Silver Claws

ainted everything in shades of amber. My muscles were taut with anticipation

s tone light, but his gre

nclenching as I tried to calm the

e him. He was a force to be reckoned with-faster, stronger, and smarter than most of the pack's warriors. T

dodged his punch, the force of his swing ruffling my hair as I ducked. My

tance. His smirk deepened. "But don

. The words echoed in my mind, a silent mantra urg

ikes as best I could, my arms aching with each impact. My body moved

sharp motion that reverberated through my bones. My other hand shot out,

he asked, a laugh breaking

gged at my lips. "You're not the

here was pride in his gaze, a flicker of ap

ster this time, his strength forcing me to adapt. My muscles bur

n he ca

nk of a tree. The bark bit into my back as his weig

aid, his voice

e world seemed to still. His breath fanned against my cheek

asn't d

ulder in one smooth motion. I landed behind him, my feet steady on the ground. Before

ee pressed to his chest. His green eyes stared up

athlessly. "Where the hell have you been

im a hand. "You're not the o

g himself to his feet. "Don't think I

was more than just a way to grow stronger. It was a remin

caught his breath. I rolled my eyes at that thought. He was right. I have to get ba

-

to me as he took off in the opposite direction to meet up with his other plans. Tara greeted

she asked, he

plied, grabbing a cloth to

truly cared about me. She had been my anchor since the day

hard," she said, her sharp ey

ly. "The Academy won't ta

ached out to squeeze my hand. "You'

Academy was my escape plan, my one chance to l

y way back to the pack house, the w

-

careful not to draw attention to myself. I made it to

iamh strode in, her expres

. "I need you to get wine for my mother's guests.

argue. Defiance on

oft, cascading waterfall waves that bounces with movement and shines in the sun. I quickly style it in two braids and wr

agreed that I have to deliberately dress down my looks to avoid undue and unwanted atten

deliberate, as I descended into the cool, dimly lit space. The familiar scen

was my sanctuary. But tha

r one of her lackeys trying to lock me in again. I smiled as that

start the countdown in m

AM

hoed around me, and I turned just in t

tered, a wry smile tugging at my

elp, but what was the point? They wouldn'

ool wood. I let in the darkness and drew strength from it, letting my frustration ebb away. I

dignity, for survival, in a pack that

asn't g

t

-

ound of footsteps echoes above me. My ears prick as I sense someone descending the stairs. Although I don't have enhanced abilit

pressing closer to the wine

. I expected to see Niamh or, worse, Fiona,