Sienna's Point of View

"She went this way!" someone shouted, running through the woods.

I kept running, ignoring the branches and tall grass that smacked at my body. I was panting; my feet were tired.

I was exhausted, but I couldn't stop. If they caught me, I was as good as dead. I leaned against a tree, trying to catch my breath.

"I see her!" shouted one of the men.

"Shit!" I growled and kept running.

Please help me. Moon Goddess. Please. I can't... I can't take it anymore. Please.

A sharp thorn from a plant scratched my knee, and I let out a groan.

"Damn!"

"Find her!" one of the men shouted. They were getting closer.

I needed more time. I couldn't face them. They would kill me.

"Dear goddess, what do I do?" I murmured, and closed my eyes for a second.

I transformed into my wolf form; it was my best chance now, and I opened my eyes.

My wolf had bright red fur with white highlights. She was larger than normal teenage wolves, and I started running, howling at the moon.

Half the men caught my scent and transformed as well, running through the woods like crazed animals. They were assassins from the Midnight Syndicate. Some were human, others werewolves like me, but they all had one thing in common: they wanted my head.

They should never have found me so quickly. I'd been very careful, making sure I didn't stay in one place for more than one night. Even so, they tracked me down, and worse, I was weaker because of my period.

Someone must have betrayed me, but who?

I had cut off all my connections.

Who could have done this to me?

Its howls grew louder, making me shudder as I advanced.

I can do it. I just have to get to the border. Faster, Sienna.

They kept nipping at my heels and I started to lose my rhythm. I noticed them moving closer to my sides, baring their teeth, ready to sink them into my skin.

The other men were still on their motorcycles.

As…?

My heart was pounding with fear and I forced myself to run faster.

Moon Goddess. I need help. Please send me help. If you can hear me!

The men laughed, riding their motorcycles. “We’ve got you now.”

One of them approached, reaching out to grab me, and I growled. He laughed and tried again. When he couldn't grab me, he pulled out his pistol and cocked it.

I had to act fast.

Think, Sienna. Think.

My vision blurred from exhaustion. My lungs ached, but I kept running.

Then I saw it, a collapsed structure hidden among the trees.

I created a distraction, stopping abruptly, and the motorcycles collided. The wolves chasing me leaped, but I dodged in time and ran around to the other side, avoiding their claws and teeth.

My wolf fell rolling down the grass and I dug my claws into the ground to stop her.

I chuckled, feeling the pain in my claw. When I stopped, I turned and kept running, grateful to have lost them. I ran toward the ruins of an old pack house.

I felt hopeful. I knew they would soon catch my scent again, but I could lose them inside.

I kept moving, stumbling over the wreckage, and went inside. It smelled of decay and dust. Moonlight filtered through the collapsed roof, illuminating the broken furniture and moss-covered stones.

I stopped, leaning against a wall and breathing. I had less than a minute to rest.

I reverted to my human form, panting. I was almost naked. Transforming earlier had ruined my clothes. I only had a few torn garments left.

Then I felt it. A presence. Cold and terrifying.

I wasn't alone. I moved, looking around quickly trying to spot her.

Something moved behind me and I turned around, but I was slower; a hand grabbed my neck, throwing me to the ground.

I let out a low growl, fighting against my attacker's chest. His scent was familiar, but he was covered from head to toe in a dark mask, as were his clothes.

“Let me go,” I said, trying to free myself.

Her amber eyes darkened, but softened, as she looked down at my neck.

“Pervert!” I yelled, trying to push him away.

“You can scream in your grave,” he said coldly and pulled out a dagger.

I looked at him in horror, my eyes pleading for life.

“You should have kept running. It’s fun to watch you,” he murmured.

My nails dug into his wrist, but he showed no pain. “Go to hell,” I cursed him.

“Let me take you first,” he replied and raised his hand; his claws grew, and he immobilized me, choking me with the other.

“Goodbye, Sienna,” he said, and I struggled beneath him.

Its claws lowered. I closed my eyes, but it hesitated.

A different howl sounded nearby, and we both slowly turned toward the sound.

From the shadows emerged a huge wolf covered in dark fur. I felt fear instantly. Its eyes shone golden.

“Oh, damn it,” muttered the killer.

We are dead.

He growled, baring his teeth, and I shuddered. If I moved now, maybe I'd have a chance.

“Get out of the way,” I ordered, but the man didn’t move. “Please,” I pleaded.

The black wolf took a step and I shouted, “Get off me!”