With a trial powerful push. I sank my jaws into the vulnerable spot just behind its front leg, where even its thick hide couldn't protect it I bit down, hard. The boson let out a shuddering groan and stumbled, its massive frame swaying. Victory was a breath away I crouched low, gathering every last ounce of strength for the finishing strike-when suddenly, a sharp burst of scent and heavy pawsteps shattered the air. Werewolves! Phina hissed inside me. I whirled, heart hammering. Shit! It was too late for me to act or hide. From the shadows, four wolves emerged, their eyes locked instantly onto me. My stomach dropped. Cassius, Reed, and two other Alphas 1 didn't recognize. The blood roared in my ears. Why did it have to be them? I took a step back, my body tensed to run. My inner voice screamed at me. 'Don't shift. Don't reveal yourself" Cassius golden eyes gleamed with interest. Reed's lips curled into a smirk as he effortlessly shifted into his human form, followed by Cassius. "A she-wolf?" Reed drawled, raking his eyes down my form. "In this dangerous forest?" He flicked a glance at the bison I would have claimed if not for their interference. Panic clawed at my insides, but a sliver of relief pierced through the fear. They didn't recognize me. Not yet. "Fuck, man. An Alpha she-wolf?" Cassius muttered, his voice thick with disbelief. He took a slow, deliberate step closer, his posture lazy but his eyes razor-sharp. Reed followed behind him, tongue flicking across his fangs like a snake savoring a meal . "Such a rare beauty, Cassius murmured, inching closer. His gaze devoured me. "I didn't expect to find a she-wolf in this forsaken forest" "This is fate." Reed grinned savagely, flashing his canines as the others crowded behind him, their excitement thick in the air like smoke. "The Goddess just sent us a feast." Achill raced down my spine as Reed's histful gaze locked with mine, pinning me like a predator did its prey. Cassius laughed low in his throat, his hand shamelessly stroking his manhood as he grinned ear to ear. "Our days of struggle are finally over" "Yeah Reed agreed darkly, then barked out an order "Surround her!" The other two wolves moved in, hemming me in on all sides. Chapter 22 An Alpha Shewolf For a heartbeat. I froze paralyzed by the horrifying realization. They didn't want to kill me. They didn't want to fight me. They wanted to violate me. Disgust and fury exploded inside me, but I masked it under a veil of fear, letting them believe I was frozen in terror Closer. Closer They dropped their guard , thinking I was helpless In a flash. I lunged-sinking my langs into the throat of the wolf blocking my escape. The coppery! mouth as I ripped through his flesh and spit the torn skin from my jaws. of blood flooded my Before the others could react, bolted into the forest like a lightning strike. "Catch that bitch!" Reed roared behind me, in the next instant, the sound of pounding paws echoed through the trees as they shifted into their wolves and gave chase. They hunted me like rabid hyenas, snapping and snarling at my heels. But they still didn't know who I was. Notv yel That was my only advantage . I could fight them. I wanted to fight them. I could kill them one by one if I had to. But it would drain me. And I needed my strength to reclaim the bison. To survive. Worse, if I fought back in my usual style, they'd recognize me. Reed and Cassius were cunning bastards . F They'd been observing me for days at the Academy. They'd put the pieces together fast if they caught even a glimpse of my true power Worst of all, they wanted to violate me. I had to protect my dignity. And my disguise. No matter the cost: I wove through the trees, heart hammering, searching for anything-anything-that could give me an edge. Then, I saw him. A massive black wolf, his jaws dripping blood as he pinned an elk to the ground. His piercing blue eyes locked onto me across. the clearing My blood ran cold Our gazes collided, recognition instantly flared. Terror jolted through me. Before he could react, I tore my gaze away and sprinted past him in a blur. Chapter 22 An Alpha She-wolf Only to stumble into another nightmare. Not far ahead, another black wolf loomed over a dead lion, his massive frame stained with blood. I knew those eyes. Violet Cold. Unforgiving. Roman My heart plummeted. The last person , the absolute last person I wanted to see me…saw me. The real me. Seraphina.