Jordan stared at the door with bated breath. She had been upstairs in her bed, trying to get some sleep when she heard the sound of heavy boots clunking up the stairs. Her heart began to drum in her chest, knowing who it was.

Lily had explained to them over dinner what had happened to Marsden. Jordan felt guilty, especially after she had fought the old man, but the Lupa had assured them that he was going to be fine. Jackson didn’t show up for dinner, but Lily said that the camping trip tomorrow would proceed as planned.

She didn’t even know there was a camping trip. Well, maybe she did, but she wasn’t included in the planning. Her heart squeezed with anguish when she realized she had not been invited. Of course not; she hadn’t done any of the activities, so she didn’t have to go.

Still, the thought of Liz and Jackson being out in the wilderness for two nights irked at her. She tossed and turned in bed, trying to get to sleep, but the image of them together wouldn’t leave her alone. She gave up and decided to read, which was when she heard Jackson.

She crept down the stairs and waited by the door. His footsteps advanced, and she waited for him to go into his room. When the steps got louder, and she saw the shadow creeping under her door, she froze. Jackson was there, just on the other side. Did she want him to open the door? Was he coming in? She didn’t know.

When the door remained closed, and the shadow grew smaller, Jordan’s heart sank. Slowly, she pivoted and marched up the stairs, getting into bed. She harrumphed and slid under the sheets, grabbing her book. Why the hell did she think he was coming in anyway? Maybe he was just so tired he went to the wrong door. Besides, they’d already agreed not to sleep with each other again. It was a complication neither of them wanted.

Jordan convinced herself that the article on the ancient microbes found on the tombs of a recently unearthed Phoenician burial ground was riveting, which was why she couldn’t sleep. Of course, she had been trying to read the same page for about an hour now without understanding any of it. With a frustrated cry, she tossed the book aside and pulled the sheets up to her chin.

It was probably sheer exhaustion that made her close her eyes, but sleep didn’t last long. Soon, she heard activity from downstairs. It was still dark out so she knew it was everyone getting ready for the camping trip. She lay there, thinking about how great it was she would be staying indoors, in a nice warm house and bed, while everyone else was probably going to have to sleep on the cold, hard ground tonight. Lucky her.

With a deep sigh, she rolled out of bed, then changed out of her sleep clothes. After getting dressed and packing a few things in a small knapsack, she hurried down the stairs, then freshened up quickly in the bathroom. By the time she walked out of the house, Liz, Karen, Blake, and Keith, were already on the back porch. Garland and a few of the ranch hands were assembling all the backpacks and gear on the lawn.

“Jordan?” Liz’s sculpted eyebrows went all the way up to her hairline. “What are you doing up so early?”

“Today’s the big camping trip, right?” She held up her backpack.

“You can’t possibly want to come,” Liz retorted. “What about your allergies?”

“I’m feeling fine, and I got plenty of meds.”

“What are you doing?”

She turned her head. Jackson was standing right behind her. “I’m getting ready to come on the trip.”

“I didn’t know you wanted to come,” he said, his voice quiet.

“Jackson,” Liz interrupted. “You said this trip was all planned out. Surely, you only have enough supplies and gear for five people?”

“Not at all ma’am,” Garland called from where he was checking the straps of one of the backpacks. “We got plenty of extra gear. One more won’t hurt.” He winked at Jordan.

Liz glared at her, then turned to Jackson. “But she hasn’t been around for the other activities.”

“Jordan was sent here by Fenrir,” Jackson said. “She has just as much right as you to join the trip.”

“That settles it.” Jordan flashed Liz a sweet smile. “I’m coming.”

“Well good for you,” Liz replied, then flipped her hair and stomped off to where Jesse was looking over her backpack.

Jordan looked up at Jackson cautiously. “I’m sorry about Marsden getting hurt.”

His eyes turned steely and his jaw tensed. “He’ll be fine. Excuse me.” Without another word, he walked past her and headed to where Garland was talking with Lily.

She straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. Well, there was no backing out now. She was going camping.

Well now, this wasn’t bad. Not bad at all.

Shenandoah Valley in the spring time was incredible. Jordan had never seen so much greenery in her life. She grew up in San Francisco, in a small house in the Sunset District, where it was foggy most of the year.

But out here, the skies were clear, and the sun shone bright. She had to admit, it was a good distraction. She was tired, but nothing she couldn’t handle; she was a Lycan after all. However, if she had to hear Liz giggle one more time or fawn over Jackson, surely, she was going to smother the bitch.

