Chapter 289
Chapter 289
We collide with a force that rattles every bone in our bodies, jaws snapping fiercely as claws slash through the air. He’s the only one who matches me in size and speed, making this fight brutal and relentless. But Greta lingers in my thoughts, a sharp ache reminding me of her pain. I can’t afford to waste time here—I have to get rid of this bastard and find her. She needs me, and she needs me now.
Fueled by that desperate urgency, I slash deep into his chest with my claws. The raw, involuntary howl of agony he emits is the opening I need. I clamp down on his neck with everything I have and tear. His body crumples beneath me, but I don’t pause to check if he’s dead. Greta’s safety is my only concern.
We race through the dense forest, the bond between us pulling me closer to her with every step. Then, suddenly, a scream cuts through the air-sharp, painful, unmistakably human. Why did she shift back? My wolf surges forward, breaking through a tangle of low-hanging branches. What I see stops me cold and churns my stomach.
Greta is battered and bloodied, bruises darkening her skin. Three men circle her like wolves eyeing prey. Despite her stance-defiant and ready to fight-I can see the hunger in their eyes. No one but me is allowed to desire my mate.
Anger and jealousy blaze through me, hot and fierce. I charge at the wolf nearest to her. He meets me just before my wolf tackles him to the ground, claws shredding his throat mercilessly. But there’s no time to savor the kill my ears catch a grunt from Greta. I pivot quickly, moving to help her.
She’s fighting with everything she has, but blood loss has weakened her, and with two men pinning her to the ground, her options are limited. Without hesitation, I grab the jerk looming over her by his hair and slam him into a tree behind me. Then I deliver a solid punch to the face of the man holding her arms above her head.
“Grant, Jensen. Greta’s hurt. I’m getting her out of here,” I say through the mindlink, the connection feeling strange from my end. I receive a brief confirmation—they heard me, but nothing more.
“No! We have to keep fighting. The pack needs us,” she insists, trying to resist.
“The pack needs you alive to fight. Give me five minutes. You have to heal. But seriously, why were you human in the first place p>
“Silver,” she whispers. “One of them cut me with silver. It was deep enough to force the shift p>
I can’t help but joke, trying to lighten the mood despite the tension. “Well, you’re already sounding better p>
Finding a spot that seems just outside the chaos of battle, I duck into some thick brush and pull her gently into my lap, holding her close. I bury her face in the crook of my neck, and she teases softly, “Too bad we’re in the middle of a fight, or I’d make a suggestive comment right now p>
I chuckle, feeling the warmth of her despite the cold fear gnawing at me.
“Thanks for that,” she murmurs. “How am I supposed to fight now p>
I tighten my hold, even though it only makes my own situation harder and I don’t regret it one bit.
“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” she giggles.
“Ugh, no sex right now. First, we get rid of Janelle and her minions. Only after that will I pound you into the nearest tree p>
“Promises, promises,” she laughs again, but this time I press my lips to hers, silencing her with a kiss. I can feel her strength beginning to return.
“Ready to go kick some more ass p>
“After you, mate,” she replies, determination shining in her eyes.