Page 93 of A Wolf's Wound
“Wait,” Brian says, throwing me back into the present.“That’s not even the best part, sweetheart.”
My chest burns.My mother always says that anger is the easiest emotion to feel, and she’s right.In my case, it’s smothering the fear and regret threatening to bubble to the surface.I’d thought I was in the clear.I’d been so relieved that I hadn’t wanted to press further, not even when all the clues began to add up.
All of this is my fault, but I don’t have time for guilt right now.
Not when Brian is looking at Hannah like that.No matter what plan I come up with, that’s the common denominator.Hannah’s in danger.She’s not safe here, not with Brian so unstable.
He breaks off into a gleeful shriek, and his canines are sharp.His control over the shifting is about as strong as his control over his emotions—nonexistent.His stubble oscillates between thick fur and coarse human hair.It takes years of dedication for a shifter to control themselves.Years of control and strict hierarchy that he’s never been exposed to.He could snap any second and tear out her throat.
Hannah tilts her chin up, keeping a brave face.There’s not a trace of fear on her face.This is the face she wears to work whenever she’s dealing with a feral, large animal.Calm, serene, and in control.
I study her as long as I dare, committing her face to memory.
I’m not sure when I’ll be able to see her again.IfI’ll be able to see her again.If this goes wrong…
I keep my voice low, just for her.
“Hannah,” I whisper.Brian’s wild ranting drowns out my words to his ears, but her eyes immediately dart to mine.“Run.”
Chapter 54
Hannah
AssoonasRydertells me to run, I turn on my heel.
But I’m no shifter.Brian beats me to it, grabbing my forearms before I’ve taken more than a step.Ryder bristles beside me, but I shoot him a warning glance and then pour all my focus toward Brian.Like a rabid dog, I can’t afford to take my eye off him.
Fortunately, I know how to handle rabid dogs.
“It’s rude,” he murmurs.His eyes are glossy and distant.“Leaving without a proper good-bye.”
Ryder ignores my warning and muscles in between us.He clasps a hand on Brian’s shoulder familiarly, like they’re friends.
Theywerefriends, I think.At least, Ryder thought they were.Nothing Brian’s done speaks to friendship.He’s a predator, an opportunist.
My heart hurts for Ryder.Brian betrayed him, and knowing Ryder, he’s blaming himself.I can see the self-recrimination in his eyes now, see how the weight of his guilt pulls his broad shoulders down.The way his face twisted when he remembered turning Brian still makes me ache.He doesn’t deserve this.
“Brian,” Ryder says.His voice sounds off, but Brian doesn’t hear it.“I’m not going anywhere.I just want to talk.”
And just like that, Brian’s attention is swallowed by Ryder.His lips twist into a manic smile.
I could leave now.Ryder’s bought me enough time, and he’s close enough to fight Brian and keep him at bay long enough for me to escape.And maybe I should, maybe that makes the most sense, but my heart can’t stand the thought of leaving Ryder alone with this madman.
What if I can’t find anyone in time?What if I make it back too late?
I imagine it briefly.Brian is hanging on to whatever’s left of his sanity by a thread, and if he suspects Ryder allowed me to leave, there’s no telling what he’ll do.On an even playing field, I have no doubt Ryder will win in a fight with Brian.But Brian isn’t playing fair, and life isn’t predictable.Brianisn’t predictable.
What if he lands a lucky blow, and there’s no one around to help?Worse, what if Ryder, weighed down as he is with guilt, can’t let himself hurt an old friend?
There are too many risks, too many unknowns.I square my shoulders and plant my feet.I’m not going anywhere.
Ryder gives a frustrated growl when he realizes I’m staying, and Brian misinterprets it.He lets out a growl of his own, relishing in its deep bass tones.
“God, I love doing that,” he says.
“I just need to know why you’re doing this,” Ryder pleads.“I just…why?Is it like a compulsion?Are you…driven to do it since I turned you?”
“A compulsion!Ha!Ryder, stop looking at me like that.Like you’ve done anything wrong.You haven’t.I promise you.It was a gift,” he assures Ryder, giving his shoulder a squeeze.“God, it was agift.Being purified, being changed into a purer form.I don’t know how I’ve lived without it.It was a way of proving myself worthy, the same way all of them should.”
