I dragged the heavy wolf off Donovan right as someone slammed into me from behind. Hands grabbed my arms, yanking my hands behind my back. Using the moment, I let my claws that were still stuck in the wolf’s skin slice as I jerked back.
Egan charged toward the other three enemy wolves, chomped down on one of them, and used his talons to grab the other two. He threw them into trees while the wolf in his mouth shrieked with pain.
The two wolves landed in unnatural positions while the wolf in Egan’s mouth became deathly quiet. The fact that only three of them were dead wasn’t good enough for me.
Blood poured from deep bite wounds in Donovan’s shoulder and leg. The wolves had tried to tear him apart. His chest rose and fell, giving me the peace of mind that he was still alive.
But I needed to hear his voice to make sure. Donovan?
Yeah, he groaned. Are you okay?
Of course, he’d be worried about me. Yes, I am. Stay still and heal for a second. Egan is kicking everyone’s ass.
Steeling myself, I slammed the back of my head into the man holding me. The crunch of his nose breaking was music to my ears.
“Ow.” He let me go.
I spotted the dark brown wolf who had bitten my mate’s shoulder. Raw rage filled me, and I welcomed it. I would kill that asshole. I was sick and tired of people hurting my mate.
I charged toward him, and his eyes widened. He turned and ran back toward the campus.
Nope, not happening. I glanced at my friends, making sure they were all okay. We were still outnumbered, but having Egan on our side was paying off. My friends had formed a tight circle, keeping the threat in front of them.
I didn’t need help; it was only one wolf. I’d take him down and come back to help get Donovan to the vehicles.
All of my hesitation vanished as I pursued the fleeing wolf. I tapped into my anger, which allowed me to run faster on two legs than ever before, and I kept up with the animal.
When he glanced over his shoulder at me, he slowed just enough so I could lunge at him. I jumped, aiming for his back.
He rolled to his side, countering my move, and my knees landed on the grassy dirt ground. Pain erupted in my knees, but I ignored it, letting adrenaline take over.
The wolf snarled and went for my arm. I jerked back, but not quick enough. His teeth scratched my skin. Blood trickled down my arm, but the cut was superficial.
I wished I had time to shift, but he’d either attack me while I was vulnerable or run away. It wasn’t like I would have time to catch up with him before he got around the other students. A wolf fight in the middle of the courtyard wouldn’t be smart.
I stood and spun on my heels, grabbing the fur on the back of the wolf’s head. I tugged it back, and he stumbled, but he was too damn sturdy to do much more than that.
He jumped on me, knocking me backward onto the ground, and pressed two paws into my chest.
Heart pounding, I pushed against him, but he kept a firm hold on my chest. I was stuck and couldn’t get up. I tried knocking his feet out from under him with my arms, but he was like a freaking statue.
I had to do something. I raised my legs to get them underneath him, but he sat on my knees.
I closed my eyes and waited for him to rip out my throat. My fight was over, and I was at his mercy. But all I felt was his rancid breath hitting me in the face. What was he waiting for?
Footsteps headed our way from the university. No, this couldn’t be happening. I had to get free. I should’ve never run away from the pack.
Where are you? Donovan linked, his concern wafting through the bond. I get up and you’ve vanished.
I’m trapped. I didn’t want to take any of their manpower away, but I was in a bind. I went after the wolf that bit your shoulder, and he has me pinned. Someone is heading this way.
Dammit, Sadie, Donovan growled. I’m on my way.
No. He was injured. This wouldn’t go well. Is Roxy or Axel available?
They’re busy fighting. Donovan groaned in pain. Egan is doing most of the work, but there are enough wolves to need everyone.
Just walking to me was hurting him. He wouldn’t get here in time to help me. I bucked again, desperate to get away, and the damn wolf chuckled. I hadn’t known that was possible in wolf form. That made me hate the smug ass more.
I lifted my hand toward his neck. It was just out of reach, but I strained to get it. If I could choke him, I could maybe get back to the others before they caught me.
The people were getting closer, and Brock’s thick, musky smell hit my nose, confirming my fear. He was coming for me, and this jackass had every intention of holding me here for his alpha heir.
My claws extended again. Maybe this would close the difference. I reached up again, and my nails touched his skin. He tried raising his head higher, lifting some of his weight off my chest.
That was all I needed.
I shifted my weight to one side. He lost his balance and toppled over. I scrambled to my feet and turned back toward my pack. I had to get to Donovan before he got here.
The wolf slammed into my back. I fell forward and landed hard on my knees again. Intense pain spiked through me, and I crashed onto my chest.
“Good job, Pete,” Brock said with his usual arrogance. “You got exactly what I needed.”
There was no graceful way out of this. I placed my hands on the ground, and right before I could lift myself, Pete sat on my back. I was pinned again, and I couldn’t figure out a way to get out of it with Brock here. I could smell three others with him. I was greatly outnumbered. Donovan, do not come here. If he showed, Brock would kill him.
Like hell I won’t. His voice broke, pain bleeding through. What’s going on?
Brock’s here. I saw no point in lying. He’d find out soon enough. He’ll kill you.
“Let’s get out of here before that dragon finishes the others,” Brock said and rubbed his jaw. His injury had healed for the most part, but it still must have been tender. He made it to my side. Next thing I knew, something covered my face, and darkness engulfed me.
The wolf got off me, and rough, strong hands yanked my arms behind my back and slipped cuffs on.
It was blazingly clear—I was their prisoner.
“Get her up!” Brock barked. “We need to get out of here.”
The guy grabbed the handcuffs and lifted me. My shoulders moved unnaturally, and I screamed in agony. I linked to the entire pack. I need your help. Brock has me.
I can’t get there. Donovan sounded broken. I can barely move.
I’m on my way, Roxy promised. We’ve got her, don’t worry.
Now that I was on my feet, he yanked me forward. I dragged my feet on the ground to slow us all down.
“Pick her up,” Brock demanded. “The car is behind the library.”
Great, they weren’t taking me to a populated area. Even if I cried, the humans wouldn’t get there in time. We’re behind the library.
Roxy replied, We’re almost there.
My legs came up from under me, and the guy slung me over his back. He took off at a fast run. Each step jarred my body, and my neck popped, shooting pain down my spine. It was obvious he didn’t give a crap about the state I was in. His goal was to get me into the car.
I couldn’t see a damn thing, and I couldn’t bite him because of the bag over my head. For the first time in my life, I felt completely powerless. I prayed to hear the sound of my friends’ feet running after me or the sound of Egan flying overhead.
The smell of trees faded, indicating we were out of the woods. We had to be at the library. Where are you?
Almost out of the woods, Axel responded. We should be there in a second.
Car doors opened in the distance, and we were too close. We’d be at the vehicle in seconds.
I began flailing, trying to do something … anything to slow the guy down. But it was useless. He wrapped an arm around my back, holding me steady.
Roxy’s howl gave me hope.
Roxy linked. We see you. Do something or we won’t reach you in time.
I can’t. They couldn’t stop this. The realization sat heavy on my stomach. My arms are handcuffed, and I can’t make out anything through the bag.