Free Huntress by Trina M Lee Page A

trotting off into the trees. I waited until he was gone before giving in to the ache within me. It hurt to deny the change but at least it was possible. It hadn’t always been so.
    The shift from human to wolf felt like true freedom. It was fast and fluid and despite what one may assume, only hurt for a split second. Then it was absolute pleasure.
    Though part of me longed to run with Raoul, Shaz and the others, I wanted to be alone with my thoughts. When I was wolf, I felt like nothing in the world could bring me down.
    The afflictions of the human world were gone, like dust on the wind. It was a sense of peace that I was still getting used to.
    Everything in the forest smelled so alive, filled with vitality. From the earthy scent of the grass at my feet to the all encompassing expanse of the night sky above, this was life like so many would never know it. Perhaps I was more blessed than I wanted to admit.
    After the attack, it had taken a long time to accept what I was. Survivor’s guilt never really went away, at least, not so far. I’d spent a lot of time fearing that I would become a rampaging monster like the wolf that had killed my family and left me for dead. It was moments like this that made it all bearable.
    The sound of nocturnal creatures scurrying through the trees and brush had my ears twitching. I could scent the small coyote pack that lurked half a mile away. They were afraid to get too close to us.
    It was the mental gifts I’d been born with though that alerted me to another presence.
    Being able to work energy had always made me feel like a freak, until I became part of the supernatural world. Now it all seemed to fit like that last puzzle piece.
    Raoul emerged from the darkness, the moonlight dancing on his jet black fur. He was massive, powerful and majestic. I was absolutely enchanted.
    He was alone. He stood watching me for what felt like a long time. My heart fluttered and I barely breathed. He was the man who had saved me, taken me in when I had no one and nothing. I adored him.
    He came to me, slowly crossing the distance between us. I quivered in anticipation. Since my late teen years, he’d been my hero. Despite the ups and downs along the way, he still was.
    Raoul nuzzled me, rubbing his furry face along mine. I leaned into his touch, seeking comfort in it. He shifted to human form fast and knelt before me. I followed his lead so that we both sat in the grass facing one another.
    I wasn’t prepared for how fast he grabbed me, pulling me close and crushing his lips to mine. The scent of him overwhelmed me, wrapping me in his musky, masculine aroma.
    My mighty Alpha wolf. Oh, how I wanted him. I threw my arms around his neck, burying my hands in his long silky locks. He forced his tongue into my mouth with an aggression that shocked me with delight. When Raoul wanted something, he didn’t ask. He took it. And I was more than willing to let him.
    “You can’t hide from me, Alexa.” His whispered words were a growl in my ear. “If you think avoiding a pack run is going to do anything but provoke me, you’re dead wrong.”
    “I didn’t … I mean, I wasn’t trying to avoid you. I just wanted to run alone.” I gasped when he bit at my neck with fangs bared. The pain sent a jolt of pleasure throughout my entire body. Raoul forced me back so that I lay beneath him on the ground. Random bits of twig and pine needles dug into my back but I barely noticed when he bit harder.
    Sliding a hand down my body, he stroked between my legs ever so gently. He bent to capture one of my nipples in his mouth. The hot, wet sensation of his mouth and tongue coaxed a moan from me.
    “You want me. I know you do. Tell me how bad you want me.” Raoul’s demand was as dominant as his touch. His husky voice and the words he spoke had my whole body thrumming with desire.
    His hair was soft and silky against my bare skin. I reached to run my hands down his firmly muscled back. “I do want you, Raoul. I need to