Liz had practically marked her territory the moment they left the house. Garland was leading the way, Jackson behind him, and so she positioned herself between Jackson and everyone else. She was like a sheep dog, herding Jackson away from the group, and asking him questions and telling stories so that no one else had a chance to talk to him. When they stopped for lunch, she immediate sat down beside him, stretching her legs and placing her backpack strategically so no one could come near them.

“I smell something,” Blake said to Jordan. He sat down next to her on a fallen log and unwrapped the sandwich in his hands.

“What?”

He nudged at her and cocked his head toward Liz. “Desperation.”

She nearly choked on the chunk of turkey and bread in her mouth. “Ha!”

“Do you think she could be any less subtle?” Blake said. “I bet you she practices writing ‘Mrs. Jackson Forrest’ in her diary every night.”

The thought made her want to laugh and barf at the same time. “Or makes Karen call her ‘Lupa’ when they’re in their room.”

Blake threw his head back and laughed. “Ooh. That’s a good one. I knew you were sharp.”

She chuckled. “Actually, I’ve been told I was blunt as a sledgehammer.”

She and Blake continued to make small talk, and she was surprised how easy it was to talk to him. He talked about his fiancée, Janie, back in New York and their adorable corgi puppy, Theo. And in turn, she told him about her work with Dr. Creed. They finished eating and got up to put on their backpacks again.

“Here, let me help,” Blake said, grabbing the pack from the ground and holding it up.

“Thanks.” As she swung around so he could put the backpack over her shoulder, she saw Jackson staring at her, a deep scowl on his face. She ignored him, instead focusing on clipping the strap across her chest.

They continued on, going deeper and deeper into the valley. She and Blake fell into step together though they kept their chatting to a minimum as the hike got more difficult. They found the main river that ran through the valley and Garland explained that they were now deep in the heart of the Shenandoah clan’s territory.

“All right,” Garland said as he led them to a small clearing a few feet from the river bed. “We’ll set up camp here. The boys will help you all with the tents, then you can get some rest before dinnertime.”

Jordan was glad the ranch hands were there to put the tents up because she was hopeless. She’d never slept in a tent before, much less put one up, and she probably would have found herself tangled up in a great big mess of poles and canvas if she attempted it by herself.

Once everyone had their tents up, they all gathered around the big, roaring fire for dinner. She was starving, despite having eaten most of the snacks she had brought for the trip. She gulped down three bowls of the piping hot chili as well as five servings of cornbread.

When the meal was put away, Jackson stepped into the middle of the camp. “I hope you had a good dinner,” he began. “Now, it’s time for what I guess you could say is the main event.” A few of the men chuckled. “Again, I’d like to thank you all for your cooperation this week. We couldn’t have gotten this project off the ground without you. So, tonight, we’re going to do another exercise. But this time, you’ll be in Lycan form, and let me tell you, it’s a good night to be roaming free.” He looked up at the moon. It was full and bright. “It’s time to be your true selves.

“Now, even though we’re safe deep in our territory, I won’t be letting you roam all by yourself, especially since you don’t know these woods. Fenrir Corporation has provided you all with these special survival packs.” He held up what appeared to be a harness with a small backpack. “Inside is a tracking device where we can monitor your whereabouts at all times. A small button on the device sets off a panic alarm in case you’re lost or in trouble. There’s a radio that works up to fifty miles; don’t bother bringing your phones because there’s no reception out here. It also comes with a first aid kit and a timer that goes off at midnight. That’s your signal that your free time is over, but you can return to camp any time before that.”

“We can go anywhere in our wolf forms?” Keith asked.

“Pretty much,” Garland said. “Don’t go too far though, as we border a national forest. I’d say anywhere within a twenty-mile range from this spot should be fine.”

“Use your Lycan instincts,” Jackson said. “Let your nose and your natural sense of direction guide you back here.”

“What if we get lost?” Karen asked.

“Use your radio or the panic button if you can’t find your way back,” Jackson instructed. “One of the boys will come pick you up.”

“And you?” Liz asked coyly. “Are you going to come pick up anyone who gets lost?”

“Jackson will be securing the outer perimeter,” Garland said. “He’ll be making sure no one bothers you.”

Liz pouted. “Oh.”

Jackson cleared his throat. “All right then, grab your packs from Jesse. He’ll show you how to put it on so it stays secure while you’re in wolf form. Ladies,” he looked in Liz, Karen, and Jordan’s direction. “You can head past those trees over there for some privacy. I’ve set up some hooks so you can hang your clothes and keep ’em secure. I’ve instructed the men not to go anywhere near that area. Blake–Keith; if you don’t mind, you can shift right in camp or find a private place. Now, any questions?” No one said a word. “All right then. Have a good run.”

