Page 39 of Howling
And I want it.
If I can learn how she was able to exert such dominance, I would never have to live in fear again.
No more running, no more being hunted.
We could become a real pack.
The temptation is impossible to resist.
Unfortunately, the only way to gain access to that kind of ability is by either accepting her as my alpha…or claiming her asmy mate. My beast prances around in excitement at the prospect of taming her, and a grin spreads across my face at the challenge.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
FRANKIE
Iclench the steering wheel tight, my fingers aching from trying to hide the way my muscles tremble. I’m unsure if my body is struggling to command so many wolves at once or if it’s a reaction to revealing a secret many would kill to possess.
Abilities are like muscles—if you don’t exercise them, they weaken.
Gramps taught me how to train in secret, and it’s totally different to use my abilities so openly. It wasn’t safe to use my powers in Kyperian, since the Orion often patrolled different sectors of the city, searching for anyone who broke the laws. An accidental burst of power would have drawn the wrong kind of attention.
This isn’t the first time I’ve used my abilities in public, but it is the first time I’ve left witnesses. Normally, it’s easier to use them in secret or avoid using them altogether. The few times that wasn’t possible, I influenced the witnesses to forget, fogging over any memory of the ordeal. Although a few bad guys have seen me working my magic, it was the last thing they ever saw.
As Gramps would say,dead men tell no tales.
Not to mention every time I use my powers, it’s like sending up a flare for the Orion.
Unfortunately, this time, none of those options is viable, and I feel exposed. Even if I could kill everyone, my conscience won’t allow me to commit mass murder just to keep my secret.
As I speed down the dirt driveway, I’m conscious of every wolf hiding in the shadows, watching me with eyes that glow, the beasts eager to do my bidding. Their presence is like tiny sparks in my brain. It feels invasive, and I can’t repress a shiver of revulsion. Thankfully, my sway over them will fade after a few minutes, once I’m out of range.
Making a command permanent takes more work, something I try to avoid at all costs.
Messing with a mind is delicate, and I don’t have nearly enough practice. The last thing I want to do is accidentally lobotomize anyone. Not to mention it takes a shit ton of energy and leaves me vulnerable afterward, which I can’t afford.
My skin crawls at being the center of attention. Most of the wolves won’t remember much, but a few are strong enough to remain aware of what’s happening.
Those are the dangerous ones.
They watch my vehicle closely, avarice gleaming in their eyes, practically salivating at the thought of the power I could bring them. I’m just a woman, after all, made to do their bidding, and I mentally sigh at the thought of having more men chasing after me.
I had hoped the rest of the world would be different from Kyperian, that I would have an opportunity for a new life, but it’s just more of the same bullshit—men want power and often do whatever it takes to get it.
A wave of helplessness weighs me down and threatens to drown me.
Is there anywhere that’s safe?
My people have been hunted to near extinction. As far as I’m aware, I’m the last of my kind. A forbidden text I read mentioned many of my ancestors had forsaken their powers, locked them away to survive, living only half a life, hidden away from the predators like an injured fawn.
Unfortunately, that’s not an option for me.
Once the Orion has my scent, they’re like bloodhounds—they’ll never let me go.
The council won’t stand for someone like me to live, not without being under their thumb.
I unconsciously press down harder on the accelerator as my past chases me, the engine screaming as I floor it, and a trail of dust kicks up from the tires as I do my best to outrun my inescapable fate. I’m tempted to force the wolves to forget, make myself disappear, but I’ve never tried to hold so many minds at once.
I can’t take the risk that I will fail.
