Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Four wolves lay dead behind them, but their pack wasn’t done. He could feel their energy. Intense, predatory, and closing in fast. His pulse pounded in his ears as adrenaline surged through him, driving his legs forward even as exhaustion threatened to weaken them.
He crashed through the tree line and stumbled into Copper Pack territory. The moment his feet hit the border, six wolves appeared from the shadows, their eyes glowing amber in the moonlight.
Jackson halted, his chest heaving and his grip on Emily tightening. Blood slicked his skin, hot and thick, from wounds in his chest and thighs. His pulse weakened, but he planted his feet, his gaze sweeping over the wolves.
The largest shifted first. Oakley. Seventeen years old, tall and lean with agile muscles, he had a sharp jawline and intense eyes. Jackson had met him briefly. He was one of Erik’s youngest Enforcers, already fierce and loyal.
“Jackson?” Oakley’s gaze dropped to Emily’s unconscious form, shock flickering across his face.
“We were attacked,” Jackson said, his voice rough from cold and exertion. “She needs a doctor. Now.”
Oakley’s eyes widened. “Come on. I’ll take you to Luna. She’s a great healer. Do you want me to carry her?”
Jackson’s snarl cut through the air. “No. I’ve got her.”
Oakley didn’t ask again. He turned and bolted through the trees.
Jackson followed, holding Emily close and whispering nonsense to her.
Oakley led them down a narrow path toward a snowy road where a battered green truck covered in snow waited. “We keep these scattered around in case we need them.”
“Got it.” Jackson climbed into the passenger seat, still holding Emily to his body in an effort to warm her. She felt like ice.
Oakley slipped behind the wheel and started the engine.
Heat blasted from the vents, searing Jackson’s raw hands and dragging pain back into his consciousness as his nerves reawakened.
“Emily,” he murmured, shaking her gently. She didn’t stir. Breathing in her scent, he closed his eyes to listen for her heartbeat. It was sluggish and too faint. “Damn it. Wake up.”
She didn’t move.
Oakley glanced sideways, concern flashing in his eyes as he grabbed his phone and issued rapid orders to secure the border against the Ravencall wolves. Then he looked down at Jackson’s feet before focusing on the icy road. “You warming up, man?” he asked, his voice steady despite the tension.
“Yes,” Jackson said curtly. Why wasn’t she waking up? Had her shift and run pushed more of the silver through her veins? To her heart or brain?
Oakley sped through the Copper Pack territory, weaving through snow-dusted roads until the lights of the main town glimmered ahead. He turned down a side lane leading to a small log cabin where Erik Volk and his mate, Luna, waited on the porch.
Jackson jumped out before the truck had fully stopped. “She was shot with silver yesterday, but she had to shift. Her body couldn’t handle the cold,” he said quickly, his gaze locking on Luna.
“Bring her inside,” Luna said, her voice soft but firm. Her dark hair framed her delicate face, intelligent eyes gleaming with determination.
Jackson stepped past Erik and into the warmth of the cabin, hope battling with fear inside his chest.
Erik followed Luna into the warm living room, and Jackson gently placed Emily on the sofa.
“Stoke the fire hotter,” Luna ordered her mate.
Erik Volk moved to the fireplace, tossing more logs onto the flames. He stood as tall as Jackson but had lighter blue eyes and dark-blond hair. He resembled his older brother, Seth, more and more with each passing year.
“I’ve got her.” Luna knelt beside Emily and placed a blanket over her. “Get me some warm tea, please, Erik.”
Erik glanced at Jackson. “There are socks in the bedroom,” he muttered before heading into the kitchen.
Jackson hesitated, his gaze fixed on Emily.
“It’s all right, Jackson. I’ve got her,” Luna urged. “Your feet are blue.”
Jackson exhaled slowly and made his way into the bedroom. Finding a drawer, he pulled out socks to wear, then returned to the living room.
Emily stirred just as Erik entered with a steaming mug.
“Hey, Emily,” Luna said softly. “I need you to take a couple of deep breaths, all right?”
Emily gasped, her eyes flying open as she bolted upright.
“Whoa.” Luna gently patted her arm. “You’re okay.”
Emily’s wild gaze darted around the room. “Jackson.”
“I’m here.” He circled the sofa, careful not to block the warmth of the fire.
“We were in a helicopter crash,” she murmured as if trying to piece things together. Her gaze shifted to Luna.
“Seriously?” Luna glanced over her shoulder at Jackson.
“Yeah.” He gave her a short nod before locking eyes with Erik. “Apparently, the Ravencall Pack got their hands on some Stinger missiles.”
Erik’s expression darkened. “How?”
“Hell if I know.” Jackson’s feet tingled as they warmed more.
It was true that many wolf shifter packs had decent underground sources for weapons and always had. But for the Ravencalls to not only afford but acquire Stinger missiles meant they were gearing up for war.