Page 83 of Rescued By the Beast
"What happened?" I ask, leaning over the screens.
The city map glows in three distinct spots, marked by the alert signal.
"Apparitions," Ted replies through clenched teeth, his eyes fixed on the panel as he continues to fire off orders.
"All the newbies are ready for combat," I warn. "Divide them up. Two groups of three and one group with the two strongest. They need to support the experienced sentinels. I..."
Suddenly, I feel a tug.
Not physical. Not exactly. But it's as if something invisible envelops me and pulls me forward, a command engraved in my own flesh. My blood responding to the promise I made.
Shit.
The magic demands that I fulfil my vow. I grit my teeth and look out the window. The full moon rises in the sky like an omen. The sun has already set on the horizon.
Ted stares at me, frowning when he notices my rigid posture.
"You have to go to that bloody duel, don't you?"
I swallow hard. A stumble backwards confirms what I already know — the magic pulls me, demanding that I go.
"Yes," I murmur, trying to contain my frustration.
"Then go on and get it over with," he grumbles, turning his attention back to the panel. "The sentries will take care of the rest."
I nod, taking one last look at the screens before turning away.
"I won't be long.
As soon as I'm done, I'll go after the apparitions. But for now, there's a promise of blood to keep.
My body is already moving.
I ignore the car. I don't need it.
My feet race across the asphalt, crossing the garage to the street. My blood pulses with raw, primitive energy. Then I give in to the transformation. I dash through the streets like a wolf-dog, towards the edge of the forest. I leap over the barrier effortlessly,the impact of the landing reverberating through my body as the second change takes place.
The transition to my hybrid form is quick and fluid. My muscles expand, my claws emerge, my skin covers with fur as I continue to run.
I don't need to think.
The promise guides me. Instinct pushes me.
The smell hits me first.
Wolves.
Many of them.
I growl softly, baring my teeth. Of course we would have an audience. The pack needs to watch, needs to know who will be the winner, who will take the lead in the end.
Not that I want that.
My eyes may carry the gold of an Alpha, but I am not a pure wolf. And I am definitely not one of them. I never will be.
They abandoned me when I was a baby.
They killed my mother.
