Page 49 of Arranged Wolf's Nanny

They would give chase if she ran.

“And I know you,” she replied coolly, “you’re a member of the Black Claws. Which means,you shouldn’t be here.”

“You’re Heath’s whelp, aren’t you?” His eyes glittered as he took another step towards her.

She swallowed, adrenaline pumping through her veins. “Leave. Now.”

Carter cocked his head, his voice dropping. “I remember you from that inane Eastern Alliance meeting. You caused quite a stir, sweetheart. None of us could believe thatdaddy dearestwould bring you along.”

Her fists clenched, and she snarled at him, eyes blazing, warning him not to come any closer.

Of course, he ignored her.

Panic began to twist in her gut as she realized quite how alone she was. Quite how vulnerable.

“Dane’s men are right behind me with a patrol,” she said. “They’ll tear you apart if they find you here.”

Carter laughed, low and jeering. He was only a few feet away from her, heat radiating from his body, the unmissable scent of arousal wafting from him.

Her nose wrinkled, and she hissed, finally giving in to her instinct to back away.

His eyes sparked at the movement.

“I’m surprised Rick would let his whore wander the woods alone,” Carter said, raising an eyebrow at one of his wolves. “Then again, he always was a heartless bastard.”

“He knows where I am,” Rosalia said, her voice pitching upwards. “If you touch me, he’ll—”

“He’ll what?” Carter purred. “If he truly gave a shit about you, he wouldn’t let you out of his sight. No, sweetheart. I don’tthink he’s coming. I don’t think any of the Iron Walkers are coming. Dane doesn’t run this border tonight. And Rick…”

He lunged forward, grabbing her wrist, wrenching her forward. She squealed in pain, digging her feet into the earth, trying to pull free. It was no use. He was too strong.

“...Rick isn’t here to save you.”

She howled, clawing and scratching at his arm with her free hand. He bellowed as she caught his skin and ripped it open, leaving several long, crimson lines dripping blood onto the forest floor. Throwing her to the floor, he sneered, rubbing at the already healing wound.

“You little bitch!”

“Get away from me,” she snarled, scrabbling to her knees.

“Oh no,” Carter said as the other two wolves circled round, trapping her in. “We’re not letting you get away, sweetheart. You’ve seen us now. Can’t have you running back and warning Felix.”

Her throat closed over.

“When we’re done with you,” Carter sneered, “there won’t be anything left for the Iron Walkers to track.”

Panting, she locked eyes with him.

She was filthy, naked body streaked with mud, hair a tangled mess, and skin littered with scrapes.

She had never been more vulnerable. And yet, she had never felt more in control.

Whatever prim, polished vestiges of her past self remained crumbled to dust. Now, she was only the wolf. And though she was facing down pain and fear and death, shewouldface it.

She crouched low, snarling,finallyallowing the beast within to take control.

She would not cower. She would not pull back.

If they wanted afight, then she would give them a fight.