Wind screamed through the black evening and lightning flashed throughout the sky. Her breathing was fast and rapid. Her arms ached and her legs were tiring. Glancing over her shoulder, she looked back at the old town and stopped. Seeing the shadows approaching, she turned back around and continued into the woods. Stumbling among the underbrush, she spotted a hollow opening in the base of a tree. Kneeling down, she unwrapped the top of the bundle in her arms. The baby continued sleeping and she kissed her forehead gently. Placing the baby in the hole, she took a deep breath and covered the opening. Glancing behind her, she met a pair of brown eyes and she rose to her feet. "Please, I beg you. Keep her safe." The eyes continued to stare back and approaching voices reached them. She glanced back at the covered hole and took off through the underbrush once more. Moving further into the woods, darkness grew thicker and she stumbled over a fallen tree. Hitting the ground, she tried pushing herself up and found her ankle twisted. Keeping the scream in, she pushed herself up and started running. Stumbling into a tree, she caught her balance and turned around. Trying to catch her breath, she closed her eyes and pushed herself off the tree. A hand covered her mouth from behind and she went still. Feeling the body against her back, she closed her eyes and the hand moved down to her neck. "Please, just let me go." She was spun around and stared up at the man. His eyes burned red and she went pale. Feeling her body giving way, she fell back onto the ground and moved back into the tree. She watched the man kneel in front of her and run a rough hand along her face. "Looks like your game is over." She shook her head and the blow knocked her onto her side. He pushed her down into the wet dirt and she pushed at his shoulders. He straddled her small frame and she pleaded for him to get off. His eyes captured hers and she went still. The red glow filled her head and she fell silent. "That is taking all the fun out of the hunt." He let out a low snarl and turned over his shoulder. Another of his kind leaned against a tree and let out a low cloud of smoke. Slowly he approached and knelt down. He stared down at the woman and moved his gaze down her neck to the tears at the top of her blouse. "You take what you need." "The hunt is more about what you want." Growling, he knocked the other away and felt his control break. The woman blinked and met his gaze. He could taste the blood and pushed his hand onto her shoulder. The other shook his head and took to the trees. He waited until the two of them were alone and then he allowed the woman to speak. "Why do you fight a useless battle?" She weeped and said, "I don't want to die." He let out a low chuckle and said, "I'll make it worth your wile." Her eyes widened and he leaned down to her throat. Resting his mouth over her pulse, he swirled his tongue and sank his fangs in. Her scream went unnoticed and he pulled back. She stared up at him in horror and he laughed as he ripped her clothes to pieces. Her cries filled his ears as he ravaged her. Feeling the rush settling in, he fixed his pants and looked down at the woman. She barely breathed and he leaned down to her neck. Tasting the free blood, he drank his fill and pulled back. Her pulse was gone and he felt full and sated. Laughing, he wiped blood from his mouth and rose to his feet. Silently he left the body in the wet dirt and walked through the woods. Whistling a low tone, he stopped and turned to his left. A pulse drew his attention to a tree and he stepped forward. Growls surrounded him and a black blur rushed at him. He moved away from the attack and met his attacker's eyes. The wolf's eyes glared at him and he snarled as he backed away. Leaving the area, he took to the trees and found his companions heading back to their lairs. Silently he returned to the town outside the woods and tasted the smell of alcohol and blood. The mix ignited his hunger and he slid through the alleys. Reaching a local tavern, he stepped inside and placed an order at the bar. Scanning the crowd, he savored the liquor and saw his prey. She held his gaze with her brown eyes and silently rose to her feet. He watched her climb the stairs to the second floor and he left the empty glass on the bar. Climbing the stairs, he moved down the hall and slid into the far right room. Closing the door, he locked it and found her waiting on the bed. She held his gaze and asked, "Was your hunt worth it?" His mouth smirked and he slid onto the bed. She rested in the pillow and he hovered over her. His mouth ran along her missing pulse and his teeth nipped. She unfastened his shirt and pants with ease. He loosened her dress and pulled it down, exposing more cleavage. His eyes met hers and he growled, "The food left me a temporary fix." She smiled a seductive smile and he trailed his lips down her neck to her chest. Feeling the tremor running under her skin, he pushed her dress up and caught her gaze. She slid her hands down his chest and said, "Then you will have to let me fill you completely." His mouth crushed hers and her nails dug down his back. He ravaged her, enjoying the power their kind made together. She knew what he needed and provided it. He took the offering and felt his hunger rising. Sinking his teeth into the top of her breast, he drank and took. ______________________________________________ Stepping up to the tree, he pushed the covering aside and his mate slipped past him. She nosed the baby and looked up at him. He stared at the little one and then met her gaze. Slowly she settled next to the child and he rested at the opening. The night grew cooler and the baby rested in her side.