Page 155 of Howlin’ For You

Noise from the town dwindles as I venture further into the wooded area designated by the text. The sounds of birds chirping and falling leaves comfort me as I walk through the late sunset.

It’ll be completely dark soon.

I come upon a clearing, where a folded piece of lined paper lies on the ground, held there by a stone. It says ‘Izzy’ in big, bold lettering. My heartbeat picks up as I approach it. My skin prickles with the awareness that I’m being watched. Hunted already.

I open the note, quickly skimming the contents.

Run, darling. You have a five-minute head start.

Instinct floods my senses as I set off in the opposite direction I came, sprinting at full speed. Of course, I’m not scared of Nick, but there’s something about knowing someone is chasing you that makes you run. Makes that primal part of you react as if you were in real danger.

A growl rips through the air, and I pick up speed. Wind whips past my ears as I do my best to dodge the branches and roots under my feet.

I’m not going to outrun him, obviously, and I only have maybe a few more seconds until my head start is gone.

My best bet is to hide and make as little noise as possible.

I survey my surroundings, finding the best option to be a small bush pressed against a large tree. I can fit between them and use the bush for cover. I get into position, my breath heaving as I try to get it under control. I close my eyes and listen, taking deep, quiet breaths as my heartbeat jackhammers away.

A blanket of quiet falls upon the forest. The slight chittering of animals dies away, as does the rustling of the leaves in the wind. It’s as if the forest is taking deep breaths just like I am.

Another growl rumbles as I scrunch myself up as small as possible. He’s not here yet, but he’s closer than he was before.

“Izzy,” Nick’s teasing voice carries through the quiet of the trees.

The single word warms my body, reminding me of how he felt pressed against me. Between the anticipation, the primal fear, and his voice…I have to force myself not to rub my thighs together to get some sort of friction.

Another growl, closer again this time. “I can smell how much you want me. How fucking wet you are.”

Who knew I was such a slut for dirty talk and a chase?

The sound of him stepping over brush and branches fills the air as he gets even closer. With every step, my body becomes increasingly tense.

“How about you come out now, darling?” His voice is rough, more command than request. “The sooner you come out, the sooner I can get my mouth on that delicious fucking cunt.”

No.

As much as he wants it, I know I can’t just submit. Something in my head tells me he has to earn this. Call it instinct, call it my own stubbornness, but I can’t just give in.

He will prove himself.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

NICK

Mate.

The word repeats in my head as I stalk my woman through the trees. Her scent envelops the space, trapped and concentrated by the canopy above.

She loves this. The way her syrupy scent blooms around me and fragrances the air proves that. But she won’t give in just because I demand she does, just because I taunt her a little.

She’s going to make me take her.

Another growl loosens itself from my chest at the way she’s not just playing along but truly embracing this.

Embracing me.

Mmm. Here. She’s hiding somewhere in this area. She ran in a zigzag nonsensical pattern, getting her scent all over the place so it’d be harder to pinpoint her. While intelligent, that move won’t protect her for long. Not with my entire being focused on her.