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My wolf reaches for hers.

The stretcher moves.

“Get her inside!”

I try to follow, but my right leg gives out. I catch myself for half a second before my left does the same.

“Darian!”

The ground rushes toward me.

I barely feel the impact. My eyes stay on the hospital doors as Arlene disappears through them.

My wolf reaches for her through our bond.

Mate?

47

Rylan's POV

Darian hits the ground behind me.

“Darian!” I turn just enough to see two warriors rushing toward him. He's on his knees for half a second before his body gives out completely, but I can't go to him. Selena cries out in my arms, her entire body tightening as another contraction tears through her.

I open the pack link. "Someone take care of Darian. Now."

"Yes, Alpha."

The hospital doors swallow Arlene's stretcher. I catch one last glimpse of blood, the silver dagger still buried in her chest, before the healers surround her. "And you tell every healer in that hospital to save our Beta Female at all costs."

The answer comes from wolves throughout the hospital and the pack grounds. "Yes, Alpha."

Selena grips my shirt. “Rylan.”

“I've got you.” Another contraction hits before I make it through the doors. Her cry rips through me as I feel her pain through our bond, and my Lycan surges forward.

Mate.

"I know."

“Delivery room is ready, Alpha. This way.”

“Arlene.” Selena tries to look back toward the doors as I follow the medical team. “Where's Arlene?”

“They're working on her.”

“Go check on her.”

“I'm not leaving you.”

“Rylan, please.” Her eyes fill with tears. “She wasn't healing. What if...” Her voice breaks as she clutches my shirt tighter. “I can't lose her.”

I carry her into the delivery room and lower her carefully onto the bed. “They're doing everything they can.”

Selena grabs my hand before I can straighten. “She's my best friend. She's like my sister.” Tears spill down her cheeks. “I don't want to lose anyone else I love.”

“I know, baby.” I brush the tears from her face. “Arlene has an entire team fighting for her right now. Darian is being taken care of too.”