He stands over her, his stance rigid, muscles coiled and ready to snap. Ears pinned back, his teeth bared in a snarl. Deep and unrelenting barks ripple through the air in warning to anyone who dare step closer.
He’s guarding her. Protecting her.
A surge of relief crashes through me, stronger than the pain, stronger than the blood soaking my thigh.
He won’t let anyone touch her. Safe. She’s safe.
An arm wraps around my neck, and Raven twists before I can rip my eyes away from Lily.
There’s a glint of steel, and then?—
A burning-hot blade sinks into my side, tearing through my muscle and flesh. My world tilts and there’s a scream. My stomach lurches as my body goes limp and I turn to Lily one last time. She’s pushing up from her spot on the ground, mouth open in a wailing scream that in my dilemma almost sounds melodic.
Max shifts and whines at Lily’s side, his body lowering, wanting to leave to run to me. His eyes flick to mine, waiting for me to call him, but he doesn’t need one.
He already knows. He knows I want him where he is.
He’s the best partner I could’ve ever hoped for, and it’s been a privilege to serve with him.
A ragged breath shudders from my chest, a mix of exhaustion and gratitude. I twitch, unable to move. Raven rolls off, standing to snarl down at me, and I cough, the sound congested as his foot connects with my side.
The scent of sweat and rust—a suffocating smell that makes me sick fills my nose.
There are more screams, more barks.
Raven crouches over me, knife raised in hand over my chest. In final desperation, I grip his wrist. My fingers squeeze like a vise with anything and everything I have left.
He growls, ripping free.
I use my good leg to shove off the ground, tackling him at the right angle for the knife to slip away. We slam into a crate, the wooden edges splintering with the weight.
The sticky blood is hot against my skin, but it must be all in my head. The wet is warm, and my body is cold.
Raven pants, groping for the knife he dropped. When his hand doesn’t connect, he swings wildly. I dodge, eyes landing on a pistol feet away from me.
Close. It’s close.
I push, driving my fist into his throat.
His hands fly to his neck and his eyes widen as he chokes a gasp.
I shove and turn, slinking toward the gun.
I don’t look back.
A hand clamps down on my leg, but I pull and struggle until my hand lands on the chilled steel. Wrapping my fingers around it, I inhale and turn over, firing the whole magazine into his chest.
He doesn’t stumble—he jolts back. His body convulses in the air and lands with a dull thud.
I stare for several seconds. Feeling satisfied he won’t get up, I fall back, arms flinging out to the side.
Is she safe?
Keep her safe.
Don’t let him take her.
Keep her?—
