Taken by the Outcast Alpha (Whispers of Fate)

15. Finn

Chapter fifteen

Finn

I feel the rumble of engines behind us, and my heart sinks. Victor's figured out our detour. Somehow, when he realized we weren’t catching up to them, he knew exactly where we’d gone. Damn it. I glance through the forest, catching a glimpse of the bikes passing us in the opposite direction. We need to change our strategy, fast.

I shift back to human form in a blur of motion, my senses still on high alert. I can’t help but be aware of how vulnerable—naked—I am right now, but I’m a hell of a lot more worried about Sage than I am about getting to my clothes. Though I do really, really need to get them back on. Quickly, I position myself between Sage and the motorcycle, using it as a shield. My muscles tense as I reach for the saddlebag, fumbling with the clasp.

"Stay low," I whisper to Sage, my eyes scanning the area.

I yank out my clothes, the fabric rough against my skin as I hurriedly pull them on. The denim of my jeans scrapes against my legs, and I struggle to button my shirt with shaking fingers.

"Finn, they're getting closer," Sage hisses, her voice tight with fear.

I nod, shoving my feet into my boots without bothering to lace them. "We're leaving. Now."

In one fluid motion, I swing my leg over the bike, feeling the familiar thrum of the engine as I start it up. The vibration travels through my body, steadying my nerves.

"Hop on," I tell Sage, my voice low and urgent.

She doesn't hesitate, sliding on to the seat behind me. Her arms wrap around my waist, her body presses against my back. The warmth of her touch sends a jolt through me, and I revel in the sensation. Even in this moment of danger, her presence grounds me, ignites something primal within.

I feel her breath on my neck as she leans in close. "Where to?"

"Anywhere but here," I growl, revving the engine. "Hold on tight." She squeezes my waist in response, and I relish the feeling of her pressed against me.

I make a quick decision. We need to head back to the rally. It's risky, but I need to connect with Derek. He might have more information, maybe even backup. Plus, in the crowd, we might be able to lose Victor and his goons.

As I turn the bike around, my mind drifts to earlier when Sage ran her fingers through my fur. Something changed in that moment. It was like a spark igniting, a connection I can't explain. Now, I crave her touch on my skin, not just my wolf form.

"We're heading back to the rally," I shout over my shoulder. "It's our best shot at losing them and getting help."

Sage leans in close, her breath warm on my ear. "I trust you, Finn."

Those words hit me harder than I expected. Trust. It's been a long time since anyone said that to me. I feel a surge of determination. I won't let her down.

As we ride, I can't shake the feeling that Sage is more than just someone I need to protect. There's a pull towards her I can't explain. Is this what a fated mate bond feels like? I've heard stories, but never experienced it myself.

I push the bike faster, weaving through traffic. The rally's not far now. I just hope Derek's there and that he can help us. And maybe, just maybe, I can find a moment to explore this connection with Sage. To feel her fingers on my skin and see if that spark is still there.