The scent of fear covered him, taunting my predatory instincts, but beneath it lay something else-the smell of spring, of nascent leaves and thawing earth. A scent full of hope. Possibility. Subtle and tempting.

I took another step towad him. I knew what I wanted to do, but it would mean a second, much-greater violation of the keepers' laws.He tried to move back but gasped in pain and collapased onto his elbows. My eyes moved over his face. His chiseled jaw and high cheekbones twisted in agony. Even writhing he was beatiful, muscles clenching and unclenching, revealing his strength, his body's fight against its impending collapse, rendering his toture sublime. Desire to help him consumed me.

I shifted forms before I realized I'd made the decision. The boy's eyes widened when the white wolf who'd  been eyeing  him was no longer an animal, but a girl with the wolf's golden eyes and platinum blond hair. I walked to his side and drooped to my knees. He entire body shook. I begain reaching for him  but hesitated, surprised to feel my own limbs trembling. I'd never been so afraid.

A rasping breath pulled me out of my thoughts.

"who are you?" The boy stared at me. HIs eyes were the color of winter moss, a delicate shade that hovered between green and gray. I was caught there for a moment. Lost in the questions that pushed through his pain and into his gra

I raised the soft flesh of my inner forearm to my mouth. Willing my canines to sharpen, I bit down hard and waited until my own blood touched my tongue. Then I extended my arm toward him. "Drink It's the only thing that can save you." My voice was low but firm. The trembling in his limbs grew more pronouced. He shook his head.