Dangerous Stranger

Chapt"If you want her," Draven growled, "you'll have to go through me

Mira's heart beat in her chest. The Alpha werewolf she'd just met was ready to fight for her against the Eclipse Order hunts. She didn't understand why, but there was no time to think about it.

The woman with the silver bow smirked. "So be it."

She shot an arrow straight at Draven's heart. With shocking speed, he caught it mid-air, snapping it in half with a growl.

Mira felt energy rush through her body. The tiredness from healing Draven melted away, replaced by a burning heat that started in her chest and spread to her fingers. Without thinking, she stepped forward, her hands glowing red.

"Stay back!" she yelled at the hunters.

Flames erupted from her hands, forming a wall of fire between them and the Eclipse Order. The hunters jumped backward, protecting their faces from the heat.

Draven stared at her, amazed. "I knew it," he whispered.

The fire wouldn't last long. Mira grabbed Draven's arm. "Run!"

They raced through the forest, the sound of angry shouts fading behind them. Rain hissed as it hit the dying flames.

"The river is just ahead," Draven said, pointing to a break in the trees.

They burst out of the trees onto a rocky bank. A wide river rushed before them, swollen from the storm.

"We need to cross," Draven said, scanning the swirling water.

Mira shook her head. "It's too dangerous. The current—"

"Will wash away our scent," he finished. "It's our only chance."

Before Mira could argue, howls emerged from the trees. The shooters were closing in.

"Do you trust me?" Draven asked, his bright eyes locked on hers.

"I don't even know you," Mira answered.

A faint smile touched his lips. "Fair enough. But right now, I'm your best chance at life."

He was right, and she knew it.

"Fine," she said.

Without notice, Draven swept her into his arms again and charged toward the river. Mira wrapped her arms around his neck, squeezing her eyes shut as he jumped into the rushing water.

The cold hit like a thousand knives. The current grabbed them, pulling them under. Mira's lungs burned. Her fingers dug into Draven's shoulders.

Then, something strange happened. That warm feeling between them grew stronger. Draven's body seemed to glow with new power. He kicked strongly, fighting the current, keeping them both afloat.

They emerged, gasping for air. Draven's arm locked around Mira's waist as he swam with supernatural strength toward the far bank.

When they finally pulled themselves onto shore, Mira fell on the muddy ground, coughing up water. Draven dropped beside her, breathing hard.

"What... was that?" she gasped. "Back there, in the water. You got stronger."

Draven touched his chest where the moonfire had been. The blue glow was gone.

"You," he said simply. "Your power."

"I don't understand."

Draven sat up, moving wet hair from his face. "The tales say Ruby Wolves can increase a mate's strength. I didn't believe it until now."

Mira stiffened. "Mate? I am not your mate."

"Not yet," Draven said, his voice low. "But you felt it too. The connection between us."

Mira stood up, backing away. "No. I just met you. This is crazy."

Draven didn't move, but his eyes never left her. "Fate doesn't care about time, Ruby Wolf."

A twig snapped in the trees behind them. Draven was on his feet instantly, putting himself between Mira and the trees.

"We need to keep moving," he said. "My area starts just beyond that hill. Once we're there, my pack will protect us."

"Your pack," Mira repeated. "The same pack that reports say has killed dozens of lone wolves? That hunts people for sport?"

Anger flashed across Draven's face. "Don't believe everything you hear. My pack follows my rules. And my rule is that you're under my security now."

"I never asked for your protection," Mira snapped.

"No, but you need it." Draven stepped closer, his voice softening. "The Eclipse Order won't stop hunting you. They've been looking for the last Ruby Wolf for years."

"Why? What do they want from me?"

Draven paused. "It's... difficult. I'll explain everything once we're safe."

They walked in silence as the sky slowly lightened. The storm had passed, but Mira's clothes were soaked, and she shivered in the early morning chill. Without a word, Draven removed his torn leather jacket and put it around her shoulders. It was wet, but still warm from his body heat.

"Thanks," Mira mumbled, pulling it close.

As the sun rose, Mira got her first real look at Draven. In the sunshine, he was even more menacing. Tall and solidly built, with sharp features and fierce eyes that had faded from werewolf yellow to a deep gray. His dark hair hung in wet strands around his face. Scars marked his arms and neck—evidence of countless fights.

He was beautiful in a bad way. And that made Mira even more uncomfortable.

"We're here," Draven stated as they topped the ridge.

Below them stretched a huge valley, thick with forest and bisected by the river they'd crossed. In the distance, smoke rose from what looked like a town.

"Duskfang territory," Draven said, pride obvious in his voice. "The largest werewolf pack in three territories."

"And you're their Alpha," Mira said. It wasn't a question.

Draven nodded. "For ten years now."

"Since you were what, twenty?"

"Eighteen," he amended. "Youngest Alpha in Duskfang history."

Mira studied him. "How does an eighteen-year-old become Alpha of the most feared werewolf pack?"

Draven's face darkened. "By killing the previous one."

A chill ran down Mira's spine that had nothing to do with her wet clothes.

They started down the hill toward the valley. With each step, Mira felt her fear grow. She was walking into a werewolf den. Willingly.

"Your pack," she began, "will they accept a Ruby Wolf in their territory?"

"They'll accept whatever I tell them to accept," Draven responded.

"That's not reassuring."

Draven stopped, turning to face her. "Mira, I won't let anyone hurt you. Not the Eclipse Order. Not my pack. No one."

The passion in his eyes made her breath catch. For a moment, she almost believed him.

Then a howl echoed across the valley—different from the hunters' howls. This one was answered by dozens more. The Duskfang Pack had sensed their Alpha's return.

Draven smiled, a predator's smile that showed too many teeth. "Sounds like our welcome party is coming."

As if on cue, shapes emerged from the trees ahead—werewolves in human form, moving with incredible speed toward them. At their head ran a tall man with red skin and fierce eyes.

Draven straightened, straightening his shoulders. The wounded werewolf from the cottage was gone, replaced by a powerful Alpha.

The coming werewolves stopped a decent distance away. The copper-skinned man stepped forward, falling to one knee.

"Alpha," he said, bowing his head. "We've been searching for you for days."

"Rise, Kieran," Draven ordered.

Kieran stood, his eyes instantly finding Mira. His nose flared as he caught her smell.

"What is she?" he asked, voice filled with doubt.

Before Draven could answer, Kieran's eyes widened in recognition. "A Ruby Wolf," he hissed, then glared at Draven. "You brought a Ruby Wolf into our territory?"

The other werewolves began to mutter, some backing away, others baring their teeth.

"Enough!" Draven's voice boomed across the clearing. "She is under my care. Anyone who challenges that, challenges me."

Silence fell. No one moved.

Kieran's jaw clenched tight. "As you command, Alpha," he said, but his eyes never left Mira. In them, she saw something that chilled her more than the Eclipse Order's hunts.

Pure hate.