Alexei ran.

I watched Pack members shield away the young children as the others moved to protect their older Pack mates.

I turned to Alexei who faced off a single red-eyed changeling. Daisy lay trembling beneath the wild wolf's paw. It peered up at Alexei with warning as its paw pressed into the girl's shaking chest. Her sobs were quiet as stark fear painted her features. Aella stood behind the wolf, calculating her possibilities. Alexei made sure he kept the wolf's attention so it wouldn't be alerted of Aella's presence.

The Pack members had abandoned the field, following another Enforcer's orders. Some protested, wanting to lend a hand but the Enforcer sternly shook her head, motioning to a point where they could gather in safety. "Please, we'll eliminate the risk as soon as possible. We need you all safe first."

I crept from the side, watching the wolf.

I was surprised that it hadn't done anything yet. Usually, they were always quick on attacking.

Yet this wolf remained predatory still, watching the fields empty of Pack members.

When everyone left, the wolf abruptly pushed away the child. Daisy rolled with a scream as she covered her ears with her arms. Aella sprinted, scooping the weeping child into her arms. She deftly dodged the wolf as Alexei intercepted it. He stepped closer with his arms extended at his sides. "Stay." He commanded the wolf, "Stay the fuck down."

The wolf simply craned its neck, watching Alexei with mild interest. It would've been cute if there wasn't slobber dripping from his thin, grey lips.

Wolfie needed a bib ASAP.

From my peripheral, Aella carried Daisy to the arms of her parents who engulfed the child tightly in their embrace. The Luna scanned the field, taking in the rest of the space. Her gaze landed on me. Her expression communicated enough. She wanted me to remain here with Alexei and deal with the changeling while she investigated the borders to see how it was able to sneak inside the Pack. I nodded, assenting my decision. She smirked before disappearing into the distance from where the wolf had entered.

Despite the furious beat of my heart, I felt around the pocket of my jacket. The small chip weighed almost nothing as I clasped it between my fingers. I had to be calm, poised or what I was attempting could really hurt me. I tried not to dwell on that titbit. In this moment, I had to be a half-full-glass-of-water kind of girl. It was a decent plan. It could work. I just needed to complete it without getting myself killed during it.

I hadn't even taken the chance to discuss it with the Alpha or Alexei. It was a plan that could work. It just depended on me getting close enough to the changeling to do so.

I moved just as Alexei pounced, swinging his powerful legs around the wolf's neck and tackling it down. I remembered that Aella had demonstrated the move to me one time during our sparring lessons. She deemed it the 'crotch-grab'. Watching Alexei execute it smoothly was a sight to behold. Both went down with a thud. I dashed towards them, yanking the chip from my pocket, holding it tight.

Man and beast growled, the sound resonating through the field like a lion's roar.

The changeling bucked Alexei off, lunging to its big paws. Alexei landed in a heap near the base of a tree, heaving. His gaze darted to me when he noticed he wasn't alone. His eyes widened when he realised, I was purposely trying to get near the animal.

"Back off Penelope. He's mine." He pulled himself up, wiping the corner of his lip where a trickle of blood leaked.

"Distract it." I called out, just as the changeling snapped its head back at me. It charged almost instantly towards me, but Alexei was quicker, grabbing the wolf's tail and hauling it back with a strong pull. It whimpered as it sailed into a thick trunk, splitting it under its weight.

Alexei kept his gaze locked on the wolf, but I knew he was furious when he spoke to me, "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Not particularly. I have a plan Alexei. Distract it so I can get close enough to it."

"No."

"If you won't, I'll do it myself." I moved towards the wolf. It had gotten up, shaking it furry head as saliva dripped from its jaw. I didn't get far because Alexei gripped my wrist, carting me into his hold until my back slammed against his front.

I froze, aware of the danger from in front and behind of me.

"This better be worth it." He gritted out.

I picked up one of his balled fists, clasping it between my hands. My shoulders practically slumped in relief. "It is. Just don't kill it. Just prevent it from throwing a massive tantrum or spotting me before I'm close enough. Lead it out of the boundaries. The other Enforcers will assist if something goes astray." I didn't know if they would, but I was confident they would offer a helping hand. "Make sure no one kills it too."

"You owe me a favour Penelope." His words brushed my cheek.

The changeling lunged and Alexei sprang from behind me, grabbing the wolf around the torso as it prepared to leap in the air. They rolled in the grass. I saw a flash of teeth.

I ran then, waiting for them to stop rolling before I took the chip and planted it on the wolf's coat, behind its ear. I swiftly jumped out of the way as Alexei threw the wolf into the clearing.

I gaped at him. "You scare the shit out of me sometimes."

"And yet you still find ways to irritate me despite this." He smirked, leaving me breathless.

The red-eyed changeling raised to its paws, spotting us. Alexei ran towards it as a growl ripped from its throat.

I scanned the field, feeling adrenaline pump through my veins.

An opening in the trees gaped from the corner of my eye. "Alexei, lead it there." I pointed to the spot.

Alexei grimly nodded, leading the chase.

However, for some reason, the wolf paused, sensing me.

