Chapter 0318

I left Isolde in the safest spot possible before heading into town for supplies. As I approached the outskirts, I shifted and called Adrian, warning him we were still being pursued by the crimson wolves. I told him I hoped our lead was enough to avoid further trouble.

While speaking, my gaze swept the area. Then I saw them—three vehicles with men standing guard, sniffing the air like only shifters could. Their attention snapped toward the direction where I'd left Aurora.

"Adrian, I have to go. They've found us." I hung up and bolted back toward the tree line, shifting mid-stride.

Halfway there, a chilling howl pierced the air.

They had found her.

Or at least, they'd found where she'd been. That wasn't a victory cry—it was the sound of hunters closing in. I veered east, praying she'd followed my instructions and run. When another howl echoed from the south, I knew she was trying to evade them. But they had her surrounded.

Rounding a bend, I spotted shifters in human form setting up camp, lighting a fire. No time for them. I sprinted past, but their presence confirmed one thing—their Alpha was here, and he wanted Aurora.

Magnus pushed harder, legs burning as we raced toward her.

Then I saw it.

My heart nearly stopped.

Aurora was pinned beneath multiple wolves, a massive Alpha looming over her, forcing her head into the dirt. His dominance rolled off him in waves, but he didn’t realize—Guardians don’t submit.

Magnus lunged, tearing two wolves off her. Aurora scrambled free, but the Alpha was on her again, jaws snapping, trying to claim her.

'Magnus, take him down.'

'No one touches our mate and lives.'

He launched at the Alpha, knocking him aside before positioning us between him and Aurora.

The Alpha turned, eyes burning with fury.

This would be a fight to the death.

A part of me wished Aurora would run, but I knew she wouldn’t. She took her duty as a Guardian seriously, even if she didn’t fully understand it yet.

The Alpha fought like a demon.

Even wounded, he came at us with everything. We were larger, but he was vicious. Every scar, every battle I'd ever fought—I needed all of it just to hold my ground.

Then Magnus seized his chance.

Jaws clamped around the Alpha’s neck, shaking violently until bone snapped.

Shifting back, I snarled at the remaining wolves. "Mine."

They attacked as one.

I shifted again, ripping through them—one down, then another, claws slicing deep.

Magnus wanted blood, but then Aurora was tackled. He lunged, dragging the wolf off by its tail.

I never wanted to force a claim.

But I’d promised to protect her.

And right now?

The only way was to mark her before they did.