His wolf sight took over. He scanned the growing shadows within the trees and undergrowth for any movement as he inhaled the air. Buried in the scent of damp earth and decomposing leaves was a familiar sweet smell. It didn’t carry the musk of the Pack but werewolves weren’t the only danger. They were alone with a map to Mount Ida in their possession, and no one outside of Hilos knew about it.
Would the Watchers defy their High King’s orders and come for Dyna? Zev’s canines extended at the thought.
He searched the branches overhead, but whoever followed them wasn’t up there. With another sniff, he pinpointed their exact location. He remained facing her, not wanting to give away he was aware of the presence behind him.
“Dyna.” She met his glowing eyes and quickly moved to his side. His eyes only changed for two reasons: when he was angry, or when he sensed a threat.
“What is it?” she whispered, staring at the darkening forest.
“Wait here.” Zev dropped their bags with a loud clanking thud.
Her breath hitched. “I can’t.”
“You can.” He took her shoulders. “Don’t worry. I won’t be long.”
She bit her lip and gave him a brave nod.
Backing away, he tossed his shirt aside and an ache passed through him as his bones fluidly shifted. The wolf came forward and his trousers slipped off as he dropped on four paws. Everything was clearer and brighter. His sight, hearing, and smell sharpened, heightening the scents of nature and the chatter of the wildlife.
Shaking out his flank, Zev darted into the trees. His muscles rippled under his fur as he picked up speed. His paws pounded into the wet dirt. He raced over fallen logs and through shrubs, the forest passing him in a blur. Revolving around the way they entered the glade, he picked up a mixture of scents past the decomposing leaves. Leather, honey, and divine incense. It told him exactly who it was.
He stalked forward and peered out from the foliage at the winged figure. Prince Cassiel hid behind an old tree layered in vines, frowning at Dyna. She stood visible in the open glade, hugging Zev’s clothing to her chest as she stared in the direction he had gone. Cassiel shook his head and took a step toward her. Zev sprung from the bushes, tackling the startled Prince. They crashed in a lumbering heap.
Cassiel’s heart raced and Zev tasted his panic, but he hid it well behind a glare of steel.
“Off,” the Prince commanded as though he were a dog. “I won’t say it again.”
Zev growled. Cassiel produced a knife from his sleeve and pressed the crossguard against Zev’s ribs. A searing fire burned through his skin to his core. He whined, leaping away.
The Prince rolled to his feet and slid into a lead-fighting stance. He flipped the silver knife in his hand, the edge as sharp as his sneer. He beckoned Zev forward, “Come on.”
Zev snarled and lowered into a crouch, deciding he would bite that hand clean off. The patter of running feet burst through the shrubs.
“Prince Cassiel?” Dyna called in surprise, distracting him. Zev dove and slammed him on the ground, knocking the weapon away.
Cassiel cursed in frustration. “Call off your beast.”
Zev snapped his teeth inches from his nose.
Dyna picked up the knife, her eyes narrowing as she inspected it. “Please don’t move, Your Highness. He’s not as agreeable in his wolf form and at the moment, you’re a threat. I would agree, bearing in mind you came armed with silver.”
“I would be a fool not to be prepared this time.”
She frowned. “And what brought you this way? We didn’t expect company.”
“Allow me the dignity of standing before I answer you.”
“Zev, it’s all right.” Dyna nodded. “Let him stand.”
Zev ambled off and his muscles flexed as he shifted into his human form. He grabbed the Prince’s arm and jerked him upright on his feet, leaving behind a litter of black feathers on the ground.
Cassiel scowled, brushing himself off. “Look at what you have done.”
He nudged Dyna aside to gather them before she reached for one and plucked the knife from her hands.
Zev ground his teeth. “For a prince, you lack manners.”
“And you lack modesty. You’re shamelessly exposing yourself in front of a girl.”
