Chapter 3. The Player and The Blade

The light faded from my vision as a large figure bled into view. Not a second later, there was a thumping sound, followed by Dwane’s fingers going limp around my throat, and we fell backward together.

I tried to block my fall, but the dizziness was so overwhelming it was a fruitless attempt. I barely landed on Dwane’s motionless body when a low whistle sounded, and strong arms scooped me up.

I was halfway stuck between slipping into the never-after and fighting my assailant–the person carrying me–thinking this was another attempt on my life.

But the more I aimlessly tried to push away from this person, the stronger his hold became. “Hey, I’m trying to help you here. Knock it off.” The voice was calm, clear, and had a mischievous kick. “Any reason our alpha’s beta is trying to kill you?”

I recognized this voice from somewhere. I faintly recall it being paired with me getting a face full of mud pie in middle school. “Holy shit, it is you!” the voice cried out,