For the next half an hour, everyone prepared themselves for the exercise. Jordan was apprehensive; it had been a while since her last shift. In fact, it was probably around the last Blood Moon, the only time Lycans couldn’t control their shifts and thus had to shut themselves off in specially built rooms to hold their animals. That had been forever ago. There wasn’t exactly a safe place for her to shift in New York City, and definitely no space in her tiny studio in Bushwick. Besides, many Lycans didn’t feel the need to change into their animal form, at least, that’s what she’d been told growing up. If she were honest with herself, she was almost afraid she wouldn’t remember how.

She was the last of the girls to get her harness. Jesse explained that it was basically a backpack, and she would have to wear it after she undressed. If after she shifted she had trouble with the fit, she could just come back to this same spot where he would be waiting to adjust the straps.

After thanking Jesse, she went off in the direction of the ladies’ area. Karen and Liz were long gone now, and she sighed in relief. She was glad not to have to shift in front of them. Glancing around, she found the hooks Jackson had mentioned and began to disrobe, then put the harness around her body.

Here goes.

The air was cold on her naked skin, but it wasn’t the chill that brought the shiver of anticipation across her body. She breathed in deep, allowing the crisp air into her lungs. It was almost intoxicating, and she slowly began to ease the control she held over her body.

Her muscles moved under her skin, lengthening, stretching, and bending. She was on all fours when the fur sprouted from her skin, covering her all over. Her face stretched into a muzzle and her teeth sprang into fangs.

Finally, she was in her Lycan form. Growing up, she’d always been embarrassed by her wolf—it was different, just like her. It was smaller, for one. Lycans were much larger than their real counterparts, but Jordan’s wolf was about the size of an average adult. It also had short, smooth, reddish brown fur that was the same color all over. She always envied those other Lycans in her clan who had beautiful fur streaked with all shades. The color she had gotten from her father, who said a lot of wolves in their family had the same fur. He said she should be proud of that fact that she was carrying the DNA of their ancestors, but Jordan always thought that DNA made her look more like a dog than a wolf.

Her wolf stretched its body tentatively and sniffed around as if it wasn’t sure what to do. It waited for her, tapping its paw as if to say “Well, what now, genius?”

Jackson said this was the time for them to run and be their true selves. What did that mean exactly?

Just let go, a small voice inside her head said. Normally she would have argued with it. Looking back at the events of the last week—not just her hurried sex romps with Jackson—but being here, spending time with Austin, laughing and doing things she’d never have done if Dr. Creed hadn’t forced her on this retreat, Jordan decided maybe it was time to stop arguing with herself.

And so, her wolf bolted off into the dark woods, running as fast as it possibly could. The air flowing around her and across her fur felt amazing, and it smelled incredible too. The surrounding scents were all so vibrant, and she could pick up everything—from the blooming flowers in the fields to the damp moss on the fallen logs. The rush of excitement made her blood pound in her ears, and her wolf relished the freedom to roam.

Jordan let the wolf control their body, reveling in the sights and sounds around her, like the passenger sitting shotgun next to the driver. She was here to enjoy the ride.

Perhaps she was enjoying it too much because she realized that she didn’t know where she was. The wolf kept running, sniffing the air, as if it was looking for something.

Where are we going?

Her wolf let out a howl and dashed off into the trees on the right. When she smelled the exquisite scent of coffee and paper in the air, she knew where it had led her.

The wolf standing in the middle of the path was large. No, it was gigantic. Eight feet tall, at least, with a thick light gray coat of fur streaked with black. Its massive head turned in her direction, and bright green eyes glowed in the darkness.

Desire with a twinge of fear shot right through body, and her wolf took a step back. Like that day by the pond, Jackson, in wolf form, advanced toward her. This time, her wolf turned tail and bolted into the trees.

The thrum of anticipation coursed through her veins. This chase was a primal animal instinct, and when—not if—Jackson got her, she knew what would happen.

With his longer stride and bigger body, he caught up to her as she burst through a clearing. His large paws grabbed at her rump, the claws digging into her skin, but not enough to hurt her. It was enough, however, to send them both tumbling to the ground, and the wolves rolled around in the soft grass. Fur receded into skin, limbs straightened, and soon they were both in human form, Jackson right above her.

