I was suffocating under the close proximity, the maddening pull of him-the way his scent, wild and furious, wrapped around me, binding tighter than any chain. A scent I shouldn't have even been able to pick up through the heavy perfume I wore... yet I did. For the first time ever.. t I didn't know if I wanted to break free. What's happening to me? Confusion, fear, longing ...they all collided inside me. Just as the air between us crackled with something dark and dangerous , something neither of us could name, a violent roar tore through the forest. 1 jerked my head toward the sound, heart hammering A massive shadow crashed through the trees, charging toward us with terrifying speed. Huge Snarling a bear!" I yelled, as it barreled straight for us Ronan's wolf moved firs With a savage snarl, he released me and hurled himself at the bear, teeth flashing in the dim light The two beasts collided with a sickening thud, snarls and roars exploding through the clearing Half an hour bled away as I moved through the tangled wilderness, tracking faint hoof prints in the muddy earth, broken branches, and the heavy musky scent only one creature could leave behind. A bison. While I kept hearing the howls of other Alphas that kept coming from the distance one by one. It was a victory howl Someone had completed their hunt and already returned! Finally, as the sky shifted from inky black to deep navy, heralding the coming dawn, I found it. A bison. It loomed ahead , massive, brutal-its breath steaming in the cold air as it pawed the ground, ready to charge at the slightest threat Its sheer size made my stomach clench. I took a careful step forward and felt my heart sink. In my human form, I didn't stand a chance. Not against that. A direct hit from its horns would shatter every bone in my body, i clenched my fists. I had two choices- Shift or fail . Failure meant elimination Failure meant being dragged out of the Academy in defeat. Failure meant returning to my pack and becoming someone's Luna . Unacceptable. I locked my eyes on the beast, my decision made. I would take it down, no matter the cost. Glancing around, I checked for other Alphas Nothing No scent No sound but the restless wind. Chapter 21 A Shadow Satisfied that I was alone, I quickly stripped off my clothes and hid them behind a fallen tree. Breathless, I let the shift take over . Bones cracked, flesh stretched. And then Phina burst free. I stood on four powerful legs, white fur gleaming in the dim light. The world sharpened-the scents richer, the earth more alive under my paws . Locking my wolf's bright eyes onto the bison, I crouched low, muscles coiling , ready to strike. Time to hunt. When suddenly, a faint sound snapped my head around From the shrubs-a shadow moved. My heart slammed into my Someone was there. Watching. Since when...? In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. Set in a blend of romance and drama, "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" stands out for its intricate character dynamics and the seamless fusion of passion and intrigue. With every chapter, CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that immerses readers in a world where love confronts darkness, leaving them yearning for more. Discover the enthralling saga of Zoe and Ashton, available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in this unique tale that defies conventions and promises an unforgettable literary experience.