Sarah’s POV
I struggled against Sally’s grip, my heart pounding as I wrestled with her in the cramped car. The vehicle swerved violently, the tires screeching against the gravel road. Ryan snarled in frustration from the driver’s seat, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel.
“Get her under control!” Ryan barked, his eyes flashing with anger.
But Sally wasn’t faring any better than I was. I twisted my body, using all my strength to push her away. The car jerked again, and Ryan’s focus wavered.
“Stop it!” he yelled, but it was too late.
The car slammed into something solid-a massive tree. The force of the collision threw me forward, but the seatbelt held me in place. Pain shot through my body as I gasped for breath.
When the world stopped spinning, I turned to see Sally slumped against the door, unconscious. Her head lolled to the side, blood trickling from a cut on her forehead.
Ryan groaned, his hand gripping his chest as he turned to glare at me. “You…”
His voice was guttural, more growl than words. His anger was palpable, and before my eyes, he began to transform. His features twisted, his eyes glowing an unnatural yellow. Fur sprouted along his arms, and his nails extended into claws.
“No,” I whispered, panic clawing at my throat.
Ryan’s half-transformed wolf growled, the sound vibrating through the car.
“Do you think you can escape me?” he snarled.
I felt the familiar pull within me, the surge of energy that came with shifting. My body obeyed instinctively, my own transformation taking over. But I didn’t wait for it to complete. With a burst of strength, I shoved the car door open, the metal creaking under my force.
I leaped out into the cold night, the woods surrounding me like a dark abyss.
“Run all you want, Sarah!” Ryan’s voice boomed behind me, mixed with snarls. “I’ll find you, and when I do, you’ll regret this!”
His words sent a chill down my spine. My legs burned as I sprinted through the trees, my bare feet pounding against the forest floor. Branches scratched at my skin, but I didn’t stop.
“Stephanie,” I whispered into my mind, trying to reach her through our bond. “Please hear me. I’m in trouble. Ryan-he’s after me. I need you. Please.”
There was no response. Only silence.
My lungs screamed for air, and my vision blurred with tears of desperation. Behind me, I could hear Ryan crashing through the underbrush, his growls echoing like a predator closing in on its prey.
“Stephanie, please!” I cried again, hoping, praying she would hear me.
Suddenly, a dark opening appeared ahead-a massive cave. Without hesitation, I darted inside, my body trembling as I pressed myself against the cool, damp walls.
The sound of Ryan’s growls grew louder, closer.
“I’ll find you, Sarah,” he snarled. “You can’t hide forever.”
I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to quiet the sound of my ragged breaths. My only hope was that Stephanie would hear me in time.
—
Stephanie’s POV
I bolted upright in bed, clutching my chest. My heart was racing, my breaths shallow. The dream-it had felt so real.
“Sarah,” I murmured, her name falling from my lips like a plea.
The images were still fresh in my mind: Sarah running, terrified, calling out for help. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to shake off the lingering dread.
“It’s just a dream,” I told myself, but the words felt hollow.
Unable to stay in bed, I slid out and padded over to the window. The cool night air brushed against my face as I opened it slightly, hoping it would calm me. But then, movement caught my eye.
Diane.
She was outside, pacing near the edge of the courtyard with a phone pressed to her ear. Her body language was tense, her free hand gesturing sharply.
“What is she up to?” I muttered.
Curiosity and suspicion gnawed at me. I grabbed a robe and stepped out of my room, my feet silent against the cold floor as I made my way outside.
Diane’s voice carried in the stillness of the night, though I couldn’t make out her words. When she noticed me approaching, she stiffened, quickly ending her call.
“Who were you talking to?” I demanded, folding my arms.
Diane turned to face me, her expression guarded but smug. “It’s none of your business.”
I narrowed my eyes. “It is my business if you’re plotting something against John or this pack. Are you scheming again? Trying to sabotage someone else now?”
She smirked, brushing past me as if I were nothing more than an annoyance. “Believe what you want, Stephanie. But you and that little brat Reyna won’t be here much longer.”
I grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop. “What are you talking about?”
She wrenched her arm free, her smile cold and cruel. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
With that, she walked away, leaving me standing alone under the moonlight, unease curling in my stomach.
Something was happening-something bigger than I realized. And I needed to figure it out before it was too late.