I could hear him gaining on me, his heavy footfalls crashing through the underbrush, far faster than I’d anticipated. Damn it! Of course, he was quicker. He was the Alpha of his pack. A seasoned fighter. And I… I wasn’t at my best right now.
My breath came in ragged gasps, my body protesting as I pushed it harder. Desperation clouded my thoughts, but I forced myself to focus. I needed to hide and think of a way out.
I spotted a huge tree up ahead, its trunk wide enough to shield me for a moment. I darted behind it, pressing my back against the rough bark, trying to slow my breathing. My pulse pounded in my ears. I needed to plan my next move, but my mind was scattered, panic edging in.
Then I heard it—the faint rustle of leaves nearby. Tyler was close. Too close.
I barely had time to react before he rounded the tree, his eyes locking onto me with predatory precision. With a furious growl, he grabbed me by the arm and hurled me to the ground like I weighed nothing.