“Who are you?” asked Rebecca.
She smiled, no sense of fear surrounding her despite their predicament. In fact, her confidence was palpable. “My name’s Lilla. I’m Ben’s mate.”
Her mouth fell open. Ben was one of Liam’s friends. One of his pack. “I don’t understand.”
The locks opened one after the other, and Rebecca was free. “Males can be hotheaded at times, especially when mates are involved. Sometimes they underestimate us, think we need their protection.” She winked. “But she-wolves can be just as lethal. And we don’t like to be told what to do.”
She pulled Rebecca up to her feet.
“We’ll never get out of here. There are so many men working for Payne. He could be back at any second.”
What if something happened to Lilla because of her? This wasn’t her fight, and Rebecca didn’t want to be responsible for anything that could go wrong.
“We’ll be fine.”
“Lilla, I’m not a she-wolf. I’m human.”
“I know. Come on.” Just as they took their first steps, that asshole with the cigarette appeared around the corner and caught sight of them. He stopped dead, crushed his cigarette under his boot, then cracked his knuckles. Within moments, Lilla shifted into a snarling beast, her deadly fangs and intent gaze focused on the man. She lunged forward, sinking her teeth into his leg and shaking back and forth. When he cried out in pain, she knocked him down and went for his jugular.
It was over in seconds.
Blood pooled on the concrete, spreading around the body in a morbid display.
Rebecca stood in shock until the wolf let out a low bark to catch her attention. She knew Lilla wanted her to follow, so she stepped around the dead man and chased after the magnificent black wolf.
They weaved in and out of a tent camp, makeshift shelters and huts, barbeque pits, and clothes hanging on lines. Rebecca grabbed a white t-shirt off a line as she tried to keep up with the she-wolf, pulling it on over her head. It was long, covering just past her ass, and she instantly felt better despite her life still being in danger.
The wolf came to a standstill just ahead, the area sheltered by pines. Rebecca had never seen a wolf shifter in the fur. Part of her still felt a sliver of fear even though she knew it was Lilla under there somewhere. She was a beautiful animal, sleek fur, expressive eyes.
Lilla changed back into a human, morphing before her eyes. Rebecca would never get used to it, no matter how many times she witnessed such a miracle.
“Okay, you’ll be safe here for now,” said Lilla.
“Where’s Liam?”
“The males had some plan in mind, but it fell apart when Ben was captured.”
“Your mate?”
She nodded. “I’m going to save his ass, and then we’ll all get out of here. Sarah is scouting the area. She’ll come for you first. She’s a white wolf.” Lilla put a hand on Rebecca’s shoulder. “Don’t be afraid.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“No, really, they smell fear. Think good thoughts, and we’ll be back for you.” She bent forward and landed on wolf feet. Before Rebecca could blink, there was no sign of the black she-wolf. She rubbed her arms, hating everything about the situation.
As time ticked by, she wondered if Payne had been right. Maybe Rebecca wasn’t worthy of Liam. After seeing Lilla, her power, strength, and beauty, there was no way she could compare.
Stop it, Rebecca. These negative thoughts aren’t helping anyone. Liam loves you, nobody else.
Then where was he? What if he was captured like Ben? Imagining something happening to Liam made her realize just how much she loved him. Love, such a big word. She’d only known him a short time, but the feeling was strong within her, leaving no doubt in her mind. Man or werewolf, it shouldn’t matter. It didn’t matter. She just needed him back.
She’d been kneeling on the forest floor for a while, not wanting her bare ass against the leaves and dirt. The white wolf
she’d been waiting for came rushing by. It stopped dead, nudging her with its snout until Rebecca toppled over, and then it ran away. Another wolf raced by moments later, in hot pursuit of the beautiful white wolf.
A burst of emotion made Rebecca’s sinuses sting. The wolf had saved her, knocked her down to hide from Payne’s man. She prayed Sarah would be okay, that’s she’d be able to outrun the enemy.
Who would come for her now?