“There’s one holed up in the main building. Cara and Wyn are trying to neutralise him.”
Max pointed to my ear. “Give me your earpiece.”
I handed it over and Max slipped it into his ear, immediately checking in with the rest of his team.
“Cara has the witch restrained with magic-dampening handcuffs. Wyn’s on his way to help the others.”
“And Yates?” Gabriel said, sitting up with a groan. “Fuck.”
My head snapped around when he groaned again. “You’re hurt?”
He grimaced. “Fucking bullet in the thigh.”
As soon as he said it, a furious-sounding roar echoed through the trees, sending birds scattering above us.
“Fucking hell,” Max muttered. “That’s all we need.”
I glanced between them, understanding dawning as Gabriel shot Max an apologetic look. “Calder?”
“A very pissed off, blood-thirsty Rys Calder.” Max reached down and in one smooth movement hoisted Gale up over his shoulder. “Come on, let’s go head him off before he murders anyone who’s left.” He looked to me. “Can you help Gabriel?”
“Of course. But what about the others?” The fighting seemed to have died down, but there were hunters and another witch still unaccounted for. “What about Yates?”
“My team can handle it. Gale will heal, but I need to get him to safety and stop Rys from doing something stupid.”
I hesitated, and Max’s expression hardened. “We’ll come back and search for Yates. But first I want to get these two out of the firing line.” He nodded at Gabriel who had his hand clasped to his thigh, blood seeping through his fingers.
Another roar, much closer this time.
“Shit.” Max set off at a jog. “Come on.”
I hauled Gabriel to his feet and slid an arm around his waist while he hung on to my shoulder, and half-carried, half-dragged him away from the buildings towards the demolished gate.
Rys Calder met us on the driveway, looking every bit the alpha as he charged toward us, teeth bared in a snarl. “Gabriel,” he growled, rushing forwards, and I hastily relinquished my hold of him as Calder took my place.
“I’m fine,” Gabriel gritted out, earning himself a snarl.
“I smelt your blood from the road. You are not fucking fine.” He shot Max a glare. “How did this happen?” The accusation in his tone was obvious and Max stiffened.
“He was doing his job, Rys.” Max marched past him, Gale still over his shoulder. “And you shouldn’t fucking be here.”
Calder growled again, and Gabriel winced as he was marched out of the compound.
“Rys, slow down.”
“Fuck, sorry.” Calder stopped and closed his eyes for a second, breathing deeply. “I felt it when you got hurt, and I needed to see you for myself.”
Gabriel snorted. “You were well on your way before I got shot.”
Calder didn’t answer him. “Is it over? Have you arrested Yates?”
“Not yet.” Max glanced over at the black SUV parked on the other side of the gate where Talis, Calder’s beta, leant against it. “Talis.”
“Max.”
Max set Gale down outside the gate, nodding in satisfaction when he opened his eyes. “Stay here while your injuries heal.” Gale nodded, and Max turned his focus to Gabriel and his mate. “You okay?” he asked Gabriel.
“It hurts, but I’ll live. I think the bullet went straight through.”
