Blood Wolf Dawning by Rhyannon Byrd Read Free Book Online

that’s right. He’d texted Brody that morning, so his number was in the Runner’s phone. All Mic had to do was—
    Enough stalling
, his beast snapped, cutting him off.
Text her back!
    How did you know I’m out here?
    That’s not the issue, Cian. Leave. Like I told you before,I don’t want you here.
    He rubbed the back of his neck, wondering just how strong her powers had gotten over the last five years. Christ, she couldn’t read his mind, could she? No, if she could, then she’d know about the danger from Aedan, which meant she’d understand how serious he was about taking her back to the Alley, where the others could help him protect her.
    Knowing he just neededto get it over and done with, like ripping off a bloody bandage, his fingers flew across the keypad as he typed in his response.
    I can’t leave, Sayre. I’m here because you’re in danger. You need to give me the chance to explain.
    She didn’t text back right away, and he hoped she was finally taking him seriously. Then his phone vibrated again.
    No explanations needed. If that’s true,then I can take care of myself. Just go.
    He cursed, hesitating, then forced himself to write:
    I can’t. It’s because of me.
    Huh. So what did YOU do? Do I have some psychotic jilted lover coming after me now? Did you accidentally let it slip that you have a mate? Should’ve told the poor woman you want nothing to do with me. She’s wasting her time.
    Oh, Jesus. He barked out a drylaugh, even though there was nothing remotely funny about the situation. Not want her? There were parts of her he wanted so badly he was surprised the need hadn’t permanently damaged him.
    Would serve you right
, his beast muttered with disgust, as disappointed in him as everyone else who had ever meant anything to him.
    You’re damned right I am. And you sound pathetic.
    Irritated thatthe animal had just called him out for taking part in an embarrassing private pity party, he started to make his way toward the cabin, ready to face the wrath of Sayre
and
her gun, when he and his beast both instantly realized something was wrong. While the wolf chuffed in his head, Cian lifted his nose and sniffed the mountain air, searching for what had snagged his attention, and promptly findingit. Two...no, three human males were closing in on Sayre’s cabin from the north, and Cian stealthily headed in their direction, until he could pick up their muted conversation.
    “Oh, man, he didn’t tell us she was such a hot little piece. I’m thinking we need to try this one out before we deliver her,” one of them said, obviously eyeing Sayre through the trees.
    “I get her first,” argueda second male.
    “Like hell you do,” a new voice cackled. “You always break them and then they aren’t any fun for the rest of us.”
    “But I’ve got a thing for redheads,” the second one whined.
    “We don’t give a shit. You can wait your fuckin’ turn.”
    Cian moved silently through the trees, drawing nearer, every part of him completely focused on his prey. Did these idiots actuallythink he was going to let them get close to her? Did they have any idea what they were walking into? Either way, it didn’t matter. Their fates had been sealed the instant they voiced their intentions.
    “Let’s spread out, blocking her exits. That asshole who hired us said it might be a few days before he showed up to collect her, and I’d rather spend the time we’ve got with her having fun thanrunning her down.”
    One of his friends snickered. “That’s just because your bum knees don’t hold up anymore. But I kinda like the thought of chasing her down like a bitch.”
    In that moment, Cian almost regretted the necessity of killing them quickly. It no doubt made him a brutal bastard, but he would have enjoyed making these assholes suffer long and hard before he finally finished themoff.
    He quickly texted Sayre, ordering her to lock herself inside the cabin. Then he shoved the phone in his pocket, and