Chapter 196
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ZAIA.
I spin around, there’s no one in sight, but I can smell them. It smells like… ash and metal? It’s a
strange combination, and it’s getting stronger.
My own senses are heightened, and I let out a deadly growl, warning them that I’m not afraid of them.
The sound that leaves me shocks even myself, but it gives me the confidence to raise my head and
snarl once more.
One… two… three growls follow, and I realise there’s more than one rogue out there.
Well, worst-case scenario, I will have to run, but that is if things get worse and there’s no option.
I watch as they slink out of the shadows, ready to attack. All three have dark fur, but I can’t be sure as
they are rather dirty. Their eyes are glowing menacingly, but looking at them properly, I realise they
aren’t much bigger than me. I can take them if I need to!
I almost chuckle at that. When did I ever think I’d be so confident in a wolf fight?
We stare at one another. What do I do? Do I shift? No… If they attack me at that time, I’ll be dead…
Suddenly the middle one leaps at me, and I jump to the side, sending him flying over to where I had
been standing moments earlier, but it doesn’t stop him from trying again.
He growls viciously, turning as the other two lunge at me.
I snarl, feeling my aura surge forward and it’s like second nature. I
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bite into one of their necks, throwing them to the ground as I barrel into the second.
I growl at them, swiping the first one to the ground, shocked when my claws rip through flesh, drawing
blood and he’s thrown to the ground.
I must be dreaming, yes that must be it.
I dreamt I shifted and now I have turned into the Scarlett Beast. This can’t be happening!
The stench of blood hits my nose, making it all the more real.
The three re-group, snarling at me, and I’m brought out of my thoughts, no matter how surreal this
feels. I am in danger.
I gasp when pain rushes through my side as one of them manages to cut into me, but it only fuels me
to fight back harder.
I let out a menacing growl as I counter with a bite of my own, sending him flying. They aren’t that strong
nor as fast as I am!
This time I attack first. I just need to weaken them a little. To give me enough time to get some words
in.
I’m not a pro at this, but it’s as if my instincts are taking over, guiding me to act as I am. When I slash
through one of their faces, they seem to be considering backing off.
Backing up and hesitating as they begin circling me tentatively.
This is my chance. I force myself to shift.
I’m not sure how it’ll go. Last time I couldn’t even hold my wolf form for long, this time turning to a wolf
was easy, but would turning back be as simple? I feel the tug inside before I begin shifting, and soon,
I’m in human form on all fours.
The wolves seem to exchange looks as I draw myself up, feeling extremely bare. I am naked, after all.
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I thank the goddess for my long hair and move it over my breasts, surprised to see the cuff marks and
the bite marks from Sebastian and my lovemaking earlier have disappeared.
But now is not the time to wonder about that. Something similar happened to Sebastian after he shifted
too, healing him faster.
“Shift, I demand to speak to you,” I say, firmly drawing myself to my full height and crossing my legs
slightly as I turn sideways wishing I had something to wear.
One of them growls and I realise it’s the one that attacked first. Is he
the leader?
My eyes blaze as I summon my aura.
“I said, shift!” I growl, my voice rumbling through my chest. The moonlight seeps through the trees and
two of the wolves back away whilst the middle one crouches down, and I see him shift back to human
form whilst the other two remain in wolf form.
I’m on edge just in case any of them do decide to attack. I know I should have been more careful, and it
would have been better if I had
someone with me.
On the other hand, I think they are more prone to not attack if I’m
alone or I hope, anyway.
I keep my gaze on his face as he stands there fully naked, his muscular body is riddled with scars and
his hair looks like it’s been through a lot, styled back in messy braids.
“Who are you?” he asks sharply, his eyes glowing.
“And why is that important?” I counter.
“You are powerful, she-wolf, and one with your wolf, yet you are not a rogue. How can you be so in
touch with your wolf if you aren’t one of
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us?” he murmurs as he motions with a flick and one of the wolves runs off.
I cast a furtive glance towards the trees, hoping he isn’t coming back. with backup.
“I am Alpha Zaia Toussaint, heir to the Crystal Shadow Pack and Alpha of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack,”
I say clearly as the wolf returns and places a piece of clothing before me.
I look at it in surprise, quickly picking it up. “Thank you,” I add, quickly slipping on the slightly mud-
covered shirt.
“The Black Beast is the Alpha of the Dark Hollow Falls Pack, isn’t he?” the man says keenly as he too
pulls on some trousers that the wolf places before him.
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