Chapter 273

Hannah

My paws thundered against the forest floor, my lungs filled with the scent and weight of damp, thick air. I weaved around trees, leaped over fallen logs, burst through thickets, and finally rested atop a large, smooth boulder.

Noah bounded up beside me, his footsteps making little sound. I didn't look at him, keeping my gaze fixed on the forest below, searching for movement with keen eyes.

The wind rustled my fur. Beside me, I felt Noah lean slightly, his larger form towering over mine. Only then did I glance up, seeing his wolf eyes, glowing greener than the leaves, staring down at me.

But I didn't hesitate, for over his shoulder, I saw a puffy white tail disappear into the forest. With a soft growl, I moved past Noah and leaped from the rock, giving chase. He followed, matching my pace as we raced through the trees. The sacrificial deer's sweet, potent scent filled my nostrils, driving my wolf into a frenzy. Goddess, this felt good. I hadn't felt this connected to my wolf in years. With the thrill of the hunt pulsing through my veins, I felt like a new woman.

The forest blurred around us as we raced faster, becoming a blur of greens and browns. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, dappling the ground with patches of golden light. I could hear Noah's heavy breathing beside me, feel the heat radiating from his silver coat.

Up ahead, the doe made a sudden, sharp turn around a large tree. Pushing faster, Noah playfully nipped at my shoulder before surging ahead.

I growled and raced after him—not just the doe. To my surprise, I gained on Noah. My legs pumped harder, muscles I'd almost forgotten I had burning with blissful exertion. Noah glanced at me as I returned to his side, his wolf eyes widening in surprise as, with one last push, I pulled ahead. I shot him an open-mouthed gape over my shoulder, a playful, silent tease.

He growled, his hackles raising as he pushed himself faster. We weaved between trees, leaping over a small babbling creek, always keeping the doe in sight but allowing ourselves to play, to egg each other on. The forest was alive around us, birds scattering, small animals darting for cover.

The deer was just ahead, its white tail flashing as it darted through the underbrush. I put on an extra burst of speed, my jaws opening in anticipation. Goddess, how I wanted to taste meat—real, raw meat, a fresh kill, something I'd deemed myself too poised to indulge in since becoming a Luna. "Lunas don't hunt," I'd told myself years ago. "They don't eat raw meat. They don't eat anything, really."

Well, not anymore. My wolf craved to give in to her natural instincts, and I couldn't deny her that satisfaction.

Just as I was about to lunge, Noah appeared in my peripheral vision. For a moment, I thought he was going to overtake me. But then, almost imperceptibly, he slowed, just enough for me to surge ahead and make the final leap.

My teeth sank into the soft, furry flesh of the deer's neck, the taste of blood flooding my mouth. The deer shrieked and whimpered, her legs kicking wildly. With a swift jerk of my neck, I brought the animal down to the forest floor and savored the sensation and taste of her fear and adrenaline. Finally, the deer jerked, then whimpered, then let out one last groan. I never let go, just sank my teeth in further and further. Finally, she went limp, and only then did I remove my canines from her throat.

"Have to save it," I thought to my wolf, licking my chops as I sat back on my haunches. "We can't eat it yet."

Behind me, I heard the soft padding of paws on leaves and turned, still licking my chops, to see Noah approaching. His green eyes flicked to my mouth, his own tongue instinctively darting out, as he took in the sight of my blood-stained fur.

I was the first to shift back. My bones contorted easily, fur turning back into flesh and clothes, and I found myself kneeling in front of the deer's carcass. Blood still coated my mouth, although I made no move to wipe it away, savoring the tangy, metallic flavor.