Page 25 of Wolf Bitten

When I threw my arms around his neck, my wounds throbbed, and I remembered I was covered in mud. I stilled, ending our moment together.

He pulled back, his eyes full of concern with dark circles under them like he hadn’t slept. “What’s wrong?” His deep voice sounded like music to my ears. His gaze went to one side of my neck, and he went still. “I’m going to enjoy killing them.”

I had no doubt he meant it. Raffe was a killer. I shivered, but his words thrilled a part of me. “It’s nothing. And I’m making you filthy.” I raised my injured wrist to cover the other side of my neck.

“I’ve been searching for you for three days nonstop. Do you think that fucking matters to me? I’m all about you getting me dirty.” He homed in on the other bite before I could cover it, and he caught my wrist. I gasped and tried to jerk my hand away, but he turned it over.

His irises glowed, his wolf surging forward. “Why did the vampire bite you so many times? Is this why he took you?”

I shook my head. “It was different vampires.”

If I’d thought that would comfort him, I’d beensowrong.

His entire body tensed, which was a huge distraction, given how his muscles became more pronounced. He growled, “How many fucking vampiresdrankfrom you?”

I quivered. “Three, but Raffe, you’re fighting dirty, questioning me without any clothes on. How am I supposed to concentrate on anything you’resaying?”

“Dammit, Sky.” He sighed and placed an arm around my waist, gently pulling me to him. “You’re freezing. Tell me everything while we get you home.”

Home,away from the horrible past few days. Maybe I could forget everything and go back to my life like nothing had changed.

“Stay right here,” he said and walked to some bushes. He pulled out a pair of jeans and a shirt.

I wanted to pout, but the thought of joining Josie and Lucy while he was naked had pressure forming deep within my chest. Though I wasn’t thrilled about either woman seeing him like that, Josie was the onlyrealthreat. She’d been his fake girlfriend foryears, and I wondered if it had all been pretending on her end. If she tried—

“Babe,” Raffe said by the bush, pulling his jeans on. “Did you hear that noise?”

Blinking, I forced my murderous thoughts away. I surveyed our surroundings. “No. What?”

“I could’ve sworn I heard a faint growl.” He quickly pulled on his black shirt and slipped his shoes on then came back to me. “But I don’t sense anyone but the two of us here.”

My face heated. Had that been me? I’d never growled before. “Let’s get back to the others. I want to make sure Slade’s okay.”

His shoulders sagged. “We’re officially back to that, even after—”

“If it weren’t for him, I’d still be locked in there.” I took his hand. “He’s the only reason I got out. I think that earns him some forgiveness. Don’t you?”

He scowled. “Maybe a little, but I still don’t like him.”

My cheeks tensed as I tried to smile, but the dried mud made it uncomfortable. “Just don’t hate him.”

A strong breeze rushed through the trees, and my teeth chattered.

“Keith and Adam stayed with Slade.” His eyes glowed for a moment. “They’re almost here. Thirty wolves are standing guard close by, so I promise you they’re fine. You know I would never put my people in danger … Slade either.” The corners of his mouth dipped downward almost comically.

This right here was the amazing man I knew. Even when he didn’t like someone, if they proved their worth, he’d protect them. It was such a contrast to what the pictures had depicted. There had to be more to the story.

Though I didn’t want to leave, he was right. I was soaked, cold, and dealing with blood loss. The longer I stayed out here, the closer I’d be to hypothermia again.

“Here, I’ll carry you—” he started.

“But the wolves.” I bit my lip, but when I tried to walk, I almost crumpled.

Raffe bent down and lifted me to his strong, muscular chest—a place I’d feared I’d never be again. I snuggled into him, listening to his heartbeat. Somehow, mine synced up with his as he strolled back to the path.

“We were getting worried,” Josie said from a few feet behind us.

Lucy snorted. “Let’s be clear.Youwere worried, not me. I knew it would take those two a while to come back here.”

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