THE AWAKENING

Tieran and Cassandra surveyed the scene, growling in warning to anyone from Ulster’s clan that if they dared challenge either, they would die like their Alpha, gurgling on their life’s blood.

A scattering of yips and howls filtered through the moonlight as the battered remnants of Ulster’s clan melted into the forest, running for their lives.

Within minutes all that remained were the dead, injured, or exhausted Clan Barrachius. Victory was bittersweet.

Tieran padded over to a fallen wolf and nudged the large body with his muzzle. A whine of sadness followed. Cassandra felt Tieran’s pain as he checked the bodies littering the forest floor. Blood stained the pine needle carpet and filled the air with the scent of death.

With an anguished howl, Tieran changed from beast to man until he stood before the scene smeared in blood, both his own and others, and Cassandra followed suit.

“How many?” she asked quietly.

“Ten,” he answered, looking to the large wolves licking their wounds. “We must get them back to the compound or else that number will increase.”

“Are they able to run?”

in our human form.” Tieran’s grim expression told of his worry for his clan mates. He would not leave them

will go get

Ulster’s band will wait for this exact opportunity to retaliate for their fallen Alpha. I will send

that they are

will not risk your safety,” Tieran disagreed, dismissing her as he walked away to discuss the situation with one of his clan mates who wasn’t

helpless female role when she was clearly the exact opposite. Cassandra growled low in her throat and Tieran’s head whipped around

own safety, I would suggest you stop underestimating me,” Cassandra warned

settled into her familiar animal

easily putting distance

went unerringingly along a

went straight for the sentries guarding the entrance. Her chest heaved from the exertion but she managed to transform into her human form to gasp the words, “We were attacked.

of the clearing into their brains and their startled eyes told her that she’d succeeded in not only freaking them out, but also of communicating the location of their