Page 30 of Marked By Moonlight
I won’t go without a fight. I try to wiggle out from underneath his heavy body, but I can’t move. My heart races to uncontrollable speeds.
“No!” I yell again, like my own command must be obeyed as Ambrose’s or any other alpha’s.
I feel the tip of his canine press against my shoulder.
Then, a growl comes from the forest behind us, and suddenly, the weight is gone.
I crawl up, looking behind me to find two wolves fighting. One is dark brown, and the other a sandy blonde with golden yellow eyes tinged with blue.
Emeric saved me.
I’d know that sandy blonde coloring anywhere. Despite him obviously belonging to the Moonlight pack, giving him the golden glow, the tinge of blue in his eyes still remains.
He glances at me for only a split second, and I know what he’s telling me.
Run.
The command Ambrose gave me weighs in my body. I’m supposed to run but also find Emeric, not run from Emeric.
I turn, fighting hard against Ambrose’s command, willing the command to accept that I am following the command at the heart of it. I’m saving myself. I’m running.
Suddenly, my feet are flying again.
I hear the battle behind me. But I don’t focus on the howls, the barking, the clashing of teeth and claws.
I sprint. I’m so focused on moving one foot in front of the other that I don’t notice the hard body I slam into.
Hands grip my shoulders, easily keeping me from running away. But when I take a deep breath this man doesn’t smell of the earth or the woods—he doesn’t smell like a wolf shifter at all.
Could he be human?
Please, gods, let him be human.
A cold chill races through me as I stare at where he’s touching me on my shoulders. Slowly raising my head, I know what will be staring down at me.
Sharp teeth, pale, cool skin, and speed unmatched by any.
I take a deep breath as my eyes meet his—a vampire.
Vampires are our greatest enemies. They can kill humans with a single venomous bite. They’re faster, more agile, and have more endurance than our own. They’re immortal, and most concerning of all—they have mind control.
If he tastes a drop of my blood, he’ll tap into my mind, and I’ll be his willing slave. I’ll do whatever he wishes, including digging a dagger into my own heart if he so desires.
“You have no reason to fear me, Lumi. It will barely hurt. I just need one drop.”
Shivers race down my spine. I try to slow my heartbeat, hoping my blood won’t be as enticing to him. And then I kick hard between his legs, hitting the steel rock of his body and almost breaking my foot as I do.
He chuckles, his grip tightening on my shoulder.
And then suddenly, he’s on the ground.
“Rowena,” the whispered cry comes out of me as she tackles him to the ground.
She goes for his throat in a vicious attack I didn’t think her beautiful golden feminine body was capable of.
I hesitate for a split second, but there is nothing I can do for her. I can’t help her. I can’t even save myself.
All I can do is run and hope she’s strong enough to outmatch a vampire.
