Free Quinn's Quest: Legacy, Book 4 by N.J. Walters Page A

wolf. The men had yelled and taken off as fast as their legs could carry them, one of them saying a Hail Mary as he ran. She would have laughed if the situation hadn’t been so dire.
    Seeing him change like that was a stark reminder of what he was. Part animal. Just like Brian. Maybe all the men were like that, more beasts than men. She knew the comparison probably wasn’t fair, but she reminded herself that she really didn’t know Quinn, or any of them for that matter. They needed something from her—information and help. What would happen if she couldn’t deliver? Icy tendrils traced down her back, making her shiver. She pulled her fleece sweater tighter around her body, hoping to trap more of her body heat.
    “You okay?” Another familiar question from Quinn. Somehow when they’d split into groups to search, he’d ended up with her. Not that she was complaining. She felt more at ease with him than she did with any of the others, with the exception of Meredith and Neema. Talking with them even briefly had made them much more approachable.
    Bethany rubbed her forehead. Her head was pounding and even the roots of her hair ached. She was beyond exhausted and working strictly on autopilot. With every breath she took her nostrils were filled with the stench of garbage, dirt and layers of fuel and exhaust from the vehicles that traversed the streets daily. She was so tired even the rutted street was starting to look inviting. Maybe she could lie down for a minute. She immediately vetoed the idea. Who knew what kind of dirt and filth was layered there. She’d have to hold on a bit longer.
    “I’m fine.” She even managed to make her words sound half-believable. What else could she tell him? His sister was out there. Somewhere. And Bethany had failed to get help right away. She owed him as much as she owed Chrissten.
    She needed to focus. Blocking out the large male hovering next to her, she concentrated on her surroundings. Did the buildings across the street look familiar?
    Maybe?
    She started across the road with Quinn tight on her heels. She couldn’t resist a quick sniff. He smelled so good to her. Better than chocolate cake with dark fudge frosting. She could eat him up.
    Focus , she reminded herself. Her body was already reacting to his nearness, her nipples puckering and her pussy clutching. Her skin was clammy. Her clothing felt too tight. She might be exhausted but she wasn’t dead.
    “Bethany.” The low, intimate tone in his voice sent a pulse of heat flooding between her thighs. “I can smell your arousal. It’s sweet and spicy.”
    Oh God. He could smell her. Of course he could. If she could smell him, he could do the same with her. He could already change into his wolf, which meant his senses were even keener than hers.
    Chrissten had told her that would happen. And she would know. She’d already made her transition. Bethany swallowed hard as terror flooded through her, driving out the arousal. She couldn’t imagine what Chrissten had suffered at the hands of Brian.
    She hurried forward, needing to get away from Quinn. Needed to be able to breathe. She hurried down the split and pitted sidewalk. Suddenly she froze, her nostrils flaring and her eyes narrowing. This place was familiar. She was certain of it.
    She stopped so fast Quinn almost rammed into her. He caught himself and placed his hands on her shoulders. She sensed the aura of anticipation surrounding him, but he remained quiet, letting her do what she needed to do.
    Instinct had her turning right. She was almost one hundred percent certain this was the way they needed to go. Quinn pulled out his phone and made a quick call. She knew he was pulling in reinforcements, telling the rest of the group where they were headed.
    She swerved left, running now as she headed down an empty alleyway. A sense of certainty filled her when she recognized the graffiti sprayed across the building. Quinn gave a growl beside her and then he was passing her.