A moment after Scout’s mental words reached Killian, the grey wolf — with no regard to Killian’s teeth sinking into his scruff — wrenched its mouth to the side. He swung Scout by the grip on his leg and threw him across the courtyard.
Scout whimpered as he smashed into the tile, but the adrenaline forced him to his feet. But when he put weight on all four legs, he found that the leg the grey wolf had bitten was bleeding heavily and too tender to use. He stood frozen, trembling in fear and pain.
By now the royal guards had gathered due to the commotion. About half shifted quickly into wolf forms and surrounded the grey wolf, while the other half remained in human form and raised their weapons.
“Don’t hit the prince!” Stark cried. He had a rifle propped up and ready to fire.
The grey wolf had stopped, fully aware of how outnumbered and outgunned he was. But Killian was furious. He was like a live wire, crackling with anger. He lunged at the grey wolf from behind and snarled as he bit down on his neck.
The wolf guards rushed forward to pin the grey wolf by holding his legs, making sure he was unable to move.
“Killian!” One guard said. “That’s enough! We’re going to take him in for questioning!”
But Killian wasn’t listening. He was lost in his rage. The scent of Scout’s blood filled the air. The sight and smell of him so injured sent Killian into a frenzy, and he couldn’t stop.
He dug his fangs deeper into the assailant’s neck, refusing to let go. Since the guards were holding the grey wolf in place, he had nowhere to run. Killian knew this. He took the opportunity to sink his fangs into the wolf’s throat.
“Killian!” Scout cried, rushing forward, his blood dripping on the white tile. “Stop! You’re going to kill him!”
Killian’s eyes glinted. He looked Scout straight in the eye.
“Scout,” he growled. “He was trying to killyou.”
Scout paused. “Kill me?”
The grey wolf let out a shaky, wheezing breath. Killian finally let go. His fangs were stained with blood. He licked his lips.
“What is the meaning of this?”
The king’s booming voice came from the other end of the courtyard. He stood, surveying the messy scene before him.
“Father,” Killian said. “This shifter was trying to kill Scout.”
The guards all turned to murmur to each other.
“Why would someone try to kill the prince’s mate?”
“What are they trying to accomplish?”
One wolf guard thrust his muzzle into the assailant’s face. “Who are you working for?”
The grey wolf said nothing. He merely stared at Scout. Scout shuddered and backed up before remembering the pain in his leg. He whimpered as a shock of pain ran up his spine.
“Someone get him medical attention!” Killian snarled. “He’s hurt!”
Right away some of the guards broke away from the circle surrounding the grey wolf and rushed to Scout’s side. He carefully shifted back to human form so he would be easier to carry, but it was even harder to stand on one leg. Thankfully the guards scooped him up so he didn’t have to.
“Tell me who you work for before I rip your throat out,” Killian snarled at the assailant, who continued to remain silent. He made no move to speak - just stared, awaiting his fate. Killian snapped his jaws. “If you’re not going to talk, I’ll kill you right here.”
“That’s enough, Killian,” the king commanded. He strode over to the scene, careful not to step in the smeared puddles of Scout’s blood. “I’ll have him taken in for questioning. Leave this to the professionals.”
But Killian snarled. “You’re going to torture him?”
“Whatever it takes to hear the truth,” the king said simply.
Killian wasn’t happy. “I’d rather hear it myself, right here and right now.” He turned to glare at the grey wolf. “If he’s not going to talk anyway, I want to be the one who kills him for hurting my mate.”
“Enough, Killian!” the king snapped. “This sort of behavior is unacceptable. Get a hold of yourself.” He shook his head and pointed in Scout’s direction. “Go to your mate. You’ll be more useful that way.”
Killian looked like he wanted to argue, but he said nothing. Hackles still up, he trotted over to where Scout was being held safely by the guards. “Are you alright?” he asked.
“My leg’s a little sore, but I think I’ll be okay,” Scout said, forcing a smile.
Killian growled. “I’m here now. I won’t leave you.”
“We’re taking him to the infirmary, your highness,” the guard holding Scout said.
“Very well,” Killian replied. “Let’s go.”
The guards, Scout, and Killian left the courtyard, leaving behind the mysterious assailant, the king, what was left of the guard, and the pools of Scout’s blood.
