Page 5 of Grace of a Wolf 1
But this? To threaten my life, to put me in the middle of the Mate Hunt, knowing at any time a frustrated wolf could hunt me down?
Human women are fully aware of the statistics; unmated shifter males are their biggest fear. Any male shifter in human territory is automatically suspect whenever a sexual assault case comes up.
It's no secret in the shifter community; it's a struggle every pack deals with. Most of the assaults are from rogue wolves, but not all. It's one of the many reasons they're not welcome among most human communities.
So who would be this cruel, knowing my likely fate?
As much as I can be disliked among the pack, I'm not generallyhated.
The forest floor bites into my bare feet with every step. Twigs snap, leaves crunch, and sharp rocks dig into my soles. My toes curl against the cold, damp earth. Each step sends a jolt of pain up my leg from my throbbing ankle.
I crash through the underbrush, all grace abandoned. Branches whip across my face and arms, leaving stinging welts in their wake.
"Move quietly. Blend with the forest. Especially because you're human, you'll need to move like a wolf."
Rafe's voice echoes in my head, unbidden. Tears prick at my eyes as I remember his patient instructions, his warm hands guiding me through the woods. How many nights did we spend out here, him teaching me to navigate the wilderness?
No. I shove the memories away, blinking furiously against the moisture threatening to spill over.
But they keep coming, relentless as the cold seeping into my bones.
"Watch where you step. See how I place my foot? Roll from heel to toe, avoid anything that might snap or rustle."
I stumble over something, nearly falling face-first into the leaf litter. Every move I make announces my presence.
"You're doing great, Grace. Soon you'll be moving as well as any wolf."
A choked sob escapes my lips before I can stop it. Rafe's proud smile, the warmth in his eyes as he watched me improve—it's all tainted now. Poisoned by the cold dismissal in those same eyes mere hours ago.
Fuck this mated bullshit.
Who wants a man who changes so much over a little bit of pheromones?
I limp onward, each step a battle against pain and exhaustion. Shadows dance at the edge of my vision, taking the shape of prowling wolves. Every so often I jerk around, convinced something's following me.
But there's nothing there.
Even distant howls have gone silent.
"If you ever feel lost or scared, just listen. The forest will guide you home."
Home. The word rings hollow now. The person I thought was my future has turned his back on me.
Another twig snaps beneath my foot, the sound impossibly loud in the quiet night. It's only then I realize even the sound of insects has hushed.
That's not good.
There's a predator somewhere.
I freeze, heart pounding as I strain my ears for any sign of pursuit. Nothing but the whisper of wind through leaves. Another far-off howl. And another, echoing off the trees.
But nothing close, despite the eerie silence.
I force myself to keep moving, ignoring the burning in my muscles and the ache in my chest. How late is it? I can't feel my toes. Or my fingers.
And each tree looks the same as the last, each shadow hiding potential dangers.
"Remember, Grace. You're stronger than you know. Don't ever let anyone make you feel less than you are."
