Page 120 of A Wolfe in the Woods

Erik’s head snapped toward it.

In the same instant, I slammed my elbow backward into his ribs with everything I had.

He grunted—genuinely startled—and I bolted for the door.

Fang was faster. His hand caught my wrist like a steel trap, yanking me backward so hard my shoulder burned. I twisted and stomped my heel down on his foot with all my weight. A hiss tore from him.

I twisted, claws out, and raked my nails across his cheek.

Blood beaded, thick and dark red.

Fang’s eyes flashed, something wolfish flickering just beneath the surface. He grabbed me with both hands now, pinning my arms. Hard enough to leave bruises.

I struggled like an animal. Kicked. Thrashed. But I was no match for a Lycan’s strength.

“No!” I snarled. “Get off me!”

Erik watched, adjusting his cuff, breathing steady. “Prey is fun when it runs, but more fun when it fights.”

“Touch that land,” I spat, straining against Fang’s hold, “and I will ruin you.”

Bernie. The files,I thought desperately. Had the transfer gone through?

I looked at the damaged terminal. I could only hope so.

Erik studied me as if reading the calculation behind my eyes. His gaze narrowed. “What did you do, Blanche?” he asked. “What do youreallywant?”

I lifted my chin in defiance. “I never want to see you again. I want you to leave Jonathan alone. I want you behind bars, where you belong.”

For the first time, Erik’s expression truly changed. Something cold slid fully into his eyes. Anger, maybe, or a kind of admiration twisted into hunger.

He stepped closer.

Fang shifted behind me, and something rough slammed over my mouth and nose.

A cloth. The smell hit instantly. Sharp. Sweet. Chemical.

No,I thought, suddenly understanding.

I jerked violently, trying to twist my head away, but Fang locked his arm across my chest and held tight. I couldn’t get air. My lungs burned. My body fought. My vision blurred.

Erik leaned close enough that I could see my reflection in his eyes. “Sleep,” he murmured. “Dream of Juniper’s dark woods…that you’ll be there soon.”

Darkness crept in.

As the sedative dragged me under, I forced one last thought through the fog, bright as moonlight.

Jonathan will know…he’ll find me.

CHAPTER 34

JONATHAN

Icalled again.

Voicemail.

I stared at the screen like it might change if I waited long enough. Then I redialed.