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.

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

couldn’t believe that she had dared to venture here, and if not for his precautionary ropes, who would have thought this girl would run off to

by the wolf,

that this girl

turn red with her blood, his face darkened. “Stop

superficial wounds. She fainted due to shock. I’ve treated her wounds and given her an antidote. Perth, after all, is a

Natalia on the bed, and his brow furrowed in concern. After the doctor left, he sat in his wheelchair and

room

developed a high fever in the middle of the night Magnus ordered

clothes

looking out at the 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

was she cold? It was April, not

forehead. It was scorching hot She had a fever.

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

was he so concerned

back up and call for the family doctor when a

all, whenever she fell sick in this world, it was always her father by her side. She clung tightly to Magnus‘ arm, pressing her hot body against him

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

fresh sleepwear, her body was hot against his chest. Magnus stiffened, and his mind was going blank for

so cold, so painful,” Natalia mumbled, clutching

the covers and turning on the heat. But