Chapter twenty seven: fractured bonds

"Where on earth do you think you're headed?" Xander inquired, disappointment and anger etched on his handsome face.

With his hair secured in a low bun, he leaned casually against a tree. Clad in black pants and a white dress shirt neatly tucked into them, his tie hung loosely around his neck. He looked like he had just dashed from a swanky dinner, missing only a suit jacket to complete the ensemble.

Memories of the previous night crashed over me, and a strange sensation churned in my stomach as I gazed at him. The urge to rush to his side and taste his lips battled within me.

Attempting to push those tempting thoughts aside, I concentrated on plotting my next move. The last thing I wanted was to return to his pack willingly. I had a mission to accomplish, and I had come too far to back down now.

Firmly gripping my backpack, I took stock of my surroundings. I found myself less than a mile away from the pack's border. If I sprinted with all my might, I might manage to escape Xander's ter