I cursed as it began to sprint in my direction.

I guess I was going to lead it away.

It was fast, faster than I anticipated.

We dashed through the forest, dodging fallen trunks and thorn studded bushes. I nearly twisted my ankle from landing awkwardly on my boots as I lunged over a small ditch with muddy water below.

I could feel the changeling's hot breath against my skin as I pushed my legs to go faster.

My lungs burned, heaving air as I swung myself up on one of the thick branches set low, so it was easier for me to clutch in my palms. The bark scraped my skin as I spun and landed my ass upon the thick branch. The wolf lunged, gripping one of my boots and tearing it off my foot.

"Hey, that was mine!" I hissed.

The changeling shook its head, shredding the item with its pointy teeth until only a shoelace dangled from its mouth.

Its red eyes gleamed with triumph.

I sighed, massaging my temples. I needed to get it further away. We were still too close to the Pack members. I could sense the other Enforcers keeping watch. Hopefully, Alexei was keeping them away. I knew I'd get an endless stream of questions once this was over.

I squared my shoulders and spied the route out. I couldn't guide it while I was in a tree, so I kept in mind the path I was to take and leaped off the branch with little finesse. It was something I was still working on. I quickly regained my balance before its paw swiped my thigh.

"Come on Wolfie, let's get you out of here." I picked up speed, leading the wolf away. "The faster we get this over with, the better."

There was a certain thrill when one was in danger. It was the only reason I hadn't cowered under some foliage, hyperventilating like a nervous sucker. I didn't think it would've done my pride much good if I had succumbed to it. Sure, I was beyond fearful of the wolf, but I was more scared of the changeling killing a Pack mate.

The boundary line grew closer and once I leaped across it, I sighed in relief. The wolf hadn't surrendered yet, still chasing me with determination.

When I was far enough, I searched the trees for something to hold onto to propel myself up. To my left, I noted a nice, curved branch, close enough for me to grab onto and throw myself up.

The wolf snarled, clamping its teeth as it nipped the material encasing my thigh. I heard the fabric rip as cool air caressed the exposed skin. I absently ran my finger on the area, feeling no punctures of teeth. I had to be in one piece when I saw Alexei next. He had trusted me enough to entertain my plan without hearing a detailed description of it. For all he knew, I could've been fucking up badly already but for some odd reason, Alexei hadn't only accepted the plan, he had been prepared to be part of it until the beast decided I was the more interesting option of bait.

Thus, my current predicament.

I lunged for the low branch but something big rammed into me from the side, taking me to the ground. I landed with a pained oof, biting my tongue in the process. Something cracked and I wasn't too sure if it was me or the new red-eyed changeling squashing me to the ground with its leaden weight.

I tried to buck its weight off, but I couldn't do shit. It weighed too much. My ribs were bruised from the impact because my breaths came out laboured. I fought the instant panic I felt and forced my mind to blank. To think. To process a plan.

The wolf shifted on top of me, and I knew I had a few seconds before I was in deep, deep trouble. I was already in a bad position but at least I was still breathing. My heart hadn't stopped, nor had my lungs that ached with each sharp inhale and exhale. Look at me being optimistic! The animal on top of me shook its head, gathering its focus. I used the opportunity to heave myself out from its weight.

By the time I wiggled my feet loose, I scrambled to my knees.

There were two of them now.

And one of me.

I was too far from the Pack. I wasn't sure if anyone knew exactly where I was.

Both wolves snarled, prowling close.

I winced and I forced myself to stand. I took a step back, registering the pain in my ankle a split second later. I gasped, gritting my teeth. At least I knew the crack from earlier had been me.

Fuck, what the hell was wrong with me?

I'd come into the mess, so proud and confident that I would be able to succeed. Alexei had placed his trust in my decision. However, my ankle was messed up as the two wolves cornered me.

Now would've been a great time to shift into my wolf. I tried searching for her but my wolf felt dormant as usual. There wasn't even a flicker of warmth or anything to indicate I even had a wolf. I cursed, thinking of the other options I had. I couldn't run since my ankle would probably detach if I tried. I couldn't even see any low hanging branches nearby to swing myself up, out of danger.

I was well and truly screwed.

I hopped back, flinching when a flare of pain zipped up my leg.

Surely, this couldn't be how I died.

I shook my head, trying to think. There had to be something I could do. Think Pen. Think-

The wolves suddenly paused, shifting their head to the side as their ears perked in the air. I froze, watching as the wolves tensed. Their bodies shuddered. Then, they were dashing away, chasing whatever silent thing that had caught their attention. The trees where they had vanished between, vibrated from their movement. It was the only indication that the wolves had been there.

I counted to a full minute before I could allow myself to relax.

My body was still quivering with shock as I slumped to my ass, holding my burning ankle.

I wasn't even sure if I was going to burst into tears or laughter.

I hadn't felt so useless and stupid for a long time.

I would've been mauled if the changelings hadn't been distracted by something else. I was sure of it.

