Chapter 76

Her wolf, however, felt different. It was weaker and more submissive than before. It was so far away that she couldn't reach it. She collapsed against a tree, breathing heavily, trying to regain her strength. Nicole hated herself for everything that was happening to her. She believed that her life was going to be better in Dark Moon and that she was never returning to Crimson. Yet, here she was, beaten and broken, back in Crimson and at the mercy of her torturers. She was lost in her thoughts when she heard a twig snap. Her heart leapt into her throat as she turned to see a squirrel. Feeling uneasy, she stumbled deeper into the cover of the forest, trying to find a place to hide. Just as she thought she was safe, Shane appeared out of nowhere, grabbing her by the hair and throwing her to the ground. Nicole's heart raced as she looked up at him, fear gripping her. "Look who we have here," he sneered. "You really think you can get away from me, little Wolf?" Before she could react, he ho