Mates of a Werewolf Hunter

Chapter 26 So Close Yet So Far

Valentine Winters' P.O.V

I darted through the winding corridors, each turn driven by an urgent need to escape. My heart pounded in my chest as I zigzagged through the maze, instinctively following the elusive scent of fresh air that whispered promises of freedom.

Each time I encountered a hunter, I slipped into the shadows, moving with a ghostly silence. The adrenaline surged through me, making me hyper-aware of every creak and rustle. Despite my best efforts, I found myself at dead ends three times, but I refused to give up. I paced back and forth, my heart racing, my breath shallow, yet determined not to alert my pursuers.

Then, the scent of the woods became stronger, a tantalizing aroma that filled me with hope. I followed it eagerly until I reached a massive door. With a silent plea to the moon goddess, I turned the knob slowly. The door creaked open, revealing the expansive wilderness beyond. A rush of elation surged through me as I bolted outside, my bare feet feeling the earth beneath them.

Every step was a mix of freedom and caution. I ducked behind a colossal tree when I saw hunters approaching, holding my breath as I watched them pass, oblivious to my presence. Once they were gone, I resumed my flight, the woods providing me with temporary cover.

The thought of shifting crossed my mind. While it would speed up my escape, the risk of revealing my true nature was too great. The hunters' territory was no place for a werewolf to be exposed.

Emerging from the woods, I saw the road stretching out ahead, a beacon of potential safety. I sprinted towards it, driven by the adrenaline that fueled my every step. The distant horizon seemed to promise an end to my torment.

A pang of guilt tugged at me as I stole a backward glance, my heart aching at the thought of leaving Lucifer behind. But the pain and fear I had endured were too overwhelming. Perhaps he would find happiness with someone more suited to his dark world. I had to move forward, for my own survival.

Lost in my thoughts, I was caught off guard. A searing pain erupted in my back, followed by an electric shock that sent me crashing into the mud. Blinking away the disorientation, I looked up to find a blonde-haired hunter standing over me, his electrifying gun poised for another strike. He was flanked by two others, their presence a new wave of danger.

"Going somewhere?" he sneered, a cruel smile spreading across his face.

My body jerked uncontrollably from the electric current. I reached behind me, struggling to pull out the object embedded in my back. The hunter hesitated, giving me a brief chance to free myself from the agonizing shock.

"Ah, ah, ah," he taunted, his eyes glinting with malicious intent as he moved closer. "You should have stayed put."

I instinctively tried to back away, my gaze darting to the road I had almost reached. His frustration mounted as he raised his hand to strike me. I braced for the impact, my heart sinking.

Before the hunter's hand could land, a new voice sliced through the tension with a snarl of irritation.

"She can speak whenever she pleases."

My wolf yipped in response, sensing the arrival of another. I braced myself for whatever might come next, uncertain of this new player's intentions. The air crackled with anticipation as I tried to steady my racing heart, caught between fear and the hope that this unexpected ally might turn the tide in my favor.