In a desperate fight for my freedom, I'm sent flying off the side of my kidnapper's speeding train. The only thing keeping me from plunging to my death? Dimitri's lycan jaws crushing my arm.
"(Y/N)!"
San sprints for me but dozens of men leap from the hole he ripped in the train's roof, pulling him back down.
"No! Get off of me!!!"
The sharp rocks below promise a painful death. With a bloody snarl that looks very much like a sneer, Dimitri begins to let go of me.
"Go ahead and try. This isn't enough to kill me."
His throat rumbles with a mocking growl, as though to call my bluff. His jaw hinges open, his sharp teeth leave my arm…and I know he's about to let go.
"No!"
Suddenly, my eyes flare gold. My whole body grows hot. A piercing whistle rings in my ears. As my death grows closer, the whistle grows louder. It's something I've never heard, and yet I know exactly what it means.
I'm…shifting.
My flesh boils with an ancient, ancestral call, my body curling in on itself and threatening to break.
"San!!!"
With more desperation than I've ever felt, I scream San's name. As he flights off the attackers, he meets my eyes.
"(Y/N), you're–? Just hang on!"
I try to reach for him, but Dimitri senses the change in my body and…he drops me.
"NO!!!"
San's scream dies on the winter wind as I plummet over the rocky cliffside. Blind with fear, I reach out and try to sink my nails into the side of the train. But's no use. As I plummet, every hair on my body stands on end…every muscle with me contracts…and my transformation takes hold.
"(Y/N)...we're with you."
Again, the voices of the man and woman–the voices of my parents–reach me. Their wolves, their very spirits, braid with mine. My father's wolf is as black as liquid night, rippling with lethal stealth. My mother's is as white as untouched snow, sleek and strong.
Mom…Dad…
Reaching within, I bind my soul with my mother's white wolf. Our hearts collide and, for the first time, I feel her warm embrace.
"(Y/N)."
My body accepts its second form, it's truest form, growing in size and strength. Fur of the purest white and darkest black envelops me. My senses explode. I smell my own blood, hear San struggle overhead…and feel the rocks speed toward me from below.
I won't die today.
With new animalistic prowess, I plant my claws on the rocks beneath me..and spring back towards the train.
"Dimitri…"
"What?!"
Dimitri snarls and braces himself as I leap back at him, a storm of white and black-hot vengeance. Dimitri lunges but I duck, something he didn't expect. Before he can react, I ram into his throat, sending him flying. Pissed, Dimitri leaps back and gets hold of my scruff. He throws me with alarming strength and I skid across the train's roof. A body as solid as iron brings me to an abrupt halt. It's San, reaching for me even as he struggles with the goons below.
"(Y/N). You're not used to this body. You have to trust your instincts."
Dimitri sprints across the train, his fangs bared. Climbing to my feet, I shield San with my massive, lupine body.
"(Y/N), don't worry about me. Just go."
"No. Not a chance."
Dimitri hurls himself at me like a missile, sinking his claws into my back. I yelp in pain.
"Brings me back to that night in your steamy shower. Let's finish what we started in there!"
"Not on your life!"
I move to fight, but the train comes screeching to a halt. With Dimitri's claws still deep inside me, I hurdle through the air. A fury of fur and blood, Dimitri and I smash to the ground in the middle of a deserted train station.
"You're mine."
San leaps from the roof of the train as it comes to a stop in the station.
"Get away from her!!!"
But before he can shift, he's slammed to the ground by Dimitri's men, pouring out of the train in droves. They put guns to his head. I try to leap for him, but I'm pulled back with a shred of pain. Dimitri still has his claws deep in my back.
"Mine. All MINE."
I claw at the ground, trying to gain footing, but it's no use. Dimitri flips me on my back with a sickening snap.
"(Y/N)!"
Dimitri leaps on top of me, clamping his lycan jaws around my throat, pressing his body down on mine.
"(Y/N)! Your instincts! Fight him!"
"Too late. You feel it, don't you? The desire to give in. Submit, (Y/N). Submit to me."
