As my cock moved in and out of her, we both began to pant and moan as sweat dripped off our bodies, mingling together. I moved my hands to her shoulders, lifting her torso towards mine so I could access her front.

Leah’s head tilted to the side, resting against my shoulder. As I felt her body begin to shudder, I reached one arm around her, holding her against me firmly so she could focus on her pleasure.

My other hand found the soft nub of her pelvis. Her moans became louder, more animalistic.

“Don’t stop,” she ordered.

As I rubbed her clit, she began to bounce against me. I halted my movements, allowing her to take control of her own penetration, and focused on keeping myself contained for a few moments longer.

Her speed increased, and just as I thought I wouldn’t be able to hold out any longer, I felt her climax. She screamed as waves of pleasure coursed through her.

Finally, I allowed myself to reach the pinnacle as well. My arms tightened around her, holding our bodies close together as I ejaculated.

Our bodies relaxed, and I helped Leah untangle herself from me before we clothed ourselves. I sprawled on the ground to catch my breath, and Leah plopped down next to me. I wrapped my arms around her, drawing her close to my chest.

“I could stay here all night,” she said contentedly.

“No one’s saying we can’t,” I pointed out. “Give me about fifteen minutes, and we can go for another round.”

Leah slapped my chest lightly at my teasing. “As much as I enjoyed you taking me in the forest, I think our next round should be in our bed at home.”

I rubbed her arm in agreement as we continued basking in the aftermath of our coupling. The night was peaceful as we held each other and looked at the moon.

“It’s really quiet out here,” Leah said.

“Yeah,” I agreed. “Actually, does it seem a littletooquiet to you?”

Leah sat up and looked around the forest, and I was suddenly on alert. The forest was still, but something didn’t seem right.

“Follow me,” I said, getting to my feet.

Leah and I ran quickly and quietly back toward Pinedale.

“What do you think is wrong?” Leah asked.

“I don’t know if anything is. It’s just a feeling.”

As we reached the outskirts of town, everything seemed normal. The packs appeared to still be in the clearing, continuing the skirmish event. Only those who couldn’t shift—the children and those too old to fight—had remained in town.

At first, I thought that I had made a mistake and all was well, but as we approached the community center, I smelled something out of place. There were wolves in town—and they weren’t ours.

And then I heard it. The sound of crying and shouting was unmistakable.

“It’s coming from inside the community building,” Leah whispered.

I nodded at her and tilted my head toward the back entrance. Whatever was happening inside, we needed to find out what it was.

We ran in a crouched position until we reached the back of the building. A hedge surrounded the backyard, and I motioned for Leah to disguise herself in the branches while I went to get a closer look. A crease appeared between her eyebrows as she shook her head vigorously, placing her hand in mine. We were too close to the building to speak without giving away our position, but her message was clear.Where you go, I go.

I held her hand to my heart and looked at her pleadingly, hoping she would understand my message in return.I can’t do this if I don’t know you’re safe.

She sighed, nodding her head as she understood what I meant. After a moment, she hurried away, hiding in the hedge to watch.

With my back to the wall, I shuffled around the perimeter and located the back door. It was already cracked open slightly, so I peeked inside.

Every member of the packs who had remained in Pinedale—from the smallest infants to the most venerable elders—was seated on the floor inside. They clutched each other in fear as they hunkered down, occasionally glancing fearfully at the figures that prowled around them.

My blood ran cold at the sight. I barely had a moment to analyze what was happening when the door opened with a swift bang that shook the wall, revealing my hiding place.