His face was hidden in the shadows, but his green eyes glowed in the darkness as he stared down at her. She reached up to brush his hair back from his forehead, feeling the heat of his skin.

He let out a soft growl and then bent his head to claim her lips in a savage kiss. She opened her mouth, wanting to taste him, their tongues dancing and their teeth clashing as they struggled to get as close as possible.

She spread her legs eagerly, so ready for him. For this. He didn’t waste time; he was already hard, and he pushed into her in one motion.

She cried out into his mouth, her legs wrapping around him. He moved with a savage grace, almost animalistic as he pummeled into her. Pain mixed with pleasure was driving her wild, her hips pushing up at him. Wanting more of him.

She threw her head back in pleasure, staring up at the full moon overhead. He reached down between them, his fingers finding her engorged clit. When he gave it a pinch, she lost it and her body convulsed with a strong orgasm. She let out a desperate cry, nearly sobbing as the moon above blurred in her vision.

Jackson didn’t stop though, even as she was coming down from her orgasm, pushing his hips so fast that she couldn’t help but rake her fingers across his shoulders. That seemed to push him over the edge as he grunted and his thrusts became irregular. She closed her eyes and squeezed around him, wanting him so bad to come inside her.

He let out a grunt and tightened his arms around her. His cock pulsed. One. Two. And she felt the warm, sticky seed fill her as he pushed with one final thrust before his body gave in and collapsed on top of hers.

Her heart still beat so wildly in her chest she thought she was having a heart attack. She couldn’t breathe either. Or maybe it was Jackson’s heavy body on top of hers.

He must have sensed her discomfort because he lifted himself away. His cock was already softening and slipped out of her. She sucked in a breath when she felt the stickiness of his come run down her thighs. His head bent down to kiss her again, and she was once again lost in the haze of desire clouding around them.

“Alpha. Alpha, come in please.”

The crackle of the radio and urgency in the caller’s voice broke the spell. Jackson rolled away from her and got to his feet, swinging the backpack around so he could grab the radio inside.

“This is Jackson,” he answered, his voice still rough. “What’s going on?”

“Alpha,” came the voice from the small box in his hand, “the Lupa just contacted us. She says—” the sound of static garbled the rest.

“What? Could you repeat that?”

“—Austin.”

Jordan bolted to her feet when she heard the boy’s name. “What’s happening?”

Jackson frowned and pressed the talk button. “Repeat, repeat. You’re breaking up.”

There were a few seconds of silence before the radio hissed with static. “The Lupa called.” The voice came in loud and clear. “Austin’s gone.”

Jackson’s face tensed. “I’m coming back to camp now.” He dropped the radio, then turned to Jordan.

“Go,” she said, her voice trembling.

“But—”

“I’ll just slow you down. I’ll be okay,” she assured him. “Go find out what’s going on. I’ll be right behind you.”

He hesitated, then grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her in for a rough kiss. “We’ll talk later.”

“Right.”

As she watched him go, she felt a pang in her heart. Her emotions were all jumbled up now. There was something about tonight that was different from the other times they’d had sex, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. It seemed like Jackson wanted to tell her something, before they had been interrupted.

“Oh, God. Austin.”

Fear gripped her. Had Austin run away? Was it him just being rebellious again or was there something else?

A drop of water pelted her cheek. Then another. And another. Great. Now it was about to rain, too. She shifted back into her wolf as there was no way she would be able to go back to the camp in human form. She had memorized the scents of the camp to help guide her back, plus she could follow Jackson’s too, to help lead her.

The wolf sniffed the air and locked onto his scent. It followed the aroma, fixing on it, letting it guide them back to the campsite. However, as the rain began to pour, the scent was starting to fade. Uh-oh. The she-wolf pushed on, hanging on to that last bit before the rain washed it away. She was close, she knew it.

But the sharp cry of pain in the distance brought the wolf to a screeching halt. The voice was familiar and made its hackles raise. Danger.

It turned in the opposite direction, following the sound instead. The voices grew louder.

“I said shut the fuck up, kid!”

“No! Stop! Don’t hurt him!” came a second voice.

Another squeal of pain. And this time, she recognized the voice. It was Austin. The she-wolf snarled.

Protect … pup …

No. She blinked. Wait, what? Did her wolf just talk to her?

“I’m going to smack you good, boy, if you don’t shut yer trap!”

It took all her strength, but Jordan held on to their body, keeping her grip on it until she figured out what the hell was going on. I know you want to help him, she told the wolf. I don’t want him hurt either, but that man might hurt him if we’re not ready.

And so, she waited and listened.