Dimitri's command wraps around me like an acid-soaked rope, threatening to pull me down. For some reason, it is stronger than ever.
"(Y/N), you can do this. Fight him."
Using San's words as strength, I get my legs under Dimitri, and kick him straight up into the air, away from me.
"What?!"
"Nice try. But I'll never fucking submit to you."
As he hurdles back to the ground, I spring into the air and catch his neck in my mouth. He tries to claw at me, tries to bite me back, but I clamp down hard on his throat, feeling his hot blood in my jaws. I slam him into the ground so hard the concrete platform cracks.
"L-let go you evil bitch!"
"You want me to let go? Fine."
By the neck, I throw him in the air. I feel the power returning to me. The power of my God-like strength. Channeling it, I smash myself into him, and send him careening into the side of the train, denting it's frame. Everyone gasps. Completely exhausted and bleeding badly, Dimitri shifts back down into his human form, hitting his knees.
"You…you will regret this. You will regret all of this."
I stalk towards him, my heart pounding in my ears. I stare at the puncture wounds in his skin.
"Dimitri… You predator… You monster…"
Suddenly, his blood in my mouth tastes like honey, and I crave more.
"This fight is done."
"No, it's only just begun."
I know he can't understand me but the snarl that bubbles out of my red jaws says it all.
"(Y/N)–"
San sounds like he is leagues away. All that matters is Dimitri's blood. I want more of it. With a surge of murderous power, I lunge at Dimitri, my open maw seconds from tearing his face off.
"Fuck!"
He dives out of the way at the last possible second, throwing out a furious fist at his men.
"What are you doing? Shoot her down!"
"No! She's just new to shifting! She's blind with blood lust!"
"New? Don't make me laugh. No new wolf is as powerful as that."
I snarl and lunge again. The men form a circles around me, aiming their rifles.
"NO!" San shouts.
Suddenly, something hot and huge is shoved into my jaws. I sink down on it without thinking. San's scream brings me back to myself for a second. And, to my horror…it's San's shoulder in my mouth. He wraps his arms around my powerful body, pulling me close as he pleads.
"Please, (Y/N). You have to come back to yourself. Now."
"S-San?"
His blood pools on my tongue, mixing with Dimitri's, making me nauseous.
"You have two seconds, bastard Prince. If she doesn't shift down, I shoot."
"Please, (Y/N). Come back. Come back to me."
Fighting back my insatiable desire to kill Dimitri, I slowly loosen my hold on San.
"That's it. A little more."
I tamp down my racing heartbeat, lowering my head against San's chest as he tugs me closer.
"A little more. You can do it."
I breathe in his sweet, heady scent, like malt scotch, remembering what it's like to be human. To be a woman. I feel myself grow smaller, more agile, as I return to my human flesh.
"Did I…am I…back?"
"Yes. You did it, (Y/N)."
Exhausted, I fall against San and he catches me in his arms. My vision blurs.
"I've never seen a new wolf bring herself back without a kill."
Dimitri's cold words slice through my relief, making everything spin.
"We'll have to experiment on her. See what else she's capable of."
"You son of a–!"
San throws a powerful punch at Dimitri but several soldiers shove him to the ground. It's the last thing I see before I faint. Heavy footsteps echo in a cavernous hall. People whisper under their breath. When I finally have the strength to open my eyes, I am on my knees in an opulent hall, bound in chains once again.
Where…am I?
Remembering the wounds I was dealt in my battle with Dimitri, I feel for my torn flesh. But everything is re-stitched.
That's right. I have my full wolf now, so–
"Don't move."
I look up. Huddled in the corner of the room are several women, all staring at me with a mixture of awe and fear.
"Hey…tell me where I am. Now."
"That's not important right now. What's important is that you stay quiet."
"Or he'll punish you." another adds.
"Punish me? What kind of fucked up bullshit are you–"
"Please. Be quiet. He'll–"
A third goes to speak but is interrupted.
"He'll hear you?"
