Alpha Binding Bonds

I’m crouched in a thicket, listening to the drawn-out howl of a wolf, blood calling to blood.

He’s coming for me already? How is that even possible? I only dove into this hiding spot a few minutes ago. Maybe I misheard a dog from a neighboring farm.

I peer through the thick brush. The moon slides from behind a cloud and for a heartbeat, I see forest, acres of empty forest. Then darkness again. I stare into the night as I listen. The smell of spring-damp earth floats past on a sharp breeze. At a soft thump, I freeze, ears straining. Undergrowth crashes as a rabbit darts for cover. Then the forest falls silent again.

Okay, it really was just a neighbor’s—

Another howl slices through the silence, raising every hair on my body.

Even as it dies away, I feel it strumming through the air.

Unmistakably wolf. Unmistakably him.

So stop listening and do something.

I swallow hard and concentrate, fingers digging into dirt. It’s too late.

He’ll be here any second and—

Focus. Just focus.

I hunker down and slow my breathing. I might have time. I was careful