The Sacrifice (Seven Sins MC 1)

"And then got caught in that storm," the white wolf said. "It was good that Lex came across you," he went on, waving toward the big black wolf that had dragged me through the woods. "Though he could have been easier on you," he said, acknowledging my bloody hand and foot. "Come on over here and climb on," he offered, motioning to Lex's back. "It is the least he can do, to give you a lift back to our clubhouse."

He didn't exactly phrase it as though I had any kind of choice in the matter. But, still, now that I knew he was an actual human under all the fur and teeth and paws, I felt really strange at the idea of riding him like a horse.

"I can walk," I assured the leader, giving him a wobbly smile.

"Witch, it's been a long night. Just get on Lex, so we can all get home, get something to eat, then figure out what to do about you." The words weren't overly sharp, but the tone sure was, making me slowly unfold, hobbling over toward Lex, who was still lying on the ground.

There was no use trying to fight.

I was outnumbered.

They had fangs and claws.

I stood no chance.

Even if I suddenly found the anger to zap them.

So I carefully grabbed some of Lex's fur with my good hand, lifting my bad leg, and pushing it over his back, immediately sliding over.

"Got you," the white wolf said, big hand grabbing my hip, stopping me from falling—or clawing out Lex's fur. "There you go," he added, pushing me into my spot. "Legs tight like you're riding some good dick, babe," he demanded, then slapped Lex's rump, who immediately moved to stand, making my thighs tighten immediately.

"We'll take it easy," the leader declared before dropping down toward the floor, exploding back into a wolf seamlessly before he landed.

With that, everyone fell into a trot behind their leader as we made our way out of the cave and back into the woods.

We broke through the tree-line just as the sun was coming up, allowing me to watch a low, one-story structure come into view. Not so much a home, I wouldn't say, as a building. Ugly red metal walls, a flat roof with a railing, large windows.

But, it appeared, this was the clubhouse that the leader had referred to, since we were all making our way in that direction, passing a couple sets of wooden tables in the back as well as a giant fire pit, surrounded by massive tree stumps to be used as seating.

The white wolf slammed a paw into the back door, nails scratching downward, making a horrid noise that made my teeth hurt for a moment before the door was pulled open from the inside by an older gentleman, shoulders scrunched forward, giving the pack a small smile before his eyes fell on me.

"For fuck's sake, Sully," the old man said, looking over at the white wolf, the motion making the side of his neck visible, where there were four massive claw marks. "A witch? What kind of trouble are you bringing to this pack?" he added as Sully burst into human form again, as did all the other wolves. Including Lex, whose smooth human back left nothing to hold onto, leaving me spiraling backward, slamming hard on the ground, letting out a grunt, then a whimper as the pain ricocheted through my head. "Jesus Christ," the old man grumbled, throwing his hands up at the pack as he made his way toward me, extending a hand.

"We saved her, Pops," Sully said, shaking his head.

"Saved her then did nothing about her wounds, then gave her another one. Genius. The whole fucking coven will be coming down on our heads."

"Please," Sully said, shaking his head. "When was the last time you heard about a single witch, let alone a coven? We were getting her back here to take care of her foot and hand. Or would you rather us lick her wounds clean?" Sully asked before looking at me. "Come on. We'll get you cleaned up."

Having no choice, and genuinely in need of cleaning up lest I develop an infection, I followed Sully into the clubhouse.

The inside was better than the outside let on.

Sure, it was almost utilitarian in its style with the cement floors and lack of window treatments, blankets, pillows, anything soft and homey, but everything was clean and well taken care of. To the left inside the back door was a massive living room area with several couches facing a massive television. There was a long wooden dining table with at least sixteen seats. And, finally, in the main room, was a kitchen with an oversize island, cement countertops, and appliances of the silver metal I'd heard Ace refer to as stainless steel.