Accidental Surrogate for Alpha novel Chapter 66

Ella

When I realized I was being chased, I threw off my cape and veered off in another direction, hoping that the wolves weren’t close enough to see me yet. If I’m lucky maybe I can throw them off my trail, if only for a moment. I throw down the lantern too. The moonlight is so bright that I can see the forest well enough, and the snow is so deep that I don’t have to worry about trodding on rocks or sticks.

I take up the skirts of my dress in both hands, running as fast as I can – faster than I’ve ever run before. I see a narrow creek on my right, a steady stream of water flowing along the banks, releasing steam into the air. I realize the stream must be thermal, like the pools around the stone circle. I momentarily debate jumping into the waters, both craving the warmth and knowing the water will disguise my scent.

But what if I have to get back out into the snow? I fret. I could die from hypothermia faster than the wolves could catch me.

I don’t think so. The voice in my head answers. The wolves will catch you first unless you find a way to throw them off. It’s not even like you can climb a tree – they can shift and climb true.

You better be right about this. I moan internally, jumping down into the streambed. The water comes up to my waist, and warmth quickly seeps through my dress. I dive beneath the surface, knowing I’ll be faster swimming than running. I don’t pause to try and track my pursuers, I simply go as fast as I can, praying this crazy plan will have worked – praying that Sinclair is out there somewhere, coming to help me.

I hate being dependent on anyone else and I hate feeling helpless, but I know that’s exactly what I am in this situation. I’m at the mercy of these wolves and Sinclair’s swiftness, and that would hurt badly enough even without knowing my weakness is threatening my baby’s life as well.

I swim until the water becomes too shallow, jumping back into the snow and taking off again. I hear a roar behind me, and I know I’ve failed. I didn’t throw them off at all, I probably just kept them at bay a while. I scan the forest ahead of me, searching for anything that might help me. Belatedly I realize I should have kept my lantern and set the bastards on fire, but then hindsight is always 20/20.

Cursing myself, I zero in on some boulders, catching sight of a narrow crevice between the huge stones. I know it’s my only chance. For once being tiny might help me, but only if the wolves aren’t strong enough to break through rock. A month ago I would have thought this was a given, but now I’m not so sure.

I wedge my way into the crevice just in time, for now sooner have I wriggled into the tight space that a huge weight crashes into the rock. Snarls and growls surround me, and clawed paws begin scrabbling at the opening in the rocks, trying to make purchase on my skin and drag me out.

The only piece of dignity I can boast is that I don’t wet myself, but I certainly whimper and whine like a baby. I’m sobbing with terror, wishing I’d never agreed to this stupid ritual.

This isn’t the first time I’ve thought I was going to die, but this time it matters a lot more. This time it won’t only be my life that’s lost. I might be able to come to terms with my own end, but I can’t bear the thought of my baby dying before it’s even had the chance to be born.

“Please,” I pray, knowing the Goddess probably won’t care about me, but hoping she’ll care about my son. “Please help us.”

______________________

Sinclair

She’s running. My wolf howls with delight.