ning. It seemed to come from everywhere at once, bouncing off t

er voice trembling as she instinc

d commanding. His silver eyes scanned the sh

n his body coiled with tension, as if he were ready to pounce. It was unsettling, but there was also

unmistakable sound of movement-leaves crunching, branc

her panic rising. "What

replied withou

n wh

oving fast-too fast. It was massive, its outline barely discernible in the

hat defied logic, meeting the creature head-on. The sound of impact echo

ng. The creature was like nothing she'd ever imagined. It was humanoid in shape but cov

ut like an animal. He didn't hesitate, didn't flinch. His movements were flu

alization hit her. He's l

ugh the air, but Lachlan dodged with inhuman agility. He countered with a vi

reeling. This couldn't be real. It wasn't possible. And yet,

ally, with a guttural roar, Lachlan drove the creature back. It staggered, bl

hat followed

dy rigid. The dim light caught the sheen of blood on his hands and arm

re. His features were sharper, his posture still animalistic. But as she stared, he began to change. His breathin

hoarse, but it was enough to

?" she whispered, her

took a step toward her, his expression pa

shaking her head.

, his tone pleading. "I'

he creature had disappeared. "That thing... and yo

ened. "I'm not like

oed, her voice rising. "W

y evident. "It means I'm not human. Not entirely. I'm.

back, her fear gi

searching hers. Then, with a resigned sigh,

wolf," he s

he air between them

lieving sound. "A werewolf? Y

firm. "You saw me. Do you think there's any

k in. She had seen him-seen the claws, the speed, the ferocity.

ling me this?" she aske

xpression darkening. "That thing? It wasn'

ran cold.

. "But you don't belong here, Amara. Not in Blackwoo

I came here to start over, to get away from-" She stoppe

t whatever you were running from... it

nding a shiver through her. She wrapped her ar

if I stay?" sh

ng his voice. "If you stay, you'll be dragged into something you're not ready for. A

fear coiling in her chest, she found herself asking,

tain. "I don't know," he said quietly. "

e could respond, another howl echoed through the forest, closer th

," he said, gr

t ab

, Am

pounded with more than just fear. Whatever she had stepped in