Chapter 0319

"She belongs to us." Magnus's growl echoes through my mind as he pounces on her, his fangs sinking deep into her neck.

The mate bond ignites instantly. I feel her terror like a live wire, and in her final conscious moment, my name tears through her thoughts—Victor! Then Isolde goes limp. I keep pumping venom into her while she's unconscious, ensuring her scent changes to carry my mark before Magnus withdraws his fangs.

He turns, standing protectively over Isolde as she shifts back to human form. A vicious snarl rips from his throat at the four remaining wolves. She's claimed, but that won't stop them from trying to kill me and reclaim her.

Their eyes dart between each other, then to their dead Alpha and the other warrior I just slaughtered. A silent conversation passes between them before they bolt into the trees. I'm not naive enough to think this is over. I saw the rest of their pack at their camp. They'll be furious—their Alpha dead, another high-ranked wolf gone. And now they know I have the Guardian. That only makes me a bigger target.

I shift back swiftly, sprinting to where I left Isolde's bag. I grab mine, yank on a shirt and shorts, then sling both bags over my shoulder. Cradling Isolde against my chest, I take off running.

Near the next town, I dress her in fresh clothes from her bag. I find an empty field just outside the town limits and lay her down carefully. Then I head into town alone, straight to the bus station. The next eastbound bus leaves in two hours. Not ideal, but it's the fastest way out.

Now comes the tricky part—getting an unconscious woman onto a bus without drawing attention.

I buy tickets, then stop for food and water. She hasn't eaten in who knows how long, and she'll need hydration when she wakes.

Back at the field, Isolde is exactly where I left her. I scoop her up and take back roads to the bus depot. When I arrive, I spot our bus's designated bay and sit with her slumped against me, my arm around her like she's just napping.

The bus pulls in. I wait until the last passenger disembarks and the driver steps away. Then I move fast—lifting Isolde, carrying her on board, and claiming two seats in the back.

We ride through the night and into the next day. She still hasn't stirred. My nerves tighten with every passing hour.

At the outskirts of a larger city, I make a decision. We need a hotel. I have to contact Adrian, and more importantly, I need to make sure my mate is okay.

I wait until the bus empties before carrying Isolde off. The hotel is only a block away, but the stares are unavoidable. So I play it off—whispering against her ear, adjusting her in my arms like a lovesick fool carrying his drunk girlfriend home.

At the front desk, I prop her in a lobby chair long enough to check in. Once inside our room, I change her into one of my shirts and tuck her into bed. Then I lock the door and head back out—food, supplies, and a call to Adrian can't wait any longer.