The Wolf in Sheep's Skin

Chapter 61

I came to a halt as the soft patter of paws walking across the grass sounded ahead, rustling the grass. My heart pounded in my chest; my legs ready to give out underneath me.

Copper eyes came towards me at a steady pace. They peered into my soul, my breath leaving me. As Jay came out of the shadows, I couldn’t fathom how the rest of him had managed to stay hidden.

His wolf was tall, his head above my human form. Ears pricked up, he crept closer, slowing. Moonlight glistened on his black fur, highlighting his fur rippling with his every move.

I could’ve watched him all day, graceful, floating over the ground, barely making a sound. I dug my feet into the ground, urging myself to stay still. But my body was a magnet, vibrating, like it knew he was close. Any closer and I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from closing the gap.

Black fur turned to flesh, no whimpers or cries of pain. Four legs turned to one as he walked, somehow managing not to trip. I’d never seen anything like it. Someone who shifted with grace, like it was a dance, the wolf and the human slipping past one another.

He came to a halt a few arm lengths away, in n*ked human glory.

Moonlight cast shadows on his muscled, unscarred figure. A shiver went through me, my tongue darting out, licking my lips before I could stop it. A flush of heat went through me, realizing I was naked in front of him.

If he cared, he didn’t show it.

“Are you in control?” Jay’s voice was thick. I snapped my eyes back up to his. They were green. He was a statue, his hands at his sides in faux calm. He’s mad.

“Yes.”

“Don’t lie.” his eyes narrowed, and butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

“I… I’m not sure. I think I am?”

“Your eyes are bright violet.”

“Oh,” I whispered, blinking and looking away. My cheeks warmed, and I tried to search inside myself to see whether I was in control or not. But nothing made sense anymore. Lilith swirled in the back of my mind, bristling with excitement.

“Am I speaking to Gwen? Or is this Gwen’s wolf?” he said slowly, tilting his head.

“It’s me! It’s Gwen.” I think.

“I said no lying.” He frowned, a little growl escaping him as he gave me a suspicious look.

“I’m not sure. I… I’m in control. I mean, my wolf is fine. She isn’t going to freak out or something.” As I spoke, his stern scowl remained unchanged, and panic settled in my stomach. A sob broke out of my throat, my voice cracking. “I’m so sorry. I, I know I shouldn’t have lost control like that! When Quinn’s dress ripped, I let her out, and I know I shouldn't have and how bad it all looks and I’m so sorry-“

Warmth wrapped around me. I sucked in a deep breath, my cheeks wet with tears. Strong arms squeezed my waist, the scent of summer rain making my muscles go limp.

“I’ve got you.” His warm breath brushed against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I clung to him, wrapping my arms around his back. My fingers dug into his skin, our bodies pressing together so hard we would’ve merged into one if we could.

Repeated apologies spewed from my mouth, muffed into his shoulder. A hand brushed up and down my back, soft hushes caressed my ear.

“You’re alright. It’ll be alright.” Jay whispered in my ear. I lifted my head, glaring into his eyes.

“I can’t smell lies, but I know everything will not be alright! I remember everything! I know what she did, what I did!” I let out a shaky breath, panic tearing through me. “She was only doing it for show, to get Olivia to leave my family alone, because of-“

“I know.” He squeezed me tighter, his face softening. “They’d be dead if your wolf wanted it.” A sorrowful look crossed his face, his eyes drooping. “The pack… I told them. Things will need worked out, but you’ll be fine.”

My grip on his back tightened. My throat clenched; my heart sank. The pack doesn’t care it was a show.

“I attacked their Beta and his mate. They saw her… is that why you’re here? To deal with me?” My stomach ached like someone had sunk their claws into it, trying to rip it out.

“Yes.” His voice was strained, but he scowled, clearing his throat. “I came here to help you keep control. To make sure you’re safe.”

My vision blurred; tears clung to my lashes. Moonlight streamed across his face, making him glow.

“Safe how?” My voice cracked, catching in my throat. Is that why he’s holding me? So he can snap me in half? Make sure I don’t run away, rampaging through the pack? Icy tendrils crawled up my spine, encasing my heart. He won’t hurt me.

He growled, his lips curling into a snarl.

“Don’t do that.” He cupped my cheek, flecks of copper showing in his eyes. “You have no idea how much your fear pains me. I’ll make myself clear: I did not come here to hurt you. I came here to help you, make sure you’re okay. Safe. And the pack… the earth would drown in their blood before I let them touch you.” His chest rumbled against mine with a growl.

His body tensed, a fierce, almost feral determination in his eyes. His thumb brushed away my tears, his gaze intense and full of a protective fire that made my legs weak. His gaze softened and he cleared his throat.

“There’s something I have to tell you-“

“I know. You don’t have to say anything.” I choked on the next word, blinking back tears. It was useless, my eyes leaked like d*mn faucet. “I’ve been such an *sshole. I’m so sorry, I don’t deserve you, I understand if you don’t want me.”

“You take that back!” He let out a harsh growl, startling me. “I don’t want to hear you talk like that ever again! I’ll always want you, Gwendolyn.” His eyes softened, his voice a gentle whisper. “I only hope you’ll want me too.”

Everything went hazy. The air was saturated with his scent. Fresh summer rain so strong my skin tingled, expecting to feel the drops. I sighed, craving to throw my head back, to feel the droplets on my face, mixing with my tears.

Saliva collected in my mouth. My teeth ached, as if they were too big, scratching against my gums. I vibrated like a tuning fork, his scent cloying, swirling in my mind. Lilith roared in my head, deafening. Scorching heat coursed through.

I sunk my teeth into his neck. He hissed in my ear. Iron and salt filled my mouth, hot and sticky. He grunted as I removed my teeth from his flesh, a sickening squelch cutting through the air.

I wobbled on the heels of my feet, still vibrating. I licked my lips, meeting his eyes. They were wide, green, staring me down.

“You bit me.” He squeaked. The haze left my head and I glanced at his shoulder. I bit him.

Blood bubbled out of deep teeth marks on his neck, just below his jaw. His blood sat in my mouth. I couldn’t swallow it, couldn’t open my mouth, risking it running down my chin.

“You bit me.” He whispered, soft and feathery. A warm smile spread across his face, quickly replaced with a frown. “I’m going to pass out.”

His weight slumped onto me, his arms flopping to his sides.