Chapter 0317

A massive russet wolf barrels into us from the side, sending Isolde sprawling onto the forest floor. By the time she scrambles up, we're completely encircled. Six wolves form an impenetrable ring around us, led by the same reddish beast that just knocked us down.

Isolde stands rigid, chest heaving as she assesses the threat. The russet wolf begins shifting, his transformation leaving him hunched over and panting. When he finally straightens, his gaze locks onto Isolde with predatory hunger. A possessive grin splits his face.

Aurora responds with a vicious snarl, lips peeling back to reveal gleaming fangs.

The male raises his hands in mock surrender. I don't buy it for a second. Not when his pack has us trapped, and he's been stalking me relentlessly for days.

"You led us on quite the chase, Guardian." His voice drips with arrogance. "But the game's over. I'm Alpha Dominic, and I claim you as mine."

Aurora's snarl intensifies, her teeth snapping dangerously close to his face.

"Easy now." He tsks. "You can't escape. Be a good girl, shift back, and let me mark you properly."

What chills me more than his casual claim is his obvious physical reaction. Even half-hard, he's nowhere near Victor's size, but his intentions are clear. He'll force the mating bond the moment his mark sets.

'Aurora, if he gets within—'

'I'm tearing his throat out.'

Good. We're in agreement. But that doesn't solve our immediate problem. Six against one are impossible odds.

"You can come willingly and I'll be gentle," Dominic purrs. "Or fight, and my pack will hold you down while I take what's mine. Either way, you're leaving with my mark. Choose."

This is exactly why I've been running. I should've let Victor claim me when I had the chance.

"Hard way it is." He starts shifting back. He'll mark Aurora first to weaken her, then force my human form to complete the bond.

As a last resort, I unleash a desperate howl. If Victor's within range, maybe—

The pack attacks before Dominic finishes transforming. Aurora fights like a demon, tearing fur and flesh alike. I think she rips off someone's ear. But six trained warriors overwhelm us quickly.

They pin Aurora belly-down, her furious growls vibrating through me. Dominic's wolf form settles heavily across her back, his jaws clamping her scruff to force submission. His dominance aura rolls over us—and does absolutely nothing.

A commotion erupts behind us. The weight lessens as Dominic turns to look. Aurora seizes the moment, twisting to sink her fangs into his throat. Hot blood sprays as she tears free.

We're up and sprinting when Dominic slams into us again, his neck wound gushing. His teeth graze my marking spot—

Then a black blur hurls him sideways. Magnus.

The two Alphas collide in a whirlwind of claws and fangs. Victor positions himself between me and Dominic, giving me space to flee. But I can't abandon him. Not when he's magnificent like this—larger than Dominic despite being Beta-born.

With Dominic already wounded, Victor gains the upper fast. The other wolves form a silent circle, respecting the dominance challenge. Interference would mean doubting their Alpha's strength.

They trade brutal blows until Victor finally clamps his jaws around Dominic's spine. The audible crack echoes through the clearing. Victor gives one final shake before dropping the lifeless body.

Then he's human again, standing before me gloriously naked and blood-splattered.

"Mine!" The single word rasps from his throat, more beast than man.

The remaining wolves suddenly lunge for me—new Alphas seeking to claim the prize. Victor tackles the nearest while shouting, "Run!"

Aurora doesn't hesitate. We're sprinting when I hear Victor shift behind us. Snarls and yelps chase us through the trees.

Something nips my heel. We stumble but recover—only to be tackled again. A crushing weight presses me into the dirt. It vanishes abruptly, but another body replaces it.

Sharp pain erupts at my marking spot as fangs pierce skin.

"No!" My mental scream drowns in darkness. The last thing I sense is reaching for Victor as the world fades away.