Chapter Nine: Alex

Zeke’s howls scare birds out of the quiet trees. He runs, trying to outrun the pain of losing her. When I rejected Amber, I really thought I’d be better off. I thought we both would. What a stupid thought that was. I never imagined that my life would be even worse. But it is.

Zeke’s energy depletes after his third hour in the forest. His fur sinks back into my skin. I pull my shorts on, slinking against a tree. My mind is as scrambled as the eggs served in the dining hall. Nothing makes sense anymore. I lay my head in my hands and try to figure out just how I’m going to move on. Or if I even can. I have to find a way, or Colin will never trust me again.

The sound of leaves crunching snaps my head up. I squint my eyes in the sound's direction. A bitter scent wafts around me. My blood pumps loudly in my veins. I’m on edge. The threat of vampires will do that to a wolf. The sound hits my ears again. I jump up as a figure moves into my sight line. A breath of air escapes me as I recognize