Aurora lifted a brow as she walked past, heading for the backyard.“I’m going to holler for Yukon.You keep sassing me, and I will make you hold his leash when we run.”
They both were aware of how much Starla hated running behind Yukon.The Grey Wolf-Alaskan Malamute mix loved Aurora but tolerated Starla.If they were out in the woods or anywhere he could stretch his paws, he’d show them who was alpha of their little pack, until Aurora let him see it was her.Starla didn’t stand a chance at getting the big beast to listen to her unless Yukon decided it was in his best interest.She would rather Aurora be in charge of the big beast.
Knowing her sister wasn’t going to let her get out of running, she followed Aurora.The treelined path wound through the woods.Leaves coated the path, silencing their footfalls as they ran behind Yukon.
“I need to take a break, Rory,” Starla gasped, resting her hands on her knees.
Aurora stopped, running in place.“Yukon, come.”
The big animal continued for a bit, then turned back to face Aurora.His ears perked up and twitched.
Aurora looked toward the clearing ahead and then down at Starla.
“Do you need a drink?”Aurora asked.She pulled her backpack off and reached inside.
Starla waved her hand in the air.“No, I got my own.You and Yukon can continue.I’ll catch up.”She tried to respond to a few messages from her school friends.They’d graduated from high school, with many going off to college soon.This was their last summer to be together.Most were doing everything they could to make memories.Starla never felt a huge connection with her peers.She’d thought that if she hung out with them more, she’d feel normal.And then her stupid nature had to throw a curveball.
Aurora made a little growl sound.Starla looked at her from between her lashes and saw her grit her teeth.Instead of arguing with Starla, Aurora walked ahead.Rather than yell at Starla, her sister chose to check on why their pet Yukon hadn’t returned to their side.Score one for me.
“Yukon, come,” Aurora said sharply.“Dammit, where are you?Yukon,” she yelled and jogged out of Starla’s sight.
Starla’s hair stood on end.Her sense of danger screamed at her when she couldn’t see her sister or Yukon any longer.
The sound of deep male voices floated back to her along with Aurora’s angry one.She tucked her cell phone back into her pocket and got to her feet.
“Motherfucking bitch.I think she broke my nose.”
Her sister’s words came to her like a bitter stench on the wind.She jumped to her feet, taking a step in the direction she’d seen her go.
A large male moved out of the trees, blocking her path.“You smell delicious, female.”He inhaled, leaning into her space.
“Who are you?”She backed away, stumbling over a tree root.She held her hands outward, catching herself before falling on her ass.
“I’m a lucky son-of-a-bitch.You can call me Alpha Garrison.”
She narrowed her eyes.“You’re not my alpha.I’m...human.”
He laughed, the sound not the least bit humorous.“You and I both know you’re not fully human.In fact,”—he moved faster than a human male— “I’m not sure what you are exactly, but I know you’re a female shifter by your scent alone.And by your sweet smell, I can tell you’re on the cusp of your first heat.”
She tried to put space between them.“Listen, Garrison.My mom and dad are going to be looking for my sister and me.You should run along so you don’t get in trouble.”
The big fucker laughed.His breath smelled like hot Cheetos and death.“Shut up, little bitch.If you’re nice to me, I might let you walk out of here.If you’re not...”The threat hung in the air.
The sickening stench of her sister’s blood filled the walkway.“Did you get rid of the other one?”Garrison barked.
“Yes, Alpha.”
Starla’s legs gave out beneath her.Fear coated her mouth and flooded her nose, making it hard to breathe as her world threatened to fade into darkness.
“Aurora,” she screamed and tried to run.The feel of hands grabbing her made her jerk to the side.She bit the arm of one of the men.His howl of pain as the taste of copper filled her mouth fueled her.
Her head snapped backward.Pain lanced through her scalp.
“Release him,” Garrison roared into her ear.When she didn’t do as he said fast enough, he shook her like one would shake a dog.
“The little bitch took a chunk out of my arm, Alpha.”He reared back, tossing Starla to the ground.His wolven face appeared over his human one as he nearly shifted.
“Stop.We owe Savage, the Vampire King.If we don’t give him something better than our leftovers, he’ll be hunting us for the rest of our lives.After the sadistic fuck finishes with her, nobody will want her.Maybe he’ll offer to give us the bitch once they’re through with her.I can’t offer him damaged goods after what happened to his blood donors, you fuck.Imagine the damage she’ll be suffering at the hands of those leeches.That little bite is nothing compared to the hell she’ll be heading toward at Club Jus Sanguinus.”
