01 Taming the Wolf - Anna Avery by Stephanie Nelson Page B

conviction. Was my wolf so bloodthirsty that she killed two men? Shouldn’t I have some memory of the killings besides the dreams?
    “Anna, if you’re the one responsible I need to know. If I find out later, I won’t be able to help you.”
    “I didn’t do it. I mean, I don’t think I did it.”
    “What the hell does that mean? You either did or didn’t.”
    I swallowed a few times before I found the courage to explain. “I had dreams…about the killings. I saw their deaths. The dreams were so lifelike…I could practically taste the blood.” I focused on my hands, too afraid to see what emotion was on Adam’s face.
    “You didn’t think you should tell me this when Tim was found?”
    “I was afraid I’d be accused of murder. I was the last to see him alive, and at the time, I thought it was just a dream,” I paused. “But now…I don’t know.”
    Adam released a heavy breath, scrubbed his hands over his face and stood up. He paced my bedroom, the wheels in his mind working overtime to think of a solution. “You’re not to leave my sight, understand? The only way I can know for sure whether you’re responsible or not is if I’m with you at all times.”
    I opened my mouth to protest, but snapped it shut when Adam glared at me.
    “This is not up for discussion. I have a pack to look out for, and if the murders continue, it’s only a matter of time before the police come sniffing our way.”
    “But this has happened before. Isn’t it possible that the same wolf is responsible for the new killings?”
    “It’s possible, but we’ve been scouring the mountain for the past few days, and the only scents we’ve picked up are of the pack. You have a strong reaction around humans, so it stands to reason that you could be the culprit.” Adam said.
    As much as I wanted to scream and yell to defend myself, I remained silent. The dreams were too vivid not to be connected, which meant Adam was right—I could be the killer.
    *
    Elle’s girl’s night had two male attendees. Sawyer sat on one side of me, his hand holding mine. While Adam sat on the other side, his hand resting on the couch so that it touched my leg. The living room had a large sectional, enough room to seat eight people comfortably. Adam may have been pissed about the current killings and my possible involvement, but that didn’t distract from his subtle claim of me.
    Elle stretched out on the longer part of the sofa. She’d rented romantic comedies which only made my predicament all the more uncomfortable. I spent the night having Sawyer try to take care of me, offering a blanket when I was cold or drinks when I was thirsty, and Adam sending murderous glares his way. My muscles were so sore from the tension I was sure they’d snap.
    The clicking of heels brought our attention away from the flat screen. Eve stomped into the living room, glowered at me, and said, “I need to speak to you, Adam.” With the whip of her dark hair, Eve strode into the hallway. Adam stood and followed her, a door slamming followed.
    “What do you think that’s about?” Elle asked as she looked over at me.
    I shrugged. “Who knows with her.”
    “Everyone knows you have a thing for that mutt!” Eve’s voice carried through the house. Elle and Sawyer looked at me. I shook my head, feigning innocence. The worry in Sawyers eyes made me avoid his gaze.
    “Keep your voice down!” Adam snarled.
    “I’ve gotta go,” Sawyer said, standing up.
    “Sawyer—”
    “It’s okay. It’s my turn to track, so I’ll talk to you later.” He watched me for a few seconds before turning and leaving. The disappointment in his green eyes was enough to form a lump of guilt in my stomach. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I liked Sawyer. Thinking about not spending time with him again caused a reaction I hadn’t expected.
    Elle glanced at the clock. “Oh, I have to go too. I’m in Sawyer’s group.” She stood up and said, “You okay?”
    I nodded. “Yeah,