When she started to stumble, Anton insisted that she ride on his back. He felt proud of how far she had hiked on her own. Now that he carried her, he and Alena could pick up the pace. But even Alena went slower than she would have if she had shifted into her wolf form. Kolya would have no problem beating them back to the lodge. When they hit the halfway mark, several wolves appeared to escort them. Laurel gave a slight gasp. Anton quickly touched her mind, thinking she feared them. But wonder filled her mind. As they walked into the village, where Laurel could see because there were lights on the buildings, she asked to be let down. Anton felt his wolf rise when several single males approached the group. But he put Laurel down, then circled her waist and drew her into his side. “What is it, Anton? Is something wrong?” Laurel asked. Anton knew she could feel the rising of his wolf. But how could he explain that until they mated physically, his wolf would be on edge. Even after, he would be a possessive male.
