The Hunted Wolf – Chapter 17

Dark shadows chased me through a forest. I ran as fast as I could to escape the chase, but I wasn’t fast enough. I needed to change into wolf form, and with Shadow’s help, I knew I could escape. I tried to change, but nothing happened.

“Shadow?” I called out, running for my life.

Silence.

his. I splashed through a small stream, weaving in and out of trees, calling out for Shadow desperately. I couldn’t feel her anymore. It was like she had completely disappeared.

g to control my breathing so it didn’t immediately give away my location. It only made my lungs burn for oxygen.

dows found me. Black tendrils hovered in front of me, blocking any chance I had for an exit. I had no choice but to fight now. I held out my hand, trying to throw a ball of energy at the tendrils, but nothing appeared. It was nighttime, but when I looked into the sky, it was completely dark. The moon couldn’t be seen, and I suddenly realized it was a new moon.

at this dark evil.

from me?” I demanded, trying to make myself seem strong. Even though I was wolf-less and couldn’t use my magic, I wasn’t going to giv

me. After a moment, they started to twist around each other, shrinking in the process. When they all stopped, they created a shadow of a man.

ther.

ween us.

uld feel him looking deep into my soul.

You.”

d.

l, it was just the shadow man and me in the forest.

gain.

rung forward, gasping for air. It felt like I had been holding my breath. I felt disoriented as my eyes adjusted to the room. It was still dark

l racing. There was a lingering feelin

ght I belonged to it.

eam.” Mark grabbed my hand, trying to comfort me.

nning out of time, but I couldn’t let it take me. I knew I would have to get stronger.

me knew it wasn’t just a bad dream. I looked at Mark, staring at hi

e pulled me into him and held me tightly. “Nothing is going to take you away from me.”

–

rs from Pack Sallow had returned home, with the exception of one warrior who was still under Doctor Zayla’s care. Percy tried to convince her to release him to Pack Sallow,

making everything feel alive again.

d gotten away with fewer scrapes than me from the battle.

ed over to the table, a nauseating smell hit my nose. My stomach churned in response, and I had to stop walking.

you okay, Adira?” Darian said

’m fine. I think I’m still just exhausted from everything.”

d, tapping my shoulder. “Take it easy. You deserve a break.”

is still unpacking to do, and we need to find a way to have

and I will figure out how to increase the patrols. You shouldn’t be worrying about that.”

ust as much as everyone else.”

eyes say you need more sleep.”

o do something, even though my body still felt exhausted.

to me.

sure you’re getting your rest,” Mark said.

d be taking on my fair share of duties.”

s you are going to wear at your Luna Ceremony?”

d, feeling embarrassed. All eyes were now on me. I loved the idea of being the luna of this pack, but I didn’t feel like I deserved a big celebration for the matter.

r not you like it.”

ith pleading eyes. I knew he would understand the best that there were more imp

”

able laughed, and I knew Mark wa

oice.

than later.”

shopping in the next couple of days. I want to keep an eye on everyone here for a few days first,” I said. It felt wrong to go dress shopping knowing our warriors were still bedridden after risking their lives for the greater good of the pack.

said, changing the subject before Rie tried to beg me to go shopping today.

thanks. I’m not really hungry right now.”

Mark knitted his eyebrows together. “Are y

orry about,” I insisted. I felt fine other than my stomach. “I’ll eat a little later. I think the weird sleep schedule threw off my appetite.”

ng worse.”

ek. “Of course.”

ed at the sight. “Do you guys have to be so cutesy in front of everyone?”

lled me in, kissing my lips deeply.

kissed in front of other pack members plenty, but this was too much.

lly pulled away. I felt like I had to catch my breath, and the kiss made my mind wander to some less than appropriate places.

smirked at me, making the feeling worse. His eyes told me he knew ex

ss shopping.”

training to do.”

today!” I protested. “You need to make sure you are fully recovered.”

re I stay on top of my warrior skills. We will be having a lot more training sessions in the next couple of weeks.” Darian stood up and cleared his plate before leaving.

able.

?” he asked.

ed into a frown. He dropped his fork on his plate and stood up.

and frustration. There was only one person that could cause Mark’s face to twist like that.

’t get too out of hand. He rushed out the front door, leaving it wide open.

e were outside of the pack house, my suspicions we

led. He looked ready for a fight.