chapter 119

The dark swirls around me like an oppressive, heavy cloak and I stand motionless, aware of bodies close behind me as we wait in the unearthly still. The sound of labored breathing suppressed snarls, and growls, as my flank of wolves grows to stand in a uniformed mass of protection. "Lorey." The familiar voice, followed by a swoop and gentle thud as my mate lands beside me in perfect poise. Appearing as if by magic. His hand skimming the back of my hair with gentle precision and a show of affection, and he takes a second to focus everything on me with a pause as he checks me over. Appearing from beyond the veil of shadows and trees and I m instantly calmer, relieved at his presence. Less afraid when he s by my side. "Where have you been?" I whisper at him under my breath, not giving him a second to talk or question me. My eyes still fixed on the emptiness as I await Jasper s reappearance. The vampires have all fallen back, leaving us out here as though standin