Kain felt invisible eyes boring into his skin. Venturing into the wood, in a werewolf territory at this hour was stupid.

He could hear breathing all around him, smell the musky tang of werewolves—seven, at least. He shadowed George, holding his breath, every nerve primed to spring.

George moved as if he owned the trees, as if an invisible guardian watched over him. Maybe he genuinely believed his sister would appear and agree to go home. The thought set Kain’s teeth on edge. He wanted to smack the warlock from behind so hard his lights would go out.

“Should we keep going straight?” George asked, stopping and earning a low,...