pulled my t-shirt off and handed it to her. Taylor took it slowly and put it on. “You’re running away? And with her?” he said and pointed, “Colt’s going to kill you!” “Colt’s out of his dammed mind!” I growled. Jimmy worried his bottom lip. “Come on get in!” I snipped. Jimmy shook and stared. “I…I can’t. Colt will kill us,” he muttered. I frowned. “I’m sorry then,” I said. “I have to do this.” Jimmy looked up and yelped as my fist connected with his face. My heart sank as I watched my friend hit the ground. “Sorry,” I said in a shaky breath and hurried to the driver’s side. I pulled the visor down and caught the keys as they fell. Then I started the engine and sped down the trail. As soon as we hit the river I parked the Ford and got out. Taylor jumped after I opened the door. “Come on. We have to go on foot from here,” I said and offered her my hand. “Why? We could be in town in another hour,” she said and yelped as I pulled her out. “They’ll catch up to us as soon as we reach town. We need to move fast,” I said and shed my clothes. Then I pulled a small duffle bag out and put them in. “Carry this,” I said and wrapped the band around her arm. She took it and stared at me. “How could they possibly catch up to a truck?” she asked. “The trail’s steep and the truck isn’t meant for off roads. Believe me I’ll be quicker,” I said and pointed to the river. “We need to hide our scents and travel downwind.” She nodded slowly. “I’ll do whatever you ask. Just get me away,” she said. I walked up to her and grabbed her hands. “Listen I know you must be scared and confused, but you have to trust me.” She licked her lips and it made my skin prickle with lust. I took a deep breath. “Okay,” she said. “I’m going to shift. Get on my back and I’ll carry you. Don’t be scared and run away,” I said and let her go. “Understand?” She nodded with wide eyes. “You’re one too?” “Well, yeah,” I said and hunched to the ground. “We need to hurry.” I closed my eyes and let the change take over. Pain erupted in my spine as it bent and cracked. Shoulder blades parted and fur spread across my body. Hands turned to paws and I growled as my teeth grew to sharp points. I lowered to the ground and let Taylor climb onto my back. She squeaked as I stood up on all fours. Tall enough that her feet couldn’t touch the ground. I nipped at her leg and she leaned up and wrapped her arms around my neck then squeezed my back with her knees. I shot towards the river like lightening. Cold water and pebbles splashed up, hitting my belly and chest. I ignored the discomfort and didn’t look back. I don’t know how much time passed, but we finally entered the city. I stopped on the outskirts of the woods and kneeled down. Taylor slid off and stood up. Her knees wobbly. “My house is twenty minutes from here,” she said. I shifted back into my human form and grabbed her hand. “No, that’s the first place they’ll go,” I said. If it was one thing Colt was good at, it was hunting. I pouted and sat down. Racking my brain for ideas. Can’t stay in the city that’s for damn sure. “What am I supposed to do?” she asked and frowned. Then she rubbed her arms. A cloud of mist escaped her mouth as she exhaled. “We have to get out of here. Do you have a car?” I asked. Her eyes widened. “You expect me to leave my home? Why can’t I just go to the cops? We’ll explain everything and…” I shook my head. “And you really think they’ll believe that a couple of werewolves kidnapped you?” She opened her mouth then shut it. “No,” she said and wiped her nose. I rubbed warmth into her arms and her eyes widened. “We have to at least stop by my apartment. All of my credit cards are there,” she said and blushed as I wrapped my arm around her. I scowled. Shit! She was right. It wasn’t as if I had that much