All of the women flinch as Dimitri saunters into the hall, dragging something heavy behind him.
"Hyunjin was sorry he couldn't stay. He had a boat to catch, filled with the money I paid for you."
He throws the thing he dragged in on the floor in front of me. It's San, chained and half-conscious. The bite mark on his shoulder leaves a trail of gore in his wake, staining the marble red.
"San!"
"(Y/N)…Did he hurt you?"
San's voice shakes. Sweat beads on his pale face as he struggles to stay conscious.
"No…but I'll hurt him for what he's done to you."
"I didn't do this to him, (Y/N). You did."
"What?"
Dimitri drags a finger over the bandage on his neck.
"It appears we can't heal so quickly from those bites you gave us."
They…can't heal fast from my bites? I did this?
"Just another incredible ability of yours I will take full advantage of. When I add you to my collection."
My eyes fall on the women huddled in the corner, a fresh wave of dread overtaking me.
"Those women. They're not–"
"My claims. Yes. Each one carefully selected for my…needs."
He walks up to them and they all bow their heads, averting their eyes. He trails a sick hand over their necks and shoulders.
"Come now, my pets. Why don't you say hello to your new sister?"
He punctuates his final word by grabbing the girl who first spoke to me by the back of her neck, dragging her forward.
"Dimitri, this is totally unnecessary."
"The first thing you'll learn around here is that I set the rules. I decide what is necessary. Isn't that right, Noor?"
Noor squeezes her eyes shut and nods her head, visibly shakes. Dimitri chuckles.
"See? Look how well behaved you'll be after a few lessons with me."
Dimitri strokes her cheek and I bristle, every word he speaks like broken glass in my ears.
"The only lesson I'll learn is how to burn this place down.
"Oh, that's not how things are going to work around here. No…"
Suddenly, Dimitri throws Noor to the ground and grabs me by my hair, yanking me up to face him.
"Damn it, let her go!" San tries to command.
"No. See, here's how things are going to work, pet. You are going to learn to take whatever I give you, and give me whatever I ask of you. Without question."
"Or what?"
"Or I'll have your bastard murdered and I'll massacre your false King's packs. All of them, including your parents."
His words send a cold shiver up my spine. He sighs, stroking my cheek just like he did Noor's.
"I'd be well within my right to do so. See, you and San here have broken a pack law by coming onto my land without permission."
"I didn't "come onto your land", you lying–"
He stops me with a finger to my lips.
"Who is going to believe a little slut caught between two Alpha brothers hmm? No one. But we don't have to rob thousands of shifters of their lives, no. Not if we say San brought you to me as a peace offering."
"I will never agree to that lie."
"You will. Because in exchange, I'll let him go. I'll even give up on controlling half of the world's packs."
"I don't believe that."
"It's true. After all…"
Dimitri purrs, licking his lips as he examines my body.
"I'll need time to train the children you give me. As many little weapons as I please."
"LET. HER. GO."
I feel a rush of San's power as his voice drops into an Alpha's command. But just as quickly as it surged, it dies away.
"Did you just try to command me, bastard?!ON YOUR BACK."
Instantly, San is flipped onto his back. He arches in pain.
"You have to mean it, Saekki. You can't doubt yourself."
Dimitri drops me and saunters over to San. He kicks him in the side and he coughs.
"But you know what you are. You know you're not worthy of being an Alpha."
"Please, My Lord. Please have mercy."
I hit my knees with fake tears, reaching out for mercy. Dimitri strides over to me, considering my words…my grief… Then, with a violent kick, he sends me flying into the arms of his women.
"Nice try, but these girls can tell you, I've seen every trick in the book. And I've never once been fooled."
One of his slave girls pads into the room, holding several gowns in her hands.
"Ah, good. I thought you might want to change out of those chilly clothes, (Y/N)."
"I won't wear anything you give me."
"Oh, you will. And I'd better like what you pick. If I don't…"
Dimitri walks up to San and digs his finger into the gaping wound on his shoulder. San screams.
"STOP IT!!!" I cry out.
