Page 44 of Winning the Wolf

Taking my hand, Killick dragged me towards the door, ignoring my protest. I didn't fight his tug, it would've been disrespectful. It didn't matter anyway, because he stopped at the entrance, suddenly going still.

"Shit," he muttered, pushing forward.

He stopped again, unable to go through the open doorway.

"What's happening?" I asked, taking my hand out of his grip and stepping out of the hut.

Except, my knee rebounded off an invisible wall, making it impossible for me to leave.

"Shit!"

"What the fuck are you doing here? We're trapped!" Killick's tone was laced with fury.

I stared out of the door, almost laughing at my stupidity. Part of me knew Jeremy had probably set a trap, but I had been prepared to be caught if it meant Dinky was saved.

"What are you doing here?" I snapped, turning to face him.

The cold air brushed my skin, reminding me that I was as naked as him. Luckily, our wolf genes helped us to tolerate the hot and cold extremes. Not that I'd stay cold for long in his vicinity, he was hot as fuck. Which made me even angrier.

He raised his eyebrows and glared at me. "Caleb saw you leave. I take it you have a good reason for being here?"

Stepping around me, he glanced outside, his shoulders tense.

"Jeremy has Dinky," I blurted, shoving past him to try and get out again. "How is he keeping us in here?"

Killick gripped my wrist and turned me to face him. "He has Dinky? And you... what? Thought you'd take him on yourself?"

Licking my lips, I swallowed. "Well... yes, actually. I didn't want you to get involved. He might kill you."

"I'm the alpha of our pack," he pushed through his teeth. "Do you really believe I'm not capable of rescuing one of my own?" Bringing his face close to mine, he snarled. "Am I that fucking weak to you?"

A shudder rumbled my body. "No," I said, my voice tight. "I just... wanted to protect you."

His heaving chest slowed as his anger dissipated. His clenched teeth relaxed and his eyes softened. The energy between us sizzled as he stepped even closer, bringing our bodies together.

"Why?" he whispered.

My tongue darted out to moisten my dry lips. The beating of my heart was violent in my chest, the sound of our rhythmic breathing sending sparks flying over my nerves.

"You're my... mate," I murmured back, resisting the urge to grab his neck and bury my tongue in his mouth.

He stiffened and panic set in. Had I been too open? Okay, so he was my almost mate but-

Jeremy's faint scent caught in my nose and I spun towards the door. Killick hadn't frozen because of my statement, it was because he'd sensed the enemy a fraction before me.

The rustle of leaves gave way to snaps of twigs as Jeremy and Dinky appeared from the shadows and came to a stop in the clearing.

"Greetings," Jeremy called, a smug smile on his face.

Fury burnt my skin as I bared my teeth and the canines elongated, turning the tips as sharp as a needle. They dug into my chin as I fought to control the beast within me.

Killick was just as angry as me. The energy pulsed from him, and yet, he was able to keep a stoic expression as he placed a strong hand on my arm.

His touch calmed me instantly, settling the emotion that wanted to burst through my fists... into Jeremy's face. Instead, I focused on Dinky, trying to assess her wellbeing. Other than bloodshot eyes, she seemed okay. Unless he'd hit her somewhere else.

"Oh!" Jeremy exclaimed, lifting his head and sniffing. "It seems the mating games had its way with you since I last saw you, Larissa."

The memory of lancing pain filtered through me, forcing me to inhale deeply. The bastard had cut me with silver, the only weapon known to kill or maim a werewolf.

---