Free Ascend (Wolf in Exile Part 3): Werewolf Shifter/Vampire Paranormal Romance by Ambrielle Kirk, Amber Ella Monroe

CHAPTER ONE
    K alena lifted her gaze to the sky and shielded her eyes from the morning sunrays. Helicopter blades sliced through the humid air and the engine roared overhead. As the pilot descended, tree branches swayed back and forth. Leaves and brambles scattered across the forest floor. Her heart beat frantically in her chest as the wind whipped across her face.
    She was hopeful that when she got on the helicopter, her life would somehow be normal once more. On the other hand, she knew in her heart that after meeting Thane, learning about Silex and what kind of company she had been working for that she’d never make decisions lightly again.
    Over an hour had passed since Kalena and David had fled Thane’s hut at his request. Already she wondered what had become of Thane. Was he okay? In trouble? Would she see him again soon?
    David placed his hand on her shoulder and shouted above the noise. “Are you all right?”
    “I think so,” she shouted back, but the helicopter engine swallowed up her voice. Instead, she nodded to reassure him.
    The ground quaked around them, and the surface of the water rippled as the helicopter balanced right above a clearing several meters away.
    Kalena brought a hand up to shield her face as grass and straw flew at her. She didn’t remove her makeshift shield until the rotors stopped spinning. When she opened her eyes again, two men had exited the helicopter and jogged toward them.
    David stiffened beside her and took several steps forward, then brought a leveled hand over his eyebrows to block the rays of the sun as he looked out at the approaching men.
    They appeared as big as wrestlers as they came into full view. They halted a couple of feet in front of her and David.
    “Kalena Jackson? David McCarthy?” The one with the green eyes looked sternly between the two. His nostrils flared when his gaze came to finally rest on her.
    She shifted her weight and averted her attention to the helicopter behind him when she recalled the statement Thane had made about how his Pack members would recognize his scent on her. Kalena wondered if the men were able to detect what she’d done to carry Thane’s scent.
    “That’s us,” David answered. “I’m a friend of Thane’s. I’m supposed to see that Kalena gets on that chopper safely.”
    “I’m Brant. Beta to Thane Silex—Alpha of the ShadowRock Pack.”
    This introduction came from the man with the majestic green eyes that had spoken initially.
    Kalena’s mouth parted to speak, but before she could ask her question, Brant spoke again.
    “Come with us.” Brant extended his arm out toward the waiting helicopter.
    “Wait,” David said, startled. “I’m stayin’ behind to go back and help Thane.”
    “There’s no need. The welfare of our Alpha has been taken care of. There has been a change of plans, and these are Thane’s most recent orders. He will board a second helicopter. Follow us now,” Brant commanded. “Both of you.”
    He spun around without another word. The second man that accompanied Brant followed suit and headed toward the helicopter, as well.
    Truthfully, she and David had no other desirable choice but to follow. She didn’t know about David, but she wasn’t going to spend the rest of her life—or even the rest of this day—here.
    A black and red crest was painted on the body of the chopper. Silex Pharmaceuticals owned several helicopters. She’d seen at least one parked on the top level of the parking garage that was adjacent to the main building where she’d worked. But the insignia on the one here wasn’t done in the red and gold colors of the aircraft belonging to the company she had worked for. The etchings on this one almost resembled a family crest.
    She followed the men. Not long after, David fell in step beside her. With considerable help, they boarded the helicopter via a rope ladder. Her stomach recoiled and grumbled as she made the ascent, reminding her that she wasn’t all that fond of