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"You thought you could get away?" he rasped. "Youwill never escape me." His hungry gaze lifted to mine. "You. Are. Mine."

Something inside me howled in triumph, but I couldn't make it so easy for him.

"I want more," I snarled. "You're going to have to work for this prize."

He inhaled sharply, his eagerness surging through the bond.

"But I have you."

Shaking my head, I leaned in, brushing his cheek with my lips as I moved to his ear.

"No," I whispered. "Just as I forgot that a wolf might run through the woods to cut off his prey," I nipped at his ear. "You, my dear wolf, forgot that prey can fight back."

His eyes went wide as I twisted and slammed my knee into his thigh.

He loosened his hold with a grunt, and I ducked out of his arms, dashing away without a word.

"MATE!" he called out. "You'd better run faster this time, because if I catch you —whenI catch you, there will be no escape."

As if he could decide that! No, this little game was far too fun to be a one time thing!

Grinning and fucking needy, I charged into the thick copse of trees, aiming roughly for the cave. With any luck, I could duck in without him seeing.

Branches slapped at me as I ran, stinging as they scratched my arms and shoulders — tangling in my hair.

But I didn't care. My wolf was coming for me—

Body achy with need, I scrambled up a small hill, boots struggling to get purchase on the loose dirt and moss.

Finally, I staggered over the hill and found a familiar stretch of road. And there, hidden amidst another outcropping of stone, was the cave, beckoning to me.

It was perfect …

A howl echoed just behind me as I ran down the hill to the road, illuminated by the pale light of the two moons. My shadow stretched to the forest behind me where the trees consumed the light — andhim.

The bond surged desperately between us as I reached the cave and ducked into the darkness.

Reaching out with my magic, I felt for any other life — but there were only a few plants.

Thank the gods.If there had been a wraith or something else —

A shudder ran through my body as I sensed a burning bright korra emerge from the forest behind me — stalking straight towards the cave.

Fuck!He'd found me.

Fear prickled my skin as I looked around the small cave for an escape.

But there was nothing!

Oh, gods — I was trapped!Heart beating wildly in my ears, I moved deeper, searching for a way out, willing my eyes to adjust to the darkness more quickly.

What was I thinking, running in here?

But I knew. Deep inside, I knew a part of me wantedthis … wanted to be trapped … to be caught. The prey to Tye's predator.

I wasn't going to make it easy for him, though.

There! The soft glow of moonlight shone into the cave further back — illuminating a small tunnel leading back out to the forest. It was barely big enough for me to crawl through, but it would do.