Chapter 49: Bitten
Chapter 49: Bitten
Olivia's POV
We raced into the woods, the wind whipping past my ears, and the ground blurring under my feet. My heart pounded, adrenaline surging as Jerek and I moved in perfect rhythm. I could hear others stumbling behind us—branches snapping, someone letting out a frustrated growl—but we kept going, swift and focused.
Memories replayed in my head. Sweet memories of how I raced with the triplets in these same woods. Those were the moments when I was truly happy.
"Don't slow down!" Jerek shouted, his breath steady beside me.
"I wasn't planning to," I shot back, pushing harder.
The familiar trees blurred around us, moonlight seeping through the leaves in streaks of silver. I could feel the energy of the race pulsing all around us, but for a brief moment, it felt like just Jerek and me out here. Free. Wild. Almost like the old days.
We reached the towering oak that marked the halfway point. Its wide trunk stood tall like a silent guardian, roots digging deep into the earth. We didn't stop—just touched its bark briefly, then pivoted and launched ourselves back toward the yard.
But then—
A sharp, guttural hiss of pain sliced through the air.
I skidded to a halt, my boots digging into the dirt. My wolf whimpered, a deep ache piercing my chest as if she felt the pain too. Something was wrong.
"What is it?" Jerek called, stopping a few feet ahead when he realized I wasn't beside him anymore.