever was following me was hunting me.

No, no, no…

My lungs burned, my legs screaming with every step, but I pushed myself harder, faster, ducking beneath branches and leaping over fallen logs, ignoring the sharp pain that flared in my side. I had to keep moving.

I had to get away.

I stumbled into a clearing, my breath ragged, my pulse pounding in my ears, and for a moment, I thought I’d lost them. I ducked behind a large boulder, pressing myself flat against it, trying to quiet my breathing and make myself as small as possible. I could hear my heartbeat thudding in my ears, deafening in the silence, and I squeezed my eyes shut, praying they wouldn’t find me, that they’d lose my scent and move on.

The forest fell silent. I held my breath, every muscle taut, waiting, listening.

Then, from the other side of the boulder, I heard it—a soft, low growl, followed by the sound of something heavy shifting through the leaves.

I didn’t have time to react. I didn’t have time to think. Suddenly, teeth sank into the fabric of my shirt, yanking me backward, and I screamed, thrashing as I tried to break free. I kicked out, my foot connecting with something solid, and the wolf let out a snarl, but it didn’t let go.

“Let go of me!” I shouted, my voice hoarse, desperate, but they didn’t listen. I felt another set of teeth clamp down on my arm, not hard enough to break the skin, but enough to make me cry out in pain, enough to force me to stop fighting.

Within seconds, the rest of the pack emerged from the shadows, surrounding me, their eyes glowing faintly in the fading light, their growls rumbling through the air. There were at least five of them, maybe six—too many to fight off, even if I’d had the strength to try.

“No,” I gasped, struggling as they dragged me to the ground, pinning me in place, their breath hot against my skin, their teeth bared. “No, please…”

One of the wolves shifted, its body twisting, bones snapping, fur receding until a man stood before me, tall and broad, his eyes glowing that same eerie yellow. He stared down at me with a sneer, his lips curling back to reveal pointed white teeth.

“Thought you could run, little human?” he taunted, his voice dripping with amusement. “Thought you’d get away?”

I tried to pull away, but another wolf’s teeth dug into my shoulder, holding me still, and I felt the hot sting of tears prick at my eyes.

“Please.” The word was barely more than a breath, my voice shaking. “I have to?—”

“To what?” he cut me off, his gaze narrowing. “To warn your little friends? To lead them to safety?” He laughed then, the sound harsh and cruel, echoing through the trees. “You’re not going anywhere, girl.”

I thrashed, trying to break free, but the wolves tightened their grip, holding me down, forcing me to face the reality of it—I was trapped. And as I looked up at the man towering over me, as I saw the way his eyes gleamed with satisfaction, I felt the weight of it settle over me, heavy and suffocating.

I’d failed.

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