Page 50 of Talk Howly to Me

Sloane's stomach lurched with revulsion, but the nausea was quickly replaced by cold fury. This man wanted to use her for his own twisted desires, murder her mates, and destroy the first real home she'd ever found.

Not happening.

She drove her elbow back into his ribs with all the force she could muster, feeling a satisfying crack as something gave way beneath the impact. Darius cursed and loosened his grip just enough for her to twist free and bolt through the front doors into the night.

The estate's grounds stretched out before her in the moonlight—manicured lawns and carefully tended gardens that would have been beautiful under different circumstances. But Sloane didn't pause to admire the scenery. She ran toward the tree line at the edge of the property, her bare feet flying over the cold ground as adrenaline overrode the lingering effects of the tranquilizer.

Behind her, she could hear Darius giving chase, his footsteps pounding against the marble steps as he emerged from the house. But more terrifying than his pursuit was the sound of his voice calling out commands to unseen forces in the darkness.

"Close the perimeter! She's heading for the eastern woods! Don't let her reach the territory line!"

The answering howls that rose from the forest made Sloane's blood freeze. She wasn't just running from Darius anymore—she was about to be surrounded by his pack.

Help me, she thought desperately, pushing the plea through the completed bond toward Ronan and Kozue.

TWENTY

RONAN

Ronan's enormous black wolf tore across the moonlit landscape with deadly purpose, his powerful legs eating up the miles between Hale territory and Kade territory. Beside him, Kozue's large brown wolf matched his pace stride for stride, their synchronized movement a testament to years of fighting side by side. Behind them, fifty of the Hale pack's finest warriors followed in perfect formation—enforcers and pack members who had insisted on joining this rescue mission the moment they learned their Alpha and Beta's mate was in danger.

We should have gone alone, Ronan projected through their telepathic link, his wolf's blue eyes blazing with barely controlled fury. This isn't their fight.

Like hell it isn't, Kozue responded immediately, his mental voice carrying the same protective intensity that burned in Ronan's chest. When Eli stepped forward and said if any of our mates were in trouble, the entire pack would fight to bring them home, I nearly lost it. They chose this, Ronan. They chose her as one of us.

The fierce pride that swelled in Ronan's chest threatened to overwhelm him. His pack—their pack—had rallied without hesitation when they discovered Sloane was missing. Eli, their former Beta, had been the first to volunteer, followed immediately by every single warrior present. Even pack members who rarely engaged in combat had stepped forward, their faces set with fierce determination.

She's only been with us for days, Ronan thought, still amazed by the loyalty Sloane had already inspired. But they're willing to risk everything for her.

That's what family does, Kozue replied simply. And she's family now.

But beneath his pride burned a rage unlike anything Ronan had ever experienced. Through the completed mate bond, he could still feel the echo of Sloane's terror when she'd first been captured, followed by her grim determination as she fought to escape. And threading through it all was the devastating confirmation he'd waited twelve years to hear.

Darius Kade had murdered his family.

The rival Alpha had finally confessed to the crime that had shattered Ronan's world and thrust him into leadership before he was ready. The attack that had claimed his parents and younger brother Davis. The night that had nearly killed Ronan himself, leaving him with scars both physical and emotional that had never fully healed.

Twelve years, Ronan projected grimly as his wolf's powerful muscles propelled him faster through the forest. Twelve years of suspecting but never having proof. Twelve years of restraint.

Tonight that ends, Kozue projected back, his mental tone carrying deadly promise. Tonight we get justice for our family. For our pack. For every life he's destroyed.

They crested a hill that marked the halfway point between territories, the scent of pine and mountain air sharp in their nostrils. The pack behind them moved like liquid shadow, their formation tight and disciplined despite the urgency driving them forward. These weren't rogue wolves charging blindly into battle—they were a coordinated force united by purpose.

Another desperate message from Sloane blazed through their link: Help me.

The raw fear and determination in that telepathic plea nearly sent Ronan's wolf into a frenzy. Through their connection, he could feel her fighting—not just for her life, but for the future they'd only just claimed together. She was running, evading capture, using every skill they'd taught her to survive.

She's fighting for us, Kozue observed, his wolf's green eyes reflecting the same fierce protectiveness that consumed Ronan. She's not giving up.

She never does, Ronan replied, his admiration for his mate blazing through the bond. That's why she's perfect for us.

The territorial boundary between Hale and Kade lands appeared ahead—a line marked more by scent than any physical barrier. For twelve years, Ronan had respected that boundary, had chosen diplomacy and patience over the war his wolf demanded. But Darius had crossed every line tonight.

No more restraint, Ronan projected to his pack as they approached Kade territory. No more mercy. We end this tonight.

The responding howls from his warriors sent a chill of satisfaction through Ronan's wolf as they crossed into enemy territory as one unstoppable force. Minutes later, they emerged from the tree line onto Darius's estate grounds, and Ronan's wolf immediately spotted the scene unfolding. There was Sloane—his beautiful, fierce mate wearing his oversized black t-shirt and her black leggings, her long hair streaming behind her as she ran barefoot across the cold ground. Even from this distance, he could see the determination in every line of her body.

Behind her, Darius pursued in human form, his eyes gleaming with predatory satisfaction. But it was the sight of the fifty rogue and pack wolves converging from all angles that made Ronan's blood run cold. They were trying to surround her, cut off her escape routes, and trap her like prey.