Chapter Fifteen

(Tracy)

I could hear the growls, howls, and other sounds of fighting behind us as we ran. I didn't want to be running away, but until I learned how to fight against werewolves it was my duty to stay safe for my people. And worrying about my safety was not something anyone else needed to be thinking about. They had to know I was at least strong enough to do that.

Alpha Kane was pulling me through the forest as quickly as my feet could go. Luckily for me we discovered that as long as he held my hand we could communicate through a private link. I didn't know that was possible, neither did he, based on how shocked he was when I did it. But he quickly took over and we moved much faster with him leading.

The sounds of battle fell fainter as we neared the waterfall. I pulled him to a stop as we neared the hidden path. Something didn't feel right. He must have sensed it too because his posture became rigid and he quickly pulled me behind his body.

"We just want the girl. Hand her over and walk away."

"I think not."

"And you think you can take on the four of us?"

His voice gave me the creeps. I knew I shouldn't be scared, but at the moment it was kind of hard not to be.

I felt his hand reach back and grab mine. 'Tracy, I know we're close to wherever you needed to go so when I let go of your hand you need to run.'

I gave his hand a squeeze. 'Kick their asses. But don't follow me when you're done. There are traps for anyone who tries. Be safe and get back to the house. They may need you.'

'Yes, Luna.' And with that he let go of my hand.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion as I ran toward the trail, hearing the shifting of men into wolves behind me. I paused at the beginning of the traps to rid myself of beautiful dress, leaving me in the black crop top and pants I'd slipped on earlier. As I flipped past the first trap I heard the rustle in the trees and a wolf step out onto the path.

Damn!

I paused as he came closer. "You shouldn't be here. Leave now."

His response came in the form of a low growl and then he lunged toward me. The moment he triggered the first trap and the arrows pierced his hide I closed my eyes and got through the rest as fast as I could.

The howls of agony ricocheted off the cave walls, but I knew even if he made it through the rest of the traps that he wouldn't be able to open the hidden door. Yet I felt no relief at that thought. Something still left me uneasy and on guard.

I stood with my back toward the falls, watching the cave's entrance. Silence engulfed the room. I wanted to believe my follower dead, but the hairs on the back of my neck stood up preventing me from relaxing. I turned just as that same wolf, now bloodied, came through the water landing directly in front of me, and then transformed into a man.

"We need you alive."

It was the same voice that I'd heard earlier. He must've come after me instead of staying to fight with the others. "I don't need you alive though."

"Smart mouths can be silenced."

As I reached down for the knife at my ankle he plowed into me. I flew into the wall and crashed to the ground. He grabbed my ankle, pulling me toward him. Then reached for my knife.

"Ahh!" he screamed as he pulled his hand away from the silver handle. His eyes narrowed at me. "Silver," he seethed.

I scooted away and stood up.

"The hard way it is."

He transformed back into a wolf and stalked toward me. I reached behind me sliding the katana I had strapped there from its sheath and as he lunged I brought it down severing his head from his body. As it hit the ground the once wolf returned to its human form.

I stared down at the blood, my mind overwhelmed by the silence.

I'd had weapons training as a kid, because my parents were slightly over protective, not that I'd ever thought I'd need it for anything. Maybe they'd known differently.

If I could hone my skills maybe I wouldn't have to run and hide. Maybe I could fight alongside my pack and be the fierce Luna they need.

I curled into my favorite spot in the corner and awaited James. I knew he'd come for me. It was the one thing I knew without a shadow of doubt.

(James)

I smelled the blood before I entered. My heart pounded at what I would find. As the door slid open I saw the remnants of the Diamondhead pack member on the ground. His head completely severed from his body. Then I found Tracy in our corner, fast asleep with her hand wrapped around a katana.

She had been the one to fight. I was upset that I hadn't been here to protect her. I'd thought she would have been safe here. But maybe, just maybe, she didn't need me to protect her. She'd done that all on her own.

My mind battled between being terrified and proud. This woman, my mate, my Luna, she was miraculous.

"James? You came."

I brushed a few stray hairs away from her face. "I will always come for you, my love."

Then I did what I was meant to do every day for the rest of eternity…I kissed her.

The End