Page 60 of Midnight Deception

Suddenly, my elation falters and I slow my pace, frowning as I try to work out why my instincts are suddenly so alert. An icy trickle of fear works its way down my spine. Star senses it too, returning to my side and staring out into the dark tree line. It’s not Atlas, he’s too far away, but someone,something, is watching me. Whatever it is, they know how to travel quietly and swiftly. Another werewolf? Impossible, I’m still within the boundaries of the shield, and I would have been told if there was someone like me out here.

I continue to run, slowly trying to weave my way back to where I left Atlas without giving away that I know I’m being followed. Star suddenly jumps in front of me, her hackles raised as she snarls at the pathway ahead. I stumble to a halt, my breath sawing from my chest. I want to blame it on the fact that I’ve been running, but I’ve never been in better shape. This is my fear making an appearance. Staring ahead, I try to see whatever has Star so worked up, but I see nothing. My instincts are screaming though, and I realise I’m not just being followed, I’m being stalked, and they’ve cut me off. I don’t quite feel like I’m in danger, but I definitely get the feeling that I need to be careful with how I act next, the tingle in my chest from the goddess confirming my thought.

A rustle in the bushes is the only warning I have before a dark figure steps out of the trees and stares at me, blocking my path. As soon as he sees me, a low growl rumbles from his chest. Strangely enough, Star stops snarling, but she doesn’t move from her protective position in front of me. I have no idea what’s happening or why I feel so conflicted.

The wind shifts direction, and I catch his scent for the first time. No, it can’t be. This has to be a fever dream or something. There is no way this is really happening.

“Mate,” the male growls, his voice possessive and rough. “I’ve been searching for you.”

Gasping, I realise I’m not imagining this, and as the male steps forward, I take in the predatory gleam in his eyes. He moves away from the canopy of trees, and the moonlight shines down on him, lighting up a face I know so well. Only, he looks so different from the male I left behind when I was taken.

Breath catching in my throat, I take half a step forward, the tug in my chest urgent and impossible to ignore. There’s a sense of danger around him I don’t recognise. Oh sure, he’s always been dangerous, but there was a predictability about it. This… There’s a madness to it that makes him all the more deadly.

“Syn?” My voice wobbles slightly as he takes a decisive step forward, stalking towards me like a predator, which makes me his prey.

The End