He pulls his finger free, grinning as he licks away the blood.
"There's more where that came from. So, which one will you choose? If you pick one I really like, I may give you a reward. A reward that could help your poor friend here."
I look at San, crumpled on the floor, shaking in pain. I look at all the dresses that the servant has in her arms. I grab the rich violet gown and step behind a screen to pull it on. The woman quickly ties it in place and secure the headpiece in my hair. When they're done, they step back. A hush falls over them as they look me up and down.
"Have you made your choice?"
"Yes."
Glaring beneath my finery, I step out in my shining gown. Even from the floor, San cannot hide his awe.
"Well done, (Y/N)."
Dimitri nods his approval, walking around me to examine my every angle.
"You've earned yourself a reward with this."
"Is the reward our fucking freedom?"
"No, I'm afraid not. But it will make San's stay more…comfortable."
He snaps his fingers and San and I are dragged from the room.
"Think about my proposal, (Y/N). I eagerly await your answer."
I'm hauled up the stairs and thrown in a prison-like bedroom. Stains marr the stone floors and thick bars cover the windows. San is tossed on the bed where he swears in pain, clutching his tortured shoulder. As soon as we're alone, I run to him.
"San…I'm so sorry."
"Now, I must be dreaming. Those are three words I never thought you'd say."
He tries to laugh but he sucks in a harsh breath, blood escaping his wound at an alarming rate.
Oh my God. I can see the bone.
Tears rise in my eyes.
"I bit you so hard. And now you're stuck here and–"
"Hey."
San places a shaking, cold hand on my cheek, drawing me down to him.
"None of this is your fault. None of it."
"But…I let myself get kidnapped."
"That's nonsense. I saw you out there. You fought harder than anyone. You were fucking glorious. The most beautiful, lethal wolf I've ever seen."
I stare into his eyes, and for a moment, everything else falls away. All of the fear and unknown. Then, the pain becomes too much. San swears and curls in on himself.
"Your power. Maybe you can use your magic to–"
"It doesn't work on the person casting it. Only on others."
Damn it. He's helped me countless times, I need to–
That's when I see it. A small medical kit sits in the corner of the room. There's a note with it. It reads 'Your reward, (Y/N). You do look good in that dress.'"
I guess some good did come of this dress.
Crumpling up the note, I turn back to San. He is so weak now that his hand falls from his wound.
He's losing consciousness.
"(Y/N)…"
My name sounds weak on his lips. They start to turn blue. Pulling what I need from the kit, I jump on the bed and straddle San.
"What are…you doing?"
"Saving your life."
Tugging his shirt back to reveal my bite, I uncap the antiseptic.
"This is going to hurt."
I splash the stinging liquid over his wound and he roars.
"Fuck!!!"
His back arches in agony, jutting up so far his hips meet mine and he knocks me forward. We stare at each other. He pants, winded from the pain. And heat rises in my cheeks.
"That hurt."
"I–"
Shaking myself, I quickly return to my work.
"I'm almost done. Just bear with me."
Fishing fresh gauze from the kit, I slowly, carefully, wrap San's wounds. Then, I apply pressure. I don't know how long I press my hands to his body. All that matters is the heat rising from him, and the rapid heat of his heart.
Is he…going to be all right?
Then, his heartbeat begins to slow to a normal pace. Color returns to his face. His eyes flutter open.
"(Y/N)?"
"Oh my God. You're okay!"
Unexpected tears rise in my eyes. I throw my arms around his neck.
"Ow."
"Sorry."
I move to let him go, but his hands slowly slide up my back, holding me to him.
"No. It's okay. Stay here."
"San…?"
"This again?"
I can hardly believe the voice that rings out overhead. Sure enough, Yeosang's hulking shadow eclipses the window. He sighs theatrically.
"I really would like to stop finding you two like this. I swear, every time there's a bed…"
He pries open the bars as if they were nothing, and jumps down into the room.
"How did you–what are you–?"
"What does it look like, sonyeo? I'm here to get you out."