Chapter 49. Caroline

The chattering of her teeth was loud as she trudged through the dark woods, the tremble in her hand holding the torch from more than the biting cold of the night air.  

Werewolves were nocturnal by nature, but the last few years had forced the shifters of the pack to turn away from their instincts because Beta did not like them lurking in the dark, where dangerous ideas could be formed.  

With him imprisoned and their freedom restored, they were out in full swing, celebrating their rescue around bonfires while howling to the night sky.  

Carla was happy for them, but their party left her having to travel through the creepy woods—now even more maze-like in the dark—to avoid answering any questions.  

The hoot of an owl in the trees startled her, causing her to stumble. Her foot caught on a root poking out of the ground, and she landed hard on her front, the wind knocked right out of her.  

"Fuck," she whe