Page 1 of Wolf Roulette

1

Nose to the ground, we loped through the forest. Fallen tree trunks, tangled vines, and sudden drops made up the rugged south side of Deception Valley.

More to consider.

More to adjust to.

Perfect terrain for a wolf.

Booker loosened her mental hold on our four legs, so I could take control. Our tongue lolled when I didn’t miss a beat.

What are we going to do?she thought at me.

I weaved between low branches.Hmm?

My innocent tone didn’t fool her for a second.

We have a problem. You still consider the tribe your pack.

Rhona exiled me, Booker. I’m not part of the tribe anymore. Even if I wanted them to be my problem, they’re not.

She answered after a beat.Pack is pack, Andie.

A rock thudded on the ground ahead of us. We lowered to our belly, ears twitching for any sound. A growl erupted from behind, and there was only time to spin toward the menacing sound before a huge brown wolf exploded from the shrubs.

Greyson pinned us to the forest floor and licked our muzzle.Got you again, beautiful wolf.

We’re still recovering,Booker snarled back.

Lie.

Physically, we’d recovered from Rhona’s mistreatment in a day.

Greyson freed us to circle the area and check for enemies. When he returned, the giant wolf lay mostly on top of us again.

Busy day?I asked.

Sascha always seems busy, but never really gets anything done.

I grinned.Is that right?

He has something to discuss with you. Shift.

Ignoring Greyson’s lack of manners—wolves really didn’t possess them—I obeyed. When thecracksandpopsof our shifts faded, I snuck a peek at the naked male beside me.

Yummy.

My scent tangled with Sascha’s, but I frowned. The river water part of his smell was churning. “What’s wrong?”

Sascha hooked some of my dark auburn hair, letting the strands slide over his finger. “The pack has filed a formal complaint against the tribe.”

My eyes narrowed. “About what?”

“A steward attacked our marshal.” He met my gaze.

His meaning clicked. My jaw dropped. “You’re making a formal complaint againstme.Daniil attacked Rhona.”

“Or was he responding to your aggression?”