Chapter 48

** Paige’s POV ** The grip on me is like iron restraints. One arm bands across my ribs, pinning my arms, the other pressing a warm hand over my mouth so tightly I can barely breathe. I kick and twist, but whoever’s holding me is bigger and stronger. Unnaturally strong. A wolf for sure. Hopefully, one with good intentions. I don’t think it’s any of my mates. I’m not getting that safe feeling they bring, but then it’s hard to feel safe at all right now. I try to force calm, but my heart is slamming like it’s trying to break out of my chest. The ditch swallows us in darkness, the cold earth seeping into my feet, a stark contrast to the warm body behind me. Above us, twigs snap under the weight of heavy boots. Multiple sets. The thud and crunch of men moving fast… Hunters? My breath hitches against the palm covering my mouth. “Where the hell did she go?” a rough voice mutters impatiently from above. “Keep moving, she can’t have got far,” another snaps. They’re so close I can hear their hea