I move forward slowly, deliberately, pretending I don’t see the way she shrinks back. I reach out and grab the restraints at her wrists. The spelled chains sear my palms, but I don’t care. I wrench the links apart with brute strength, pouring all my alpha power into the motion. The metal screams as it breaks, resounding through the silent arena.
The chains fall away. I move behind her and reach for the ones binding her ankles, breaking those just as easily. The pieces clatter to the stone floor.
I kneel in front of her and take her hands in mine, carefully and respectfully. “You’re safe now. I’m here.”
Shock floods her hazel eyes, her mouth parting slightly like she can’t believe what she’s seeing. Then, tears brim and spill over, tracking down her bruised cheeks.
I rise slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wants. When she doesn’t move, I gently pull her to her feet. Once she’s standing, I cup her face, mindful of the bruises. I try to smile at her even though rage still burnsthrough me.
“Don’t tell me you thought I wouldn’t come for my mate.” My voice is quiet now. “Am I really that unreliable in your eyes?”
I use my thumbs to softly wipe away the tears that keep falling.
She covers my hands with her bruised ones, her fingers trembling as they press against my skin. She makes a whimpering sound, like she’s too overwhelmed to speak, like words have completely failed her.
I lean closer, keeping my voice low, intimate, meant only for her.
“I don’t care if you’re a hybrid or a witch or a shifter. You’re mine, Violet. I will always come for you.”
She squeezes her eyes shut as Alaric’s voice booms across the arena. He has finally gathered his wits after the shock of my arrival.
“What are you doing?!”
My hands stay on Violet’s face, my thumbs still stroking away her tears. I whisper to her, “Nothing’s going to happen to you. I’m here now. Trust me?”
She hesitates and then opens her eyes, nodding.
Her fire may have dimmed over these past few days, but it’s not gone.
I bring my hands down and turn around, placing myself between Violet and Alaric. A living shield. Behind me, I feel her hand grip the back of my shirt. My eyes harden as I face my father.
“Violet is my fated mate.”
The words boom through the arena, clear and unwavering. Behind me, I hear Violet’s breath catch.
“Impossible.” Alaric’s voice cuts through the air like a blade. “She’s a hybrid.”
I stand perfectly still, protective and immovable. My body language is a clear message: You’ll have to go through me first.
“She is my fated mate, and I won’t allow her to be executed.”
Alaric’s face contorts with rage. “You dare disobey me?”
“I am willing to walk away from this pack for this woman.” I let the words sink in. “For me, nobody and nothing come before Violet.”
Zion’s sneer is pure evil. “She’s just a woman to fuck. There are plenty more where she came from.”
Cold hatred spreads through me. I look at my brother—really look at him—and for the first time, I let myself see the monster that lurks inside, the one that will destroy this pack if he gets the chance.
“You would know, wouldn’t you?” I let him see exactly what I think of him in my expression.
His eyes narrow, darkening with fury. Before he can spit out whatever venom he’s preparing, Alaric speaks again.
“She is your stepsister and a hybrid. I will never allow this union.”
“I don’t care whether you allow it or not.” My stance widens slightly, even more protective now. “Violet is my mate.”
“Violet is a hybrid, and hybrids are to be executed.” Alaric’s voice rises, filling the arena. “It’s the law. They are a danger to other shifters.”
