Chapter 6 · Hunters and Prey

"Stop right there, you little traitor!"

Justin's voice cut through the trees.

I slammed my back against a cedar. Six hounds crashed through the brush behind me, their paws tearing up frozen needles. Their growls rolled through the dark, low and hungry.

Kane stood beside me like we'd stopped for a conversation instead of getting hunted.

"They're close," I whispered.

"I noticed."

"Then do something."

His eyes slid toward me. Gold glinted in the dark.

"You're shaking."

"I'm freezing."

"You're scared."

"I'm angry. There's a difference."

His mouth curved. "Is that what we're calling it?"

A hound barked somewhere behind us. Another answered from the left.

They had us surrounded.

Kane leaned closer. Heat pressed through my coat, sharp against the cold air. His breath brushed my ear when he spoke.

"Six dogs. One pack leader. No escape route."

"You forgot one thing."

"What?"

"I hate losing."

That earned me a quiet laugh.

"Good," he murmured. "Keep that fire. Justin's going to enjoy watching it die."

I shoved his shoulder. "You're enjoying this way too much."

"Of course I am."

"You're supposed to protect me."

"I am protecting you."

"You haven't moved.