Page 109 of Quarterback Sneak

I listen to what Zane’s saying, even as I keep my eyes on the wolf. “Is it, or he, I guess...dangerous?”

“Not to you, but to a threat? Yes. Reid or any of us in our wolf form are predators and are deadly to any that threaten our pack or our mates.”

Mates.There’s that word again, but I don’t ask about it yet. “And you turn into a wolf too?”

“Yes. Do you want to see my wolf?”

“I don’t know,” I tell him honestly.

“Okay. There’s no pressure, Evie.”

I stare at the wolf a little longer before I finally gain the courage to ask what I want to. “So, what were those creatures in the woods that night?”

I can feel his muscles tighten around me, but he keeps his hold gentle. “My father believes they’re skinwalkers.” I swallow because that sounds absolutely terrible. “As wolves, we get our power to transition from human to wolf and back again from our wolf and the power of our pack. Skinwalkers are humans that get power from dark magic to empower them to shift intothose creatures. They’re not real wolves; they’re a manifestation of dark magic.”

A full body shiver rolls through me. “And Sam and Jace are those...skinwalkers?”

“I believe so.”

Chapter 46

Evie

I swallow. “Can a wolf defeat a skinwalker?” I ask so softly, I can barely hear myself.

Gentle hands on my shoulders turn me around to face him. “Yes. My wolf can and will defend you against any threat. My wolf is an alpha wolf and is incredibly powerful. He will tear to shreds anyone or anything that is a threat to you.”

The violence in his voice should make me afraid, and yet, for the first time since that awful night in the woods, I don’t feel so afraid. “Can I see your wolf?” I whisper.

He tips my head up, so he can see my eyes. “Are you sure?”

I nod, even though my body is shaking. I can see the uncertainty in his eyes. “I want to; I’m just scared.”

He closes his eyes briefly. When he opens them, they’re full of pain. “Baby, I don’t want you to ever be scared of me or my wolf. I’d rather hurt myself than cause you fear.”

I take a deep breath, trying to find my courage. I pull away from him, and his hands drop to his sides. I lift my chin. “Show me.”

The pain in his eyes disappears, and in its place comes something else. He nods. “Okay. Just remember, my wolf would die for you. He won’t hurt you. Ever.”

He takes a few steps away from me. “Shift back,” he says to Reid in a voice that’s almost harsh and so different than how he talks to me. “Don’t look, Evie. He’ll be naked.” I squeak and spin away.

“You can look now,” Reid says from close to me.

I turn around slowly and stare at the wolf that’s standing where Zane was standing just moments ago. I suck in a breath because the wolf standing in front of me sucks the oxygen from my lungs. If I thought Reid’s wolf was beautiful, he’s got nothing on Zane’s wolf. He’s absolutely gorgeous with soft dark gray fur. His eyes are the same piercing shade of green that I would recognize anywhere. I feel something stir deep within me, drawing me forward. Before I fully realize it, I move forward. I stop right in front of the terrifying wolf. Yet, somehow, I feel no fear. I reach out a shaky hand but don’t make contact with it. The wolf moves forward, pushing his big head against my hand. I suck in a breath but don’t pull away. His fur is so soft. I run my hand over its head tentatively, and the wolf lets out a sort of whining sound. I go still.

“It’s okay,” Reid says from a few steps away. “That’s a sign he’s content; it’s a form of affection.”

The wolf lifts its head towards Reid and growls, taking a step forward. I stumble back. “What’s happening?” I ask.

“He doesn’t want me anywhere around you,” Reid says, not sounding worried.

“Why not?” I ask, not taking my eye off the wolf.

“Because you're his mate.”

There’s that word again. “Will he hurt you?”

“If I were a threat to you, absolutely.”