The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 17

When Natalia found herself comered, with her back against a massive oak tree, she froze. Before she could even react, a wolf lunged menacingly at her Natalia mustered all her remaining strength to dodge the beast, using the tree as a shield. She could feel her legs trembling, drained of all energy. But the wolf missed, turned around, and lunged again Its sharp claws grazed Natalia’s shoulder A chunk of Natalia’s clothes was torn away instantly, and bright red blood oozed from the wound

Natalia, gritting her teeth against the intense pain, instinctively backed away, tripping over a rope in the process

The smell of blood excited the wolf even more, and it lunged at Natalia time after time Each time, Natalia barely managed to evade its attacks. using up all he remaining strength. After a few attempts, the wolf continued its relentless pursuit

Natalia was now injured, terrified, and utterly exhausted. Her entire body felt as if it was on fire from the places where the wolf had scratched her She slumped against the tree root, helplessly. As the wolf lunged yet again, Natalia closed her eyes, resigned to her fate She didn’t have the strength to fight against a ferocious woll any longer. If death could end it all, she was ready

“Perth!” A sudden roar echoed.

The wolf, poised to attack Natalia, turned its head sharply at the sound. A man dressed in black appeared from the shadows. The wolf immediately went over to him, rubbing against his legs. “Go back Stop scaring her!”

Natalia struggled to open her eyes, seeing only a dark figure slowly approaching her. He bent over, picked her up, and she sank into unconsciousness, her head lolling to the side.

Minutes ago, the alarm in the basement of the villa had sounded. Linden had rushed to check, only to find Natalia had run off into the forest where Perth was kept.

Stunned, he quickly informed Magnus.

Before Linden could even finish his sentence, Magnus had disappeared from his wheelchair. Linden hurriedly grabbed a mask and followed.

soon reached the spot where Natalia and Perth were engaged in their deadly dance. If he had been even a moment later Natalia would have

she had dared to venture here, and if not for his precautionary ropes, who

tom and shredded by the wolf, revealing her wounded skin. Her blood dripped onto the sheets, draining the

unexpectedly felt a pang of sympathy. He scoffed at himself, reminding himself that

with her blood, his

wounds.

his brow furrowed in concern.

room

stress of shock and injury, developed a high fever in the middle of the night Magnus ordered

clothes

dark night, feeling uneasy. He turned and walked into Natalia’s room. Under the faint light, Natalia’s flushed cheeks were even more pronounced. He noticed the trembling under the covers and saw that Natalia

she cold? It was April, not exactly a

her forehead. It was scorching hot She

were submerged in ice–cold water. She vaguely sensed someone near her, but her body ached tembly. “So cold so painful Daddy, Natalia murmured, feeling utterly miserable. Magnus instantly lifted the covers and was about to carry her to the

he froze. Why was he so concerned about

was about to cover her back up and call for the family doctor when

After all, whenever she fell sick in this world, it was always her father by her side. She clung tightly to Magnus‘

leaning by the bed. As Natalia rolled into his arms, he instinctively held her delicate body.

his chest. Magnus stiffened, and his mind

Natalia mumbled, clutching at

turning on the heat. But she