Dire(11)

That was helpful. Very helpful. “But if I don’t want him to know…”

“Don’t think about Mary Anne. It’s bad for everyone.”

“How is she?” I couldn’t image how she was feeling. She’d promised herself to a monster to save my life. I hoped she realized that despite everything I still had the same goal. To take her and run far away from these people.

“I haven’t seen her since I was in here last.”

“You haven’t heard anything?”

Her face reddened, and I knew I was on to something. “What?”

“She was yelling at Hunter.”

I laughed. “That’s my girl.”

“But she’s not your girl, remember?” Marni’s eyes stared into mine. “You need to remember that.”

That was going to be the hardest part. Pretending I was over her. “I will.”

“Good. Do you want to go for a run?”

“As a wolf?”

“What else would I be talking about?”

“Sure.” I looked around. “How is this supposed to work? I have to take my pants off before I change?”

“Yes.” She laughed. “And you’ll have to get over your nudity issues. We’re animals, being naked is natural.” She pulled off her shirt and slipped out of her jeans. I immediately felt a sense of guilt, like I was wronging Mary Anne. Animal or not, I still cared.

I turned away and took off my pants.

“Hunter’s going to be seeing her naked plenty, fair is fair.” Marni opened the door and transformed into a sleek gray wolf.

The thought of Hunter seeing Mary Anne naked had me transforming in seconds. I burst through the doorway and headed for the woods. I didn’t know where I was going, but I needed to run.

The wind was exhilarating as I sprinted through the open clearing. I didn’t slow down as I reached the woods. The snow didn’t bother me, nor did the ice that fell off the branches onto my thick coat of fur.

After a few moments I realized Marni had caught up with me. She ran alongside, but I didn’t need to look to know she was there. I could sense her. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. It would be nice to know when the other Dires were around, but I didn’t want them to be able to sense me. If I was going to run away with Mary Anne, I was going to have to do it under the radar.

We ran for what felt like hours, and I probably never would have stopped if I hadn’t smelled meat. It looked like Semi had come through on his promise.

I looked back across the clearing toward the shed. If I could hold out for a few weeks I would get Mary Anne, and we’d leave these wolves once and for all.





Chapter Five


Mary Anne





I woke up to complete darkness. The fire had gone out, and Hunter must have gotten up and closed the storm shutter. I couldn’t see a thing, and I was completely wrapped up in Hunter’s arms and legs. I wasn’t sure if the bone crunching hold was because he wanted me close or he was afraid I’d run off. Maybe it was both.

I needed to use the bathroom. That meant I’d have to get out of Hunter’s arms. Ideally I’d be able to do it without waking him up, but after a few attempts, I gave up.

“Hunter,” I whispered his name, hoping I could keep him somewhat asleep. That did nothing.

“Hunter,” I said louder while I pushed against his arm.

I thought wolves had good hearing. I didn’t understand how he could have been in such a deep sleep. I shoved him again. “Hunter!”

“Mary Anne!” he shouted, loosening his grip around me to settle on a new one with his hands on my arms. “Are you all right?”

I still couldn’t see anything. “I need to get out of bed.”

“Why would you do that?” There was suspicion in his voice that I knew wasn’t completely unfounded.

“I have to use the bathroom.”

“Oh.” He loosened his grip. “Got it.”

I got out of bed, wincing as the cold hit me. I needed to toughen up. I held my hand out in front of me in search of the door. I felt nothing. Two seconds later I walked into something hard. “Ouch.”

“Sorry, I was trying to help you.” Hunter’s voice came from right next to me.

“Oh. It’s you.”

“It’s me.” He took my hand. “The doors open. Want me to turn on the light?”

“Yes please.” I blinked a few times as I was blinded by the bathroom light. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Glad I could be of some use.”

“I’m sure that’s your greatest joy. Helping someone find the bathroom.”

“It’s not just someone. It’s you.” He stood there looking so serious.