Page 144 of The Hunger
Jenna made a small, humor-filled noise next to me.
“Nope, it won’t. But, I’m betting he won’t be as nice to Aubrey about the swap.”
“I’m betting she doesn’t even spot him.”
Raiden’s eyes narrowed on us, and he strode our way.
“What are you talking about?” he asked.
“We already tried this. Fenris didn’t fall for it.”
“He kissed me and said it was a nice try, though,” Jenna added with a slight shrug.
I couldn’t sense anything from Raiden. Just how well had the stupid druid spell blocked me?
“You should have told me,” Raiden said to Jenna. “Someone with a chance could have taken your place in the first group.”
“Oh, I do have a chance. Remember? You invited guys as well as girls. I’m hoping I’m mated by lunch.”
“I meant a chance with Fenris.”
She shrugged again. “I won my place.”
He considered her for a moment then walked away.
“Are you going to be okay without a jacket?” she asked me. “I can go back to the house and get you a blanket.”
“I’ll be fine.” My anger was keeping me plenty warm.
“You can use my clothes if you want,” she said, tugging her shirt off.
Around us, the rest of the wolves started to do the same. My eyes widened in shock, and my hunger stirred at the sight of all the exposed torsos. I quickly looked at the ground before my vision could sharpen.
“Hopefully, I’ll see you soon,” Jenna said, handing me her bundle of clothing with a phone on top.
In my peripheral, I saw her form shimmer. A sleek wolf stretched out beside me, and I felt myself smile.
“Good luck, and have fun, Jenna.”
She bobbed her head and joined the group gathering near Raiden. Unlike the others, she didn’t stare at the trees. She wove her way through the crowd, spreading her scent.
Anticipation built. Finally, Raiden sighed.
“Go. She had her chance.”
The gathered pack of wolves darted forward. Their yips and howls followed them into the trees. The few older wolves who remained drifted away from the fire, disappearing now that the young were gone.
Spotting a log near the fire, I went to settle in for a long wait. Raiden sat nearby. Neither of us spoke. I was too angry and knew he was too stubborn to listen, anyway.
The second group started to gather a short time later. It was bigger than the first and had a few more males. Raiden stood and spoke to a few within the group, greeting the older wolves who accompanied a few of the younger ones. I ignored the lot of them and tried not to notice how my fingers were starting to get cold.
When the mass striptease started, my hunger did more than stir. It clawed at me. I kept my head down and focused on Jenna’s jeans. Surprisingly, the weave of the fabric never sharpened into focus, even though the collective lust in the surrounding area called to me.
I would either need to feed soon or find a blanket.
Given where I was, the choice was an easy one to make.
Me: Could I borrow a jacket or a coat?
