Page 15 of Little Risk of Fall

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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.


Tags: Clio Evans Romance