I sensed someone approach me. I didn't need to look up to know that it was Alexei. It was almost as if I had a built-in detector for the man. He didn't make a sound as he closed the gap between us, until he was crouching low in front of me, taking in my dishevelled state with nothing but a slow rake of his gaze. I probably had leaves in my hair from the way his attention paused on a spot in my hair. He extended a hand, plucking something from my locks, "You okay?"

I shifted slightly, wincing when my ankle protested with pain. Alexei, of course, immediately honed in on it. He gently swiped my hands away as he held my calf, lifting my leg so he could get a better look at my ankle that was beginning to swell up. I glanced away as he brushed his fingers along the tender spot, not wanting to be castigated by the man. "Is it that bad?" I asked when he didn't speak for a long moment.

"Not bad." He replied.

"Then why the dead silence?" I peered up at him, sceptical.

He gently set my foot down, focusing on my other foot that still had my boot on it. "I'm trying not to make a foolish move in trekking those changelings now and ripping their heads off for doing this to you. I should've done it when I had the chance."

But he didn't. He simply listened to me.

And look where we were at.

I shook my head, "I'm fine."

"The broken ankle says otherwise."

"Ok. No need to rub it in." I groaned, "At least it's still on my body. I would be more worried if I was walking around with my ankle completely hacked off."

"You're weird."

"You've only just noticed?" I arched a surprised brow and here I was thinking the man was smart.

"No, I've just never said it aloud." He replied.

"That's rude." I shifted my leg again. My ankle throbbed with pain. I huffed out a sigh, "Do you have any painkillers? You wouldn't believe it, but my ankle is really bugging the hell out of me right now."

"Hold on." He landed on his knees and buried one arm beneath the back of them and the other around my waist.

My brain didn't compute much until I was up in the air, cradled firmly in his arms. "Woah, give a girl some warning before you lug her up like a sack of potatoes."

"If I did, you would've fought me." He stated in a matter-of-fact kind of way, I frowned.

He began walking back towards the Pack without a hitch.

He wasn't wrong. I would've crawled if I had to.

I pursed my lips, "Permission is sexy. You should've still asked me Alexei."

"Can I please carry you to the Pack Penelope?" He asked dryly, not pausing in his long strides.

I eyed his jaw that was right in my view. He was smoothly shaven; I could barely see the dark shadow across his bone structure. "Sure, I like to be treated like a queen."

Alexei closed his eyes briefly, as if seeking strength.

When we crossed back over the borders into the Shadow Hunters, Jude and Aella appeared, looking us over.

"Oh no Pen, you okay?" Aella came to my side, worried.

"She fractured her ankle. I'll need to lay her on something to see if there's anything else that needs healing." Alexei responded.

"I'll get the Pack healer to have a look." Jude announced.

"That won't be necessary. I can manage it."

The Alpha couple soon departed when Alexei gave them a rundown of what had occurred. I was shocked when he didn't volunteer the piece of information where I had told him to the distract the changeling so I could go through with my plan. He still hadn't asked me what I did since he was laser focused on trying to get me somewhere to lay.

A few minutes later, Alexei paused in front of a home- a polished wood cabin two storeys high. A brick chimney shaped the left side of it where thin clouds of smoke wafted out. There was a balcony attached on the second story, where two wide glass doors stood, adorned with delicate curtains from the inside.

"Is this your place?" I asked.

"Yeah, only got it a few months ago. The Pack house was good but I needed my own space."

Alexei opened the front door, and the smell of freshly cut wood, sweet smoke and apples greeted me. Alexei ambled to the long modular lounge, setting me down gently. He moved one of the green cushions under my head and the other beneath my swollen ankle. "Other than your ankle, how you do you feel?"

I took a quick inventory of my body. Everywhere ached but my ankle was the worst of it. "I think I'm good. Just the ankle."

"Ok, good." He got up and moved to the side where his kitchen was. I closed my eyes as he rummaged through the drawers and cupboards.

"Here, some painkillers." I felt his fingers brush along my jaw.

I opened my eyes, pushing up to my elbows as he slipped two pills into my mouth before resting the rim of a water bottle against my lips. I swallowed the pills down with gulps of water. Alexei withdrew the bottle and set it on the floor before he held out a wooden cooking spoon. "What's that for?" I croaked.

"I'm going to have to reset your ankle before the bones start knitting themselves back together. This is for you to bite at the end if the pain gets too much."

I nodded, taking the spoon. I placed the end of it between my teeth as I settled back into the lounge chair, waiting. Alexei glanced down at me, probably suspicious as to why I was agreeing with him like a tamed puppy. I couldn't be bothered telling him that this wasn't my first rodeo getting a broken bone reset. I could count on my hands and feet the amount of times I had broken a bone and had to reset it myself.

"Keep still. I'll do it as quickly as I can." Alexei assured me as he shuffled on his knees to where my ankles were. I could feel the warmth of his palms as they cupped my foot. His fingers pressed against the swollen area, feeling the spot where the bones had snapped. He found it easily, holding my foot in place. He didn't warn me as his hands jerked, realigning the bones. I heard his whisper of apology as he quickly wrapped something damp around my ankle.

My vision bled black as a scream echoed in my ears.

I only realised that the scream had been mine when the quiet finally settled.