Maddie kept her eyes closed as consciousness roused like a lazy cat in the back of her mind. Her body tensed, waiting for the onslaught of aches and pains, but they were dulled. In fact, everything was. A thick fog wrapped around her mind, making each thought sluggish as she tried to pull out of its grip. It was more than the sweet temptation of a deep sleep. Stronger, more forceful. It was probably some drug still in her system. It would wear off eventually. In the meantime, she stopped fighting its pull and allowed her body to sink into the relief of its waiting arms, while she kept her focus alive. It was a struggle, but it was easier than forcing her eyes open. A smooth surface was beneath her body, cradling it while it rested, but she knew it wasn’t the comfort of her own bed. The pillow smelled unfamiliar, musty and unused. It was the only thing she could smell in the room despite trying to focus. Rather than catching any other wolf’s presence or any nearby food, the air was t

“Lewis?” Maddie gasped, hope fluttering in her chest to hear his voice, but it died just as quick as it rose as she shuffled towards him. The sharp tang of blood surrounded her Beta, cutting through the thick, salty air. There was a sizzle of flesh as she moved closer, turning her stomach but she swallowed against the bile that threatened to rise. She could only see his silhouette shadowed against the stone wall but kept her eyes on him, waiting for them to adjust to the dim lighting. She edged closer. Finally, her foot nudged against something. She crouched down and touched his foot, almost yanking her hand back at the ice-cold chill of his skin. Maddie had to bite back a growl at the extra punishment he was facing sitting on the cold stone. In a t-shirt, joggers, socks and shoes, she should have been grateful that they hadn’t stripped her as bare as him but only anger grew within her. Making quick work, she pulled off her socks and yanked them onto Lewis’ feet. They were too sh

Before Maddie could find her words, Jason appeared at the door, a slumped Lewis in tow. All her thoughts of arguing left her as her friend was thrown to the floor. She was moving before she realised, cupping Lewis’ purpling face in her hands. Only one of his eyes was open, the other swollen shut, his breathing haggard, but he was alive. She pressed a gentle hand to his forehead and then his chest. The thin film of sweat on him did nothing to show the heat of his skin. He was feverish to the touch, but she hoped the cold cell would help calm its intensity. “Here’s your dinner.” Jason looked displeased to be serving them, as he held out two trays, refusing to venture past the door. The smell of the soup made Maddie’s stomach clench. She didn’t know how long it had been since she last ate, and her lips were parched for a drop of fresh water the bottle on each tray boasted. “Come on, Darling, I don’t have all day.” Her feet were unsteady as she pushed herself to stand. Though a lot

Michael POV - The harsh floors and narrow stone walls made silencing his footsteps almost impossible. Michael was a master of stealth but in the damp hallways, the slightest scuff of his shoes would echo in every direction. He kept his breathing shallow and ears pricked for any movement beside his own. If he couldn't move silently, he doubted anyone else would be able to. It was the only good thing about the situation; like he had an early warning system for any approaching enemy. However, no one came. Despite the many warriors he knew were stationed at the front of the packhouse, he had come across no one inside. Maybe it was because he was on one of the lower levels, but there was a prickle on his nape that suggested otherwise. Even though unease was his constant companion, Michael pushed forward. He followed the corridors, finding the paths of the building formed a spiral around its edge rather than having stairs between the different floors. His instincts drew him down, and

Despite Michael’s hours of collecting intel on Wild Shore, it was Maddie’s knowledge of the pack that they used to devise their next move. As she told them, the pack used their packhouse as a last line of defence for civilians in case of a serious breach. Not only did that mean it was heavily fortified, but it also was stocked with plenty of supplies; food, water, clothes and weapons. That’s where they were headed. With only a knife between them, and thread bare clothes, they needed more supplies before they escaped. The stock room was on the upper floors and Michael took the lead as they began their way up the outer slope of the building. Lewis brought up the rear, watching their backs in case there were other wolves lurking in the shadows, while Maddie walked between them. Despite being in the safest position, she was certain her heart was pounding the hardest. With her makeshift bandages already soaking through red on her mate’s arm, and Lewis barely moving his injured wrists, she