The next morning was the same.

They liked bullying me into things.

Vanquish banged on my door which barely closed on its weak hinges as it was.

It couldn't withstand them if they truly decided to come in.

"Open the door, Vanna." Vanquish ordered. Something about his commands demanded obedience.

I tied the cloak and ran to the door. Barely awake.

These three were always awake with first light.

I ripped open the door and Vanquish's piercing green eyes lit on me. His head lowered ominously.

The two flanking him slightly to the side postured the same.

"We're going hunting." Vanquish turned and clearly expected me to follow.

I was hungry.

"I'm not hungry." I objected.

Vanquish rounded and returned to tower over me. "Then you won't eat until I say so."

I hated that he knew I was a poor hunter. I had to rely on the males to leave me food because I was too clumsy to catch anything.

Poor wolf I am.

***

I trudged after them, pouting. Carrying the ropes they'd use to haul any take and the pile of their tunics since they hunted shirtless. They'd piled them on me like I was some dutiful servant girl.

Which clearly, I am. I'm carrying them. I rolled my blue eyes Heavenward.

I knew I needed to learn to stand up to them but without anyone to back me how could I, a small female, stand up to these three well-honed and aggressive males.

I wouldn't stand a chance.

I could smell their bodies still lingering on their clothes and there was something appealing about the masculine scent of them. My gut tightened at the scent of trees and moss. Every bit as wild as the three males.

Hunter found the most recent set of boar tracks and pointed them out to Vanquish. There was enough mud, and the animal was heavy enough, there was no need for Hunter to lead today so he fell back with Racer to walk behind me while Vanquish led us.

I hated them behind me. I don't trust them.

Sure enough, as I walked, Racer lightly gave me a shove which sent me toppling.

The three of them bellowed with laughter. Stopping to wait for me to stand and collect everything.

Bastards.

I walked a bit further and Hunter stepped on the back of my heel.

Making me lose my balance when I went to step. I teetered backward and he caught me.

Playfully pitching me forward. "Clumsy girl!"

"Yeah, can't you stay on your feet, Vanna Rae?"

"All of you shut your mouths!" Vanquish barked. Lifting a hand. "It’s just ahead."