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“You can't.”

“She needs me.”

“And our pup needs you.”

Her eyes snap to mine. My hand covers hers over her stomach as another wave of pain moves through our bond.

Her eyes widen.

I already know.

“She's coming.”

Selena stares at me. Another contraction takes her breath, and she grips my shirt.

“Rylan.”

“I've got you.”

“The baby's coming.”

Behind us, Darian's voice cuts through the clearing.

“Arlene?”

Something in his tone makes me look.

Arlene's eyes are closing.

“No.” Darian shifts her higher against his chest. “No. Look at me. Arlene, open your eyes.”

Her eyelids flutter, but she doesn't answer.

Darian looks down at the dagger buried in her chest. Blood coats his hand as he presses around the wound without disturbing the blade.

The flesh should already be trying to heal.

It isn't.

Not even a little.

His face drains of color.

“Why aren't you healing?”

Arlene's lips move, but I can't hear her answer. Darian bends closer, his forehead touching hers as he holds her against his chest.

“Arlene…”

46

Darian's POV

“Arlene...”

Her eyes flutter, but they don't open. I slide one arm beneath her knees and the other around her back. Blood covers my hands before I even lift her. The dagger is still buried in her chest, the silver handle rising between us as I pull her carefully against me.

My wolf snarls. Get it out. He's right. Silver is inside our mate. It's hurting her. Poisoning her. I shift one hand toward the handle.