Page 27 of The Wolf

I can’t resist poking at her a little more, my tone as innocent as possible. “You didn’t even put up a fight.”

She scoffs, looking affronted. “Excuse me—I threw my vibe at you and ran.”

“Hardly a defense,” I counter, an even wider grin spreading across my face. “It’s not like you were at the very leasttryingto resist.”

She narrows her eyes, glaring. “I waspetrified, thank you very much.”

“You werearoused,” I tease, leaning in close.

Her mouth falls open in shock, cheeks flushing as she hisses, “Because you watched me play with myself! Whodoesthat?”

“No, I don’t think that was it.” I shrug, still smirking. “I think you just really wanted that wolf cock to claim your pretty little pus—”

She slaps a hand over my muzzle. “Now is the time for this?” she whispers, acting scandalized, but her lips twitch as she tries not to laugh. “I can’t believe you’re actually complaining. Was I too easy for you?”

I chuckle, pulling her hand away. “All I’m saying is, I barely got to enjoy the chase. It was over before it even began.”

“I’msosorry my fat ass couldn’t outrun your superhuman speed. Imagine that!”

“Oh, but Iloveyour fat ass,” I murmur, leaning even closer, brushing my snout against her cheek.

She shoves me away. “Say one more word, and you’ll see the real beast unleashed,” she threatens, but she’s smiling bashfully now, and I know I’ve won this round.

Before I get a chance to retort, Meg stirs, a soft groan escaping her lips as she begins to come around.

Julia instantly snaps back to focus, her expression serious as she whispers, “Shift back, and stay quiet.”

I obey and slip again into my wolf form, lying down with my head resting on my paws, trying to appear non-threatening.

Julia kneels next to Meg, gently patting her shoulder. “Meg? Hey, can you hear me?”

Meg’s eyelids flutter open, her gaze unfocused and confused. “W-what… what happened?” She rubs her eyes, her voice weak and a little shaky.

Julia gives her a small reassuring smile. “You fainted, that’s all. You’re safe, I promise.” She helps her sit up slowly.

Meg glances around, and as her eyes settle on me, she flinches, instinctively pulling back. Offering her the most innocent look I can muster, I make myself as small as possible.

“This can’t be happening,” she mutters more to herself, her face still etched with fear.

“Yeah, I know it’s a lot to take in.” Julia brushes a stray hair from Meg’s forehead. “I told you. You don’t live in the world you think you do. But we’re here to help you understand it.”

“So, am I some kind of wolf?”

“No, you’re mostly human.” Julia puts a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Women don’t shift, but we are carriers.”

Meg stares at me a little longer, her expression wavers, slowly shifting from fear to reluctant acceptance. She then lets out a shaky breath and finally says, “I want to learn more.”

Giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze, Julia assures her. “We’ll answer all your questions but not here. It’s not safe.”

“Not here?” Meg echoes. “This might be a trap for all I know.”

“If we wanted to harm you, you’d be dead by now. Have you seen what sharp claws he has? There’s no reason for me to waste my time trying to convince you other than me actually caring about you.”

Meg swallows. “How do you want to do this then?”

“We have a driver waiting for us outside and a private jet that will take us up North to the Canadian border. If you don’t like what you hear, we will fly you back. But if you decide to take a leap of faith, we have a safe place for you where they won’t find you. Please, grab a few things to bring with you, just in case.”

Meg’s gaze flickers between the two of us, wary and hesitant, though I can see the smallest crack in her wall of resistance. It’s only an inkling of trust, but for now, that’s good enough. She’s a step closer to freedom.

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