Chapter 10: Dangerous Crossing
1092words
The woman stepped into the cave, light silhouetting her tall figure. As she moved into the shadows, I saw her clearly—striking, with sharp features and long black hair streaked with silver. Her eyes were golden, almost luminous.
"Four trespassers in South Territory," she said coolly. "One of them a female Alpha. Dominic would pay handsomely for this information."
Griffin moved protectively in front of me. "We're just passing through."
"To the Neutral Zone, I assume?" Selene's gaze shifted to me, assessing. "Interesting choice for her first full moon."
"Are you going to turn us in?" Lucien asked quietly.
Selene's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "That depends on what Valerian is offering in exchange for my silence."
"The usual arrangement," Valerian replied smoothly.
"Not enough this time." She crossed her arms. "I want more."
I watched this exchange with growing unease. "Who is she?" I whispered to Griffin.
"Selene Blackwood. South Territory's second-in-command," he murmured. "And Valerian's ex."
Well, that explained the tension.
"Fine," Valerian finally said. "I'll get you what you want. But we need safe passage. Today."
Selene considered this, then nodded. "My patrol will lead you through the eastern ridge. It's the least watched route."
"Why are you helping us?" I couldn't help asking.
Her golden eyes fixed on me. "I have my reasons to dislike Dominic. And I'm curious about you, female Alpha. The prophecy has many interpretations."
"That damn prophecy again," I muttered.
"Be ready in twenty minutes," Selene instructed, turning to leave. "And Valerian? Next time you hide in my territory, choose a cave without my family's mark."
She gestured to the glowing symbol I'd noticed earlier.
After she left, I rounded on Valerian. "Your ex? Seriously?"
He shrugged. "Complicated history."
"What did you promise her?" Griffin demanded.
"Information she needs. Nothing that concerns you." Valerian began gathering his things. "We should prepare to move."
"I still don't understand why I could see that symbol," I said, pointing to the wall.
Lucien exchanged glances with the others. "Only those with Blackwood blood can see their family markings. Or..."
"Or what?" I pressed.
"Those mentioned in the prophecy," he finished reluctantly.
Great. More cryptic prophecy stuff.
---
Selene's patrol consisted of four stern-faced werewolves who clearly disliked escorting us but followed her orders without question. We moved through dense forest, avoiding roads and settlements.
"Stay in formation," Griffin instructed me, keeping close. "If anything happens, run to Lucien."
"What about Valerian?" I asked.
"He'll be busy with Selene," Griffin said dryly.
The journey was tense. Twice we had to hide as other patrols passed nearby. Once, we froze as a helicopter flew overhead—hunters, Selene explained, using aerial surveillance.
During a brief rest, Griffin pulled me aside.
"You need to learn basic defense," he said. "In case we get separated."
"Now? In the middle of enemy territory?"
"Especially now." His expression was serious. "Just the basics."
He positioned me with my back to a large tree. "If attacked, this stance gives you stability."
I tried to mimic his posture, but he shook his head.
"Your stance is wrong." Griffin moved behind me, his hands on my hips, adjusting my position. "Weight centered. Knees slightly bent."
He was so close I could feel his warmth against my back. His hands moved to my shoulders, then down my arms, positioning them for defense.
Why is he standing so close? And why is my heart suddenly racing?
"Because you're nervous," Griffin said, his voice low near my ear.
I jerked away, staring at him. "Damn it, can you hear my thoughts?"
A rare smile touched his lips. "No, but I can hear your heartbeat. It's racing."
My face burned. "That's... invasive."
"It's the bond," he explained. "It will get stronger with time."
"Great. So all three of you can eavesdrop on my vital signs?"
"We sense your emotions, not your thoughts," Lucien clarified, approaching with some berries he'd gathered. "It helps us protect you."
"And it works both ways," Valerian added, appearing silently beside us. "You'll learn to sense us too."
I was about to respond when Selene signaled for silence. She pointed ahead, where two uniformed figures were visible through the trees—human officers with dogs.
"Hunters are using local police," she whispered. "We need to go around."
"That will add hours to our journey," Griffin objected.
"Unless you want to explain why you're hiking with a woman matching the description of their 'dangerous fugitive,'" Selene countered.
As we changed course, I caught Valerian watching Selene with an unreadable expression.
"What exactly was between you two?" I asked quietly as we walked.
"A mistake," he answered simply. "One I'm still paying for."
"And what did you promise her for helping us?"
His violet eyes met mine. "Information about who really killed her brother."
Before I could ask more, a dog's bark cut through the forest. Then another, closer.
"They've caught our scent," Selene hissed. "Run!"
We sprinted through the trees, the sounds of pursuit growing behind us. My human form felt clumsy and slow after experiencing wolf speed.
"We can't outrun them like this," Griffin said. "We need to split up."
"No," Lucien and Valerian said simultaneously.
"I'll lead them away," Selene decided. "Get her to the Neutral Zone."
"Selene—" Valerian started.
"You owe me, remember?" She cut him off, then turned to me. "Female Alpha, if the prophecy is true, don't waste it."
With that, she and her patrol veered off, making deliberate noise to draw attention.
We continued in tense silence, moving as quickly and quietly as possible. Through the bond, I felt Griffin's determination, Lucien's concern, and Valerian's... guilt?
As the sun began to set, the trees thinned, revealing a valley below. In the center stood a structure that looked ancient—a stone circle surrounding what appeared to be a temple.
"The Neutral Zone," Lucien said with evident relief.
"We made it," I breathed.
"Not yet," Griffin cautioned, pointing to the open ground we'd need to cross. "That's the most dangerous part."
As we prepared for the final leg of our journey, I noticed Valerian staring back the way we'd come, his expression troubled.
"She'll be fine," I said, not entirely sure why I was comforting him.
"Selene can handle herself," he agreed. "It's not her I'm worried about."
"Then what?"
His violet eyes met mine, suddenly serious. "The price of information is always high, little miracle. And I'm beginning to wonder if this one might be too steep."
