The cave was small, barely more than a hollow carved into the side a massive rock formation, but it was the best shelter we could find for the night. Nestled between towering stone pillars, it offered some protection from the relentless cold and the dangers lurking in the shadows of the forest. It wasn’t ideal–cramped, uncomfortable, and far too exposed for my liking–but it was better than sleeping in the open, especially when we knew what prowled beyond the tree line.
Hesbeakins and Mother’s forces were out there. Watching. Hunting For us,
1 shivered, wrapping my arms tightly around myself as I stood at the cave’s entrance, staring into the darkness beyond the trees. The night was thick, almost unnaturally so, as it the very air carried hidden danger. The crescent moon hung high in the sky, its silver glow stretching across the treetops, casting ghostly shadones over the land. Under any other circumstances, it might have been beautiful Comforting, even. But tonight, it only made me feel more exposed. Vulnerable,
I tightened my grip around my arms, my breath coming out in visible puffs of air. Every rustling leaf, every distant snap of a twig sent a sharp jolt of tension through my body, I knew better than to let my guard down. We were being hunted.
A sound behind me—a deliberate but soft step. I didn’t turn right away, recognizing the presence before he even spoke. A moment later, a warm hand rested on my shoulder.
“You should get some rest,” Isaiah said quietly. His voice was low, study, but laced with concern.
I turned slightly, meeting his dark eyes. Even in the dim moonlight, I could see the worry written all over his face. Isaiah was always the rational one, the steady presence when everything else felt like it was spinning out of control.
“I know,” I murmured. “I just… I can’t stop thinking about everything
His expression softened, understanding flickering across his features. “I get it. But you won’t do us any good if you’re exhausted. We
don’t know what tomorrow w
will bring.”
I let out a slow breath, nodding reluctantly. He was right, as usual. Peshing myself beyond my limits wouldn’t help anyone–least of
all me.
With one last glance at the shadows beyond the trees, I stepped further into the cave, allowing Isaiah’s presence to guide me back inside. Austin and Alex were already settling into what could barely ass as makeshift sleeping spots, spreading out blankets and positioning themselves as comfortably as possible on the rough, uneven ground.
The air was cold. Even with our enhanced wolf blood, the chill bit deep, settling into my bones. The cave walls did little to trap any warmth, and every gust of wind that slipped through the entrance made me shiver.
Alex, crouched near the back of the cave, glanced up from where he was adjusting his sleeping bag. His lips quirked into a smirk. “Stormi, you better pick a spot fast, or you’re gonna freeze.”
Austin, who was rubbing his arms for warmth, shot me a dramatic look. “Yeah, and I don’t know how you plan on sleeping alone when ydh could be warm and cozy with one of us.”
I rolled my eyes. “You two are ridiculous.”
Austin shrugged. “I’m just saying. We all know Alex is a walking furnace.”
It wasn’t an exaggeration. Alex’s powers were tied to lunar flames, and because of that, he could regulate his body temperature better than the rest of us. Unlike the rest of us, he wasn’t shivering
I hesitated, glancing at Isaiah, who was already settling down on the other side of the cave.
Alex patted the space next to him. “C’mon, you know you want to.”
1/3
Chapter 182
I exhaled through my nose, debating my options. Giving in felt like sing somehow, but my body was already aching from the cold, and the idea of warmth was too tempting to resist.
“Fine,” 1 muttered, dropping down next to him. “But no funny business,”
Austin groaned. “Figures. The Inuman heater wins.“
Alex grinned, looking entirely ton pleased with himself. “What can ay? I’m the best option.”
Isaiah merely chuckled as he settled into his own space. “Just make sure you actually sleep.”
Alex patted the sleeping bag beside him, and I reluctantly slid in alte rolling my eyes. As soon as I was close enough, the warmth of his body seeped into mine, and I nearly sighed in relief. The icy chill that had settled deep into my muscles slowly ebbed away, replaced by a soothing heat despite my stubbornness, I had to admit it felt nice.
Despite my initial reluctance, I had to admit… it felt nice. Safe, even,
I was just starting to relax when I felt something hard press against my lower back. I stiffened immediately, my body going rigid,
“Alex.” My voice was low. A warning.
He
e let out a sheepish chuckle, “I can’t help it. My hot mate is sleeping in my arms. I’m bound to have a reaction.”
Heat rushed to my face, burning even hotter than his body heat. I tumed my head just enough to glare at him. “Behave.”
Alex smirked but didn’t argue. “I’ll try, but you’re not making it easy
I groaned, burying my face in the sleeping bag, doing my best to ignore him. His warmth was almost too comfortable, making me hyper–aware of every little movement. The way his arm rested lightly around my waist. The steady rhythm of his breathing. The way his fingers occasionally brushed against my skin as he shifted
This was not the time for this.
Then, without warning, a memory surfaced–one I didn’t particularly need right now. The night I had mated with Alex and Austin.
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