Page 108 of Undying Thirst

As soon as you hear the horn, hide. Don’t keep going forward, go left as soon as you’re in the forest.Another tidbit Asher offered. He didn’t have to tell me twice.

I wove to the left and hunkered lower, trying to find a hiding spot as I crept through. While at the same time slowing my panting breaths. Pressing on my chest, I focused on bringing down the volume of my panting. Adrenaline pumped through my veins. It was so dark out here . . .

I shivered. I hated this with a passion. My skin crawled and all I wanted to do was disappear. But this was about Peter’s survival. I would win because I needed to keep protecting him. Once I was gone, Crimson Coven could get rid of him.

A branch snapping cracked through the silent forest, echoing from all around.

An unfamiliar man hovered at the main path, well within view of the moonlight beaming down and turning his skin pale.

He slowed and he inhaled hard, smelling me? I gritted my teeth, fear riding me hard. Something tickled my arm. I lifted it closer to see a thin line of blood.

A scratch. I covered it with my mouth, licking the injury. Thank God, it didn’t keep bleeding. Upon lowering my arm, my elbow smacked a branch, rattling the leaves.

I froze.

The vampire whipped his head in the direction I hid. A scream rang out and he whirled toward the sound.

Bats exploded out of a nearby tree. The vampire disappeared. I contained the sob that begged to escape.

I continued trekking to the left as I was directed. Rhythmic smacking brought me to a halt. A vampire had his pants around his ankles, knees in the dirt as he fucked a woman. His head was tipped back, neck straining. Her dress was around her neck, and he gripped the end of it, forcing her into a bent curve.

Bites and blood littered her body. Was she even alive?

I heaved and crept by while he kept fucking her. Once I was far enough, I allowed myself to breathe normally.

Hurry, Jax.

Trees rustled and a shadow moved within the trees. I squinted. Alistair.

I ducked behind a wide trunk, pressing my back to the bark, and holding my breath. Walk on by. Please, plea?—

“I wouldn’t hide here.”

A scream ripped from my throat. Terrified and loud. Too loud. He winced. “I wouldn’t scream either,” he drawled. I cringed against the tree.

The corner of his lips twitched.

“I’d hide there.” He tipped his chin toward a thick bush. I could only blink at him. Was he playing with me? His lips full on spread into a fang-y grin. He winked and disappeared. I exhaled and slumped against the tree.

The spot he’d told me to hide in looked inconspicuous. And If I kept walking, I was bound to run into another vampire.

I dashed into the dense bushes, hunkering down into a crouch and hugging my knees. Closing my eyes, I focused on breathing and listening.

A brief moment passed and then the sound of a whispered ‘hello’ echoed. I peeked through the brush.

The human male inched by. Sweeping his gaze from left to right. No way. I was staying right here. Even if he meant no harm, why was he walking around calling out. Too fishy.

I settled back in, closing my eyes and breathing slow. A snap of a branch forced my eyes open in time to see a hand plunge into the bush. The man grabbed my hair in a rough tug, dragging me from my hiding spot.

Screaming, I kicked at his calves, but he would not let go of my braid. From my peripheral, a rock came flying at me. Agony splintered through my temple, and I cried out.

He slammed a rock into my head.

I whimpered, clasping my jaw. The hit was so hard it radiated down. He tossed me down and I fell in an unceremonious pile.

“Why?” I croaked.

“I will win.” So emotionless.

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