Darkness. Running. The scent of blood and fear. Trees whipping past as I stumbled through the forest, my lungs burning, my legs weak. Behind me, growls and snarls, getting closer with each faltering step. I knew what would happen when they caught me. They always caught me.
"You're nothing but a marked b***h," a rough voice snarled, so close I could feel hot breath on my neck. "No pack, no protection."
I tried to run faster, but my feet sank into the soft earth. Hands grabbed at my clothes, claws raked my back. I fell, screaming silently as bodies piled on top of me, teeth flashing—
"Arianna! Wake up. It's just a dream."
I jerked awake with a silent gasp, my body drenched in sweat, heart hammering against my ribs. Kieran's face swam into focus above me, his green eyes bright with concer
