A low growl came from Rabe, his eyes flashing. “We’ll see, Jasper.”
My muscles stiffened, rage unfurling in my stomach. I turned my gaze on the woods, drawing in a breath.
The moon highlighted everything around us that wasn’t orange from the glow of the fire. Soon, I would be running in the dark. Soon, I would be taking Alex beneath the night sky.
I had taken him far away from danger, trying to keep him out of Lucifer’s crosshairs. For the first time in awhile, I was able to breathe.
I was able to be me.
This was my element. The forest, my brethren, the scent of lust in the cool summer breeze. I could taste the sting of the heat, the rise of my rut turning my desires into primal needs.
I would hunt my mate. I would claim him.
That was my mantra. Hunt and claim.
Hunt and claim.
The minutes ticked by, my body shivering with excitement. I could feel the rise of pressure from my brethren, our band ready to chase.
“Favorite part of the solstice,” Gregg said, letting out a dark chuckle.
I’d never understood why until this moment. My prey had never been the one I planned to spend the rest of my life with.
Now, I could see why those who were mated looked forward to this.
“Three minutes,” I growled, glancing around the group.
There was shuffling and grumbles. Every second that passed was grueling.
Hunt and claim.
I sucked in a breath just as the seconds counted down, letting out a fierce bellow.
I was met with my brethren cheering.
That was the sign. It was time.
I took off running, barreling straight down the path with the band of orcs right behind me. I heard their breaths, the crunch of leaves and the snapping of sticks as we all split off.
I breathed in the air as I ran, the delight of being a predator setting in. My senses were heightened, my blood pumping with serotonin. I broke off the trail, Alex’s scent leading me like a moth to a flame.
I knew I was being followed. I knew Rabe was close on my heels, coming after us.
I knew at least one of them would challenge me.
It was foolish. I didn’t like spilling my brother’s blood, but I would for my mate.
He was mine and mine alone.
I broke through the trees, hitting a small clearing with tall grass. This was the direction of the river, and knowing that Alex had studied the map— I wasn’t pleased he had chosen this direction.
The other side of the river could be dangerous sometimes, especially during the solstice.
He wouldn’t be foolish enough to cross though.
I ran through the grass, my shadow stretching long as the moonlight hit me. I looked around, his scent growing stronger as I entered the woods again.
Darkness surrounded me, but I could still see.