His Delicate Love

28

As the chaos raged around them, the sounds of battle and snarls filled the air, accompanied by the sickening scent of blood. Killian's distress call had been heard loud and clear, and now the warriors were here, clashing with the rogue wolves. The Alpha's quick response had brought a small army to follow Killian's scent, and now they were driving back the rogues, their ferocity unmatched as they sought to secure the territory.

Killian held Annie close, her frail body wrapped in his shirt, the fabric hanging loosely on her bruised form. She was trembling, her breath coming out in ragged, uneven gasps as she clung to him with whatever strength she had left. He cradled her in his arms, his protective instincts stronger than ever, refusing to let her go even as a warrior approached them.

"Beta, we'll handle things here," the warrior said urgently, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene around them. "Alaric is waiting for you. I'll take Annie and get back to safety."

Killian looked down at Annie, his jaw tightening as he considered what to do. He couldn't risk her being hurt any further, but she was still so fragile, barely able to hold on. He started to hand her over to the warrior, but then he felt Annie's voice in his mind, desperate and pleading. No... she whispered, her grip tightening around him, clinging to his warmth and safety. She was still too frightened to speak out loud, her voice trembling even in his thoughts.

Killian glanced down at her, his gaze softening as he felt the depth of her fear. The warrior noticed her trembling and gave Killian a knowing look. "It's okay, Beta," he said, his tone steady. "I got it from here. Your mate needs you. Stay with her."

Killian nodded, grateful for the understanding. Without another word, he shifted into his wolf form, a massive black beast with dark, wild eyes. He felt Annie's weight as she settled onto his back, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck, and he took off without hesitation, his powerful limbs carrying them swiftly through the forest.

He ran as if his life depended on it, the wind rushing past them as his paws pounded the earth. The scent of blood and battle faded behind them, replaced by the fresher, familiar scent of home. He focused on Annie's touch, her small hands gripping his fur, and it spurred him on, faster and faster, determined to get her back to safety.

As the lights of Windhallow's territory came into view, Killian's heart swelled with relief. But he knew this was far from over. Annie's body was still trembling, her breath shallow, and he could feel the fear radiating off her even as they neared the pack's borders.

He would get her home, where she belonged, and then he would do everything in his power to heal the hurt that had been inflicted on her. Annie was his mate, and he would be damned if anyone ever laid a hand on her again.

—————-

Riley's breath came out in harsh, ragged pants as he sprinted back toward the rogue territory, his wolf form pushing through the pain and exhaustion that clawed at his muscles. He had always run, always escaped when things got too dangerous. But not this time. He couldn't leave it all behind, not while the pack fought for Annie's safety. No more running, he growled to himself, his resolve hardening.

As he arrived at the outskirts of the rogue territory, chaos greeted him—warriors and rogues locked in combat, blood soaking the earth and the metallic scent thick in the air. He scanned the battlefield, his wolf's sharp eyes taking in the mayhem, when a low, familiar growl echoed through the din. It was a growl that made his hackles rise, one that he had dreaded and expected all at once.

Gil.

The rogue leader's silver wolf form emerged from the shadows, his eyes gleaming with fury. His fur bristled as he advanced, and even in wolf form, Riley could sense the sneer in his voice when their minds connected. You betrayed me, Riley, Gil snarled, his growl rumbling deep within his chest. I took you in as my brother, and you ran. Again.