Chapter Eight : Shadows within

Tess stood outside the windmill, the rusty blades creaking in the wind like a warning. Liam waited inside, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. She took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and slipped inside.

The dim light swallowed her, and for a moment, she was lost in the darkness. Then Liam's voice whispered her name, sending shivers down her spine. "Tess."

She moved towards the sound, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. Liam stood by the wall, his chest bare, his jeans slugging low on his hips. The shadows danced on his skin, making him look like a god.

"What do you want, Liam?" she asked, trying to sound calm.

He didn't answer. Instead, he pushed off the wall and stalked towards her. Tess's heart pounded in her chest as he backed her into a corner, his eyes burning with desire.

"You're in danger, Tess," he growled, his voice low and husky. "The pack...they're not what they seem."

Tess's mind reeled. What did he mean? She tried to process, but Liam's proximity was making it hard to think. His scent, his heat, his eyes...

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes flashing with anger. "The pack's been infiltrated. We need to get you out of here, now."

Tess felt a surge of fear, her heart racing with panic. "What about the others?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Liam's face was grim. "We'll protect them, too. But first, we need to get you safe."

As he spoke, his lips brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Tess felt her body responding, her skin tingling with awareness.

"Liam," she whispered, her voice trembling.

He pulled back, his eyes searching hers. "What?"

Tess's heart pounded in her chest. She didn't know what she wanted, only that she needed him. "Kiss me," she whispered.

Liam's eyes flashed with desire, and then his lips were on hers, devouring her. Tess melted into the kiss, her body arching into his. He tasted like mint and spice, and she was addicted.

He pulled back, his chest heaving. "We need to go," he growled.

Tess nodded, dazed. She stumbled after him, her legs shaking. Outside, the wind howled, and the trees creaked ominously.

As they drove through the night, Tess felt a sense of unease. They were being watched, she was sure of it. She glanced over at Liam, his eyes fixed on the road.

"What is it?" he asked, his voice low.

Tess shook her head. "Just a feeling."

Liam's eyes flicked to the mirror. "We're not alone."

Tess's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Liam's face was grim. "We're being followed."

Tess's eyes scanned the darkness, her heart pounding in her chest. They were out there, waiting for her. She felt it in her bones.

As they sped through the night, the shadows closed in around them. Tess knew she was running out of time. She had to trust Liam, had to trust the pack.

But could she trust herself?

Liam's hand closed over hers, warm and reassuring. "I'll protect you, Tess," he whispered. "Always."

Tess felt a surge of emotion, her heart swelling with feeling. She believed him. She trusted him.

As the night wore on, the darkness seemed to grow thicker, like a living thing. Tess knew they were getting closer to the truth, closer to danger.

But with Liam by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.

The windmill loomed ahead, its blades spinning lazily in the breeze. Liam pulled up, his eyes scanning the area.

"Stay close," he whispered, his eyes flashing with warning.

Tess nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. They slipped out of the car, into the shadows.

As they moved through the night, Tess felt a sense of anticipation building. They were close, she could feel it.

Suddenly, Liam stopped, his body tense. "Get behind me," he growled.

Tess's heart skipped a beat. What was it?

And then she saw them, shadows emerging from the darkness. The Red Hand, here for her.

Liam's body shifted, muscles rippling as he prepared to fight. Tess felt a surge of fear, her heart racing with panic.

But she wasn't alone. The pack was with her, Liam was with her.

As the fight began, Tess knew she'd never felt more alive