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“Good.” Dom whistled again, and the dozen or so wolves that he’d brought with him began to form up.
When everyone was accounted for, we started to leave. I was leaning against another wolf for support as we moved. My worry for Night still gnawed at me, and I turned to Dom for more details on Night’s whereabouts.
“Is Night challenging Troy right now?”
It took Dom a few seconds to respond. He still carried Tavi in his arms, and he was staring resolutely forward rather than down at her. I thought it might be because seeing her so broken would send him into a rage.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said. “We need to get back to our pack where you and Tavi will be safe.”
My eyes narrowed slightly. “But who will keep Night safe?”
He didn’t have an answer, but the slight tightening of his jaw told me that this decision was eating at him, too. I closed my eyes as burning frustration mounted inside me. I knew it was unfair for me to be so upset with Dom or with any of the Wargs. They were only carrying out Night’s orders. But I loved Night more than anyone, more than my own life, and the thought of losing him was too much to bear.
As if Dom knew what I was thinking, he sent a sharp look my way. It wasn’t quite a glare, but it was almost stern enough to be one.
“Night wants you and Tavi home, Bryn. Not on the front lines. Both you and Tavi are so injured, you can barely walk. Going into the Kings’ den would be suicide in your current state.” He looked forward again. “I made a promise to Night, Bryn, and as much as it fucking hurts to be in this position, I plan on keeping it.”
That was that. It would be a waste of breath for me to try to convince Dom to go against Night. I’d sooner convince a tree to lie down or a brick wall to move.
So, I’d go along with them for now. I’d let them think that I was going with the plan instead of thinking of ways I might be able to slip away.
A few minutes later, the Wargs were still walking. I was grateful for the wolf holding me upright because I was able to look behind me and see that Tavi had finally opened her eyes. Unfortunately, she had yet to say a word or even make a sound. She didn’t complain about being held, didn’t moan about the aches and pains of her body—she just remained quiet in Dom’s arms with her head leaning on his shoulder. She stared at the trees without seeing them.
She was alive, but this listless version of her scared me.
Soon, the group stopped so I could rest. I sat on a fallen tree and breathed deeply. I watched Dom sit on a rock with Tavi still in his arms. Now that she was awake, he seemed more willing to let the doctor check her out. I could see Dom’s mouth moving, but I couldn’t hear what he was saying. I tore my eyes away so I could watch the wolves around me. They were fanning out, making sure that the area remained safe for our break.
I’d tried to come up with a plan of escape as we walked, but I had very little to go on. In lieu of any real steps that would take me to Night, I had a burning desire to just start running and hope that I reached him in time. I had no idea what I would do when I found Night, but I had a feeling I would know once I saw him. I just needed to get there.
I chalked this confidence up to desperation, but I was grateful for it. It was better than worrying and crying. I was going to try to help Night in whatever way I could, even if that meant we died together.
Dying with him sounds so much better than living a life without him. My wolf snuffed in agreement.
So, when I felt sure that the others were too busy either scouting the area or checking on Tavi to pay me any attention, I got to my feet. I wobbled unsteadily at first, but then strength I hadn’t known I had coursed through me. I took off at a staggering, unsteady run into the trees. After a couple of yards, my wolf pushed at me to shift, and I allowed it. My wolf body was much more coordinated, much faster, and was able to pick out Night’s scent on the wind.
I knew that Dom and the rest of the wolves would be pissed at me, but I didn’t care. All that mattered was getting to my mate, and I wasn’t going to let negligible things like pain or guilt get in my way.
14
BRYN
I could hear the roar of the crowd, hundreds of Kings gathered together to watch my love die. How many times had this exact sound chased me through my nightmares? After growing up listening to the sound of the crowd from my bedroom during all the parties Troy hosted, the sound of the entire pack jeering at me and calling for my death had long haunted me at my worst moments. I pushed myself to run faster.
I made it to the compound, skidding across leaves and dirt as I came to a stop. I was too short to see through the legs of the gathered crowd, so I pushed through, avoiding stomping feet and spilled beer as I moved. As I reached the outer edge of the circle, my eyes widened.
Night was on the ground, bloodied and panting, with Troy on top of him. Troy’s fangs were out, gleaming white in the moonlight. He was seconds away from bringing them down to pierce Night’s throat. I couldn’t let that happen.
My wolf snarled, and before I could think or hesitate, I’d crossed into the circle. I bounded for Troy, slamming my body into his to knock him off of Night. Troy hopped to his feet, and I saw surprise in the depths of his dark eyes.
The cheering turned into gasps of shock and murmured questions as I stood in front of Night. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Jasper standing to the side. He was just as shocked as the others. Behind me, Night tried to get to his feet. He whined softly, just loud enough for me to hear, and concern was clear in his tone. I didn’t respond, and I didn’t look back at him. If I did, I knew I’d lose my resolve.
Because I was in my wolf form, only Night would know that it was me. All the onlookers would just assume I was some random wolf or one of the Wargs, which was how I wanted it to stay. For now.
I wasn’t supposed to be here in the middle of the arena while the fight went on, and I wasn’t supposed to intervene in the challenge, but there was no way I could stand by and watch my mate being killed. I had no choice but to act. Damn the consequences.
Troy stood up, shifting as he moved. I wished I could look away from his naked form, but I had to keep my eyes on him. He laughed as he saw me. I was sure he recognized me because of the wound in my neck. It was still bleeding, soaking into the cold, dark ground at my feet. It was a struggle to draw each breath—even my lungs felt sore and tense with effort after the way I’d run into the fray. But I couldn’t afford to think about the extent of the damage that Troy had done to me.
“How sweet,” he cackled. “You couldn’t wait to die along with your mate.”
