“Let. Him. Through,” Joanna grunted mid-fight. Blood trickled down her forehead.
Rebecca cursed under her breath. “Close the cell door behind you, and do not let anyone in.”
Peter nodded before hurrying down the stairs.
A decapitated hunter fell at my feet, snapping me back into the fight. Thick, red liquid bathed the body from neck to ankle, making the black leather glisten… The indigo tattoo on her right wrist was barely noticeable under all the blood.
I scanned the chaotic scene. The battle was far from over, and my pack and the remaining hunters were growing tired. We needed to turn the tide and fast.
A large brown wolf lunged at me, its teeth snapping mere inches from my face. I reared back, using my size to my advantage. With a swift movement, I pinned the rogue to the ground, tearing into its throat. I could taste its fear, its desperation as it struggled to break free. But my grip was iron, and with a swift jerk of my head, I ended its life.
As I rose, I saw Joanna, her back pressed against a crate, three rogue wolves advancing on her. Her breath was coming in quick gasps, her eyes darting between the hungry beasts. She held her silver knife in one hand, her bow discarded on the floor beside her.Fatigue etched onto her face, the strain of battle wearing her down.
I leaped toward them, my growl echoing through the warehouse.
The rogue wolves turned, their eyes wide with surprise as I barreled into them. I shredded one of them, my claws raking across its back, before turning to face the other two. They pounced, but I was faster. I dodged their attacks, my teeth sinking into the flesh of one while my claws slashed at the other.
Joanna took the opportunity, her blade flashing as she drove it into the heart of one rogue.
The other turned to her, but I was already there, my jaws clamping down on its neck. It struggled for a moment before going limp in my grasp.
Joanna looked up at me, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” she mouthed.
But before I could do anything to acknowledge her thanks, a blinding pain shot through my side.
“Marcus!” Joanna screamed.
I looked down, my vision blurring as my hands wrapped around the metal pipe jutting from my side. I snarled, searching for the one who threw it.
Thomas, in his wolf form, stood a few feet away, his face contorted with hatred.
There’s the traitor, Thomas spat through the bond.Consorting with humans? Looks to be proving deadly.
I pulled out the pipe, the searing pain fueling my rage. I lunged at him, but he was ready, dodging my attack and striking me with a knife with a wrapped hilt. I yelped, stumbling back.
Joanna rushed to my side.
A group of rogue wolves closed in around us, their eyes glowing with malevolence. Joanna stood protectively over me, her weapon held out.
Does she think she can take us all?Thomas sneered, circling like a vulture. He looked at me, sadistic malice in his gaze.Perhaps before I kill her, I’ll allow my brothers to have their fun with her and make you watch as she begs for the sweet release of death.
Infuriated, I struggled to stand, the pain in my side traveling throughout my body. I nudged Joanna behind me, my hackles raised and my teeth bared.
We were surrounded, but I would fight until my last breath to protect her.
Chapter Sixteen
Joanna
It was Thomas. I’d recognize those disgusting eyes anywhere.
Thomas had known Marcus was too preoccupied with my well-being. He’d used that to his advantage and struck. Now, Thomas circled us with a group of rogues behind him, leering at me with those eyes I so desperately wished to rip from his head.
My gaze bounced around the room, searching for any aid we could call for.
But there was none.
Bodies littered the floor, the sickening scent of blood thick in the air. Cries and growls poundedagainst my eardrums. I could see our allies, both hunters and werewolves, engaged in fierce combat, their numbers dwindling.
