Page 51 of Midnight Hunt

With a groan, I finally gave in, quickly stripping before dropping to all fours. The second I relinquished control to Sable, she gleefully surged to the surface and initiated the change. A minute later, she shook off the transformation with an excited yip and bounded toward Whiskey. As they took a few moments to nuzzle and lick each other, I grumbled,You promised to behave.

Killjoy, she grumbled back, giving him one final lick before getting down to business. She and Whiskey used their sharp claws to dig a hole in the damp earth, then buried our shredded clothing in it.

Good riddance. I never wanted to see that gaping tree-sized hole in Griff’s shirt ever again.

When they finished, a loud growl rumbled through Sable’s empty stomach. She whined softly, and Whiskey licked her cheek sympathetically. Then they took off into the trees, their strides in sync as they ran side-by-side. Not long after, they picked up the scent Griff had smelled earlier. Like a switch being flipped, they went into hunting mode, following the trail swiftly and with barely a sound. As the scent intensified, they split up, hunting their prey from opposite directions.

The move was like a choreographed dance, one they’d practiced countless times over the years. They’d always worked beautifully together, and I took a moment to silently appreciate the connection they shared. I knew they both wished that Griff and I would become mates so thattheycould become mates, but I couldn’t forget my reason for denying them that bond.

It might seem cruel. Itwascruel. But the alternative was so much worse.

At least they were still together. Not as mates, but this way, they didn’t have to worry about being separated. Aboutlosingeach other.

And neither would Griff and I.

Moments later, Whiskey let out an ear-piercing howl. Sable shivered with anticipation, barely controlling her excitement. A crashing sound through the trees alerted her to their prey, the howl’s intent working as planned. The deer bounded to the left, frantically trying to escape Whiskey. In doing so, it headed directly for Sable. Putting on a fresh burst of speed, she lunged for the deer, opening her jaws wide.

The buck bleated in terror as Sable’s teeth sank deeply into his side. Blood exploded in her mouth, and I tasted it right along with her. He tried to kick her off him, but Whiskey was there a second later, jumping onto his back. The two wolves easily brought the deer down, killing him within seconds.

Ravenous hunger burned in Sable’s gut, and she immediately began to feast on her prize. Whiskey did too, but when Sable growled at him softly, he stopped eating to look at her.

Knowing what she was up to, I internally rolled my eyes.Let him eat, Sabs.

But we always do this, she said, staring him down while she fed.

Exactly. But you promised me you would be good.

I am.

This isforeplay. You’re trying to rev him up.

I didn’t promise I wouldn’t make him horny.

Let himeat, Sable, I growled, done with her nonsense.

With a disgruntled huff, she lowered her eyes, giving Whiskey permission to feed. He seemed confused, but after a moment, he went back to eating. In no time, the two hungry wolves demolished the deer, then dug a hole to bury the remains in.

Tell me again why hybrid wolves can’t portal?I muttered, impatiently waiting for them to slake their thirst at a nearby stream. It was still morning, and there hadn’t been any sign of our pursuers yet, but I wasn’t looking forward to the dangerous journey ahead.

Neither Griff nor I had told Kolton we were heading home early, but he’d probably discovered something had gone wrong by now. Knowing him, he was already searching for us, and that worried me. Our pursuers meant business, and if their weapons really were silver, even a powerful alpha could be killed. The sooner we found a phone, the better. Problem was, we wereliterallyin the middle of nowhere. Even if we stumbled upon a random hunting cabin, there was no reception out here.

The ether won’t accept us, Sable answered my question, raising her head to lick her lips clean.The Universe demands balance, and allowing a spirit tied to the earthly plane—namely, one that’s wholly contained in a single body—to traverse the celestial plane upsets that balance. It’s why only witches and warlocks can portal. Their mortal bodies house only a small fraction of a spirit, so the ether doesn’t see them as a threat.

Still seems like discrimination to me, I replied with a huff.

She laughed quietly.On the contrary. It keeps us immortals in check. Our limited ability to use magic on Earth keeps most spirits on the celestial plane instead of here. If we had access to our full power in these physical forms, it would incite Armageddon, and life as we know it on Earth would perish.

Jeez, okay already, I muttered.Guess I should be grateful your kind isn’t trying to take over the world through our bodies.

I wouldn’t saythat, she joked, her laughter turning dark.

You scare me sometimes, I said, not even a little amused.

Hey, I might be a she demon in another life, but that doesn’t automatically make me evil. I chose you as my earthly host, and although some find that unethical, I would never take over your mind in order to control you.

I know, I gently said, realizing I’d struck a nerve. A nerve I was sensitive about as well.You’re not even remotely like Zuriel, and he’s gone now. He can’t hurt us or our family ever again. Neither can Arrow, now that he’s free of him. Besides, Zuriel was an angel. I think demons are way cooler.

Love flared through our bond.Thank you, Vi. I think you’re pretty cool too. A bit stubborn at times, especially about your feelings for—

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