32. The Hunters' Den

Jax could sense the Hunters before reaching the edge of the woods. The sense of evil was so overbearing that it reminded him of himself. Was that how other wolves felt around him?

He shifted back to his human form and kept to the shadows of the trees with his senses wide open. He could sense more than usual. Feel more. Whatever Layla had done at the hotel against the Circle had made her stronger; he could feel the changes.

The seedy motel across the road was as empty as it usually was, and the man in the front office was asleep. He’d always been able to tell by listening to his heartbeat, but now the picture in his head was more precise. The soft snores, the strong scent of alcohol. The man had passed out.

He’d taught Layla how to use her senses to see and feel what was around her, but she’d since surpassed his expectations. He couldn’t imagine what Layla would be able to do when she learned how to use her full strength. He wanted that for her. Not for himself, not for the appare