Into the Unknown Coming Jan. 2014
UNEDITED teaser from Into the Unknown
Natalia leapt over the log, her paws sinking into the wet earth as she landed in the clearing where she’d left her clothes. Inhaling the dank leaves and rain one last time she looked around the area. Satisfied she was alone; she closed her eyes and focused on her transformation.
Wincing as her bones began to snap, Natalia gritted her teeth. Her black fur was sucked inward as her pink wolf flesh was replaced with honeyed skin. Long brown hair fell in her face as her bones continued to crack, realigning themselves. After several long painful moments, the transition was complete. Panting heavily, Natalia sat back on her bottom, trying to regain control of her breathing. Shaking, she rocked back and forth waiting for the dizziness and pain to ebb away.
Transitioning shouldn’t be this hard, she knew that. Most wolves did it within seconds – how, she had no idea. Perhaps it was because she was part human or maybe there was a trick to it. She couldn’t be sure.
Natalia stiffened, shooting to her feet she scurried to get her clothes. Grabbing her panties first, she slid into them as the sound of footsteps drew closer. Throwing on her jeans next, followed by her bra, her trembling fingers fought to fasten the back as Gene came into view.
“Go away,” Natalia hissed snatching her shirt up and covering herself with it.
“I’m sorry,” Gene said quickly turning his back to her.
Fumbling with her bra, she finally hooked it and threw her shirt on. “What are you doing out here?” she demanded, her face and ears burning.
Gene turned around, one eyebrow quirked up, a smile on his face. “This is my home. I was going for a run,” he said, indicating the open woods.
Natalia drew in a deep breath, her eyes inadvertently wandering to his bare, toned chest. The moon hit his tanned skin just right, illuminating the scars on his side. Claw marks. Even with the blemish, he was perfect. The grey running shorts he wore fit snugly, showing off his muscular thighs. Taking him all in, she veered up toward Gene’s face. His chiseled jaw and brown eyes stared at her intently.
He’s watching you while you are ogling him!
“I didn’t realize anyone else ran at this time,” she said entwining her hands together to control the shaking. Now she would have to find a new time to run. Apparently, it was too much to ask to have time to herself.
Gene shrugged and took a step toward her. “I run when I can. One of the downfalls to being alpha. I have very little time to myself.”
“Great,” Natalia mumbled as she bent over to pick up her sneakers.
Another bout of dizziness over took her and she stumbled forward the earth reached up to grab her when warm hands caught her under her arms.
“You okay?”
Natalia pulled away, tripping over herself before finding her footing. Brushing a long lock of hair from her face, she replied, “I am fine.”
“You are shaking,” Gene said, grasping her hand in his.
Natalia tried to wrench her hand free of his calloused grip, but couldn’t. She placed her other hand on his chest pushing him. Gene immediately dropped her hand.
Warmth pulsated into her hand where it still lay across his smooth skin. Goose bumps erupted on her flesh as she shivered from the contact. Confused she quickly yanked her hand away.
“Are you hurt?” Gene asked reaching out for her again but stopping himself.
“I am fine,” she repeated.
Gene frowned, watching her. “This happened when you turned?”
Natalia opened her mouth to lie but thought better of it. The problem was getting worse with each shift. Looking down at her feet, she nodded. As much as she didn’t want anyone’s help, she couldn’t let anything happen to herself. She needed to be there for Adrian.
“How long has this been going on?”
Natalia didn’t answer. Shifts had always been horrible. They were much worse now though.
“This isn’t normal, Natalia. Are you hurt or sick?”
“It is nothing new. My transitions have always been rough. I do not need you worrying over me,” Natalia said.
“No one ever showed you how to do it properly?” Gene asked stepping in front of her as she went to move off.
“I taught myself.”
Gene frowned. “You are hurting yourself the way you’re doing it. I can help you.”
“Why?” Natalia scoffed, moving around him.
“I’m sure it’s very painful for you. Our transformation should be enjoyable. A pleasure pain. Not a burden,” Gene said.
Natalia glared at him as he fell in step beside her. She did enjoy the freedom once she was the wolf but the transition was excruciating.
“And what do you want in return for helping me?” Natalia growled. There was always something with wolves.
“I only wish to help you.”
Natalia stopped and jabbed her finger out at him. “Do not lie to me. I know you are all the same. I sensed your arousal earlier. You say you will allow me to be free but I doubt it. You are just like the fake alpha and Juarez. Your intentions for me are not pure.” Heat scorched her face as her ears burned from the realization. Even more frightening, a small part of her – the wolf in her – was attracted to him.
Gene sighed and ran a hand through his brown hair. “You are a beautiful young woman and an alpha female. That doesn’t mean I would go back on my word. Help me defeat your grandfather and you will be free. I promise.”
“I don’t believe you are any different,” Natalia said. Her bottom lip trembled. Clenching it between her teeth, she met his eyes defiantly. She would not be a prisoner.
“Perhaps I can give you a sign of good faith. Would you like to call your alpha in Cabo San Lucas?”
“There is no alpha there. No wolves live there to my knowledge.”
“You and your mother were lone wolves?” Gene asked, his chocolate eyes widening.
“When my mother found out what a monster my father and grandfather were, she ran as far away as she could. She raised me and taught me what she knew about werewolves.” Sniffling she looked away, tears pricked her eyes as she thought of her mother.
“Then perhaps we can call her. Bring her here. I’m sure-“
“She’s dead,” Natalia snapped. “They killed her when they took me a year ago.”
A traitorous tear slid down her face, tickling her nose as it pooled on her lip. She could not appear weak in front of Gene. Swiping the tear away, she met his eyes. “I want Juarez to pay for what he did to my family. I will tell you everything I know about him.”
Taking a step forward, she stared Gene down. “One way or another, when this is over, I will be leaving your pack. There is nothing you can say or do to stop me.” Turning on her heel, she stomped away from him. Adrian was the only family she had left and she would do anything to protect her son. If she had to play nice with this alpha for the time being, she would, but freedom for her, and Adrian was her first priority.
