Page 99 of Shadow City: Silver Wolf

"From here on out, we don't talk," the leader commanded. "We need to be as quiet as possible to try to surprise them." The group took off again, but they were noisier, probably because they didn't know the terrain. Luckily, they wouldn't get the drop on us.

Is there a way we can round them up or lock them in somewhere?Griffin kept pace with me.

I wished there was somewhere like that, but it was going to be hand-to-hand combat.We can get to the river so no one can sneak up behind us. I could maybe shift and have them focus on me so you can pick them off one at a time.

In other words, use you as bait?Griffin's anger was palpable through the bond.Hell, no. Unacceptable. Absolutely not.

The problem was this wasn't up for debate.They’re gunning for me…the rest of you are collateral damage. We have to think strategically. If we dangle me in front of them, they’ll be more focused on capturing me than hurting you. It's our best chance of making it out with minimal injuries.

Griffin growled.It sounds like you've already made up your mind.

Having him upset with me didn't sit well. This was our first disagreement, but I knew using me as bait was our best and safest strategy. I owed it to all of us to take the least risky approach.If things get too dicey, I promise to shift back to human and fight alongside you.

The suggestion seemed to appease the beast, and his anger receded.Okay. I'm not thrilled with this suggestion, but I trust you. If you think this is best, I'll go along with it. Just…please don't make me regret it.

My heart warmed.Thank you. I'm going to shift now, but take my knife so I don’t lose it.

I handed him the knife and sheath, and he put it in his pocket.

The sound of our pursuers’ feet hadn't gotten any closer—probably because they were moving slower, making sure they kept on our trail. They hadn't caught wind of us yet, which was miraculous.

Not bothering to strip, I called my wolf forward. She obliged willingly, sensing the trouble we were in.

My bones cracked as I shifted from human to wolf, and my skin tingled as fur sprouted all over my body. My clothes ripped away, and soon I stood on four legs.

A loudcawgrated on my nerves, followed by the flapping of wings.

I lifted my head to see the crow flying over us, making enough racket that the enemy wolves would be able to find us. He hadn't made that move until I shifted, which meant he knew I was up to something.

I’d hoped to be closer to the water before they picked up our trail.I can't wait to kill that bird. Maybe you can shoot it.

It would be my pleasure.Griffin kept pace beside me.

If we ever got some downtime and I could work with Griffin, he would be an excellent fighter in both wolf and human form. Maybe when we got out of this horrible situation, I'd demand we take time for him to train. It'd be good for both of us—it would help me maintain my skills, and he would learn some important moves that would help in situations like this one.

The enemy heard us and moved faster, as if not worried about sneaking up on us anymore.

We weren't going to make it to the water, but we at least knew no one was circling around us. I stopped running and turned in the direction they would appear.

It was time to fight, and I prayed that Griffin was a good shot.

CHAPTER NINE

The enemy wasclose enough that I could hear each intake of breath. Being in wolf form amplified my senses, and I could make out ten distinct gaits that raced toward us.

Killian was right about the numbers.I was mildly impressed that he’d read the situation so accurately—I wouldn't have been correct if someone had asked me to predict how many people would come after us.Ten are approaching us. With the way they’re shuffling, there are two in front, so we'll need to take them out fast. If we do, it should make the others hesitate.

Okay.Griffin aimed his gun in the direction they would appear.I've got this,he reassured me…and himself.

My confidence in his ability faltered, but I held my doubt close, not wanting him to feel it through our bond. If he had to talk himself up, that meant either he wasn't sure he could pull the trigger, or he was that inexperienced. Either way, doubt was dangerous in war, and whether we liked it or not, these battles were leading up to just that.

I threw my head back and howled. The enemy felt invigorated and in control; they knew their numbers and weapons exceeded ours. We had to hit fast and hard to show them that we weren't afraid at all.

As expected, their pace slowed. They hadn't expected me to alert them to where we were, and I’d thrown them off.

Good, my plan was already working.

"At least one of them has shifted," one of the men whispered, but he might as well have spoken in his normal voice. "Do you think it's her?" His voice raised in trepidation.

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