Page 76 of Knotted By the Demon

“Demon...” Greek’s voice was a whisper, fragile and raw. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know—”

I cut him off with a kiss on his forehead, my hand cradling the back of his neck. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for. This wasn’t your fault.”

Sofia met my gaze over Greek’s shoulder, her eyes blazing with determination. “What’s next?”

“Reinforcements,” I said. “I’m doubling the traps, spraying more blockers. They’ll come. We just need to be ready. Sofia, you bandage Greek’s ankle. I’m going to check how many bear trapsI have. I’ll set them out in the morning.” As I moved toward the door, Greek’s voice stopped me.

“Demon?”

I turned back, my chest tightening at the vulnerability in his eyes. “Yeah?”

“Thank you. For everything.”

“You’re welcome. Rest, both of you. I’ll be up for a while.”

I left the room, leaving them staring after me. I needed to put some distance between us. I didn’t want them to see how truly angry I was. I wanted Natalie and Nathan to come. I wanted to gift my omega with their heads to show him he no longer had anything to fear.

***

My rifle rested across my lap as I stared out into the night. I couldn’t sleep. Finding that tracker in my omega had made it impossible for me to rest. And my mates couldn’t either. They were inside, in the nest, but I knew they were wide awake. I wanted to join them. But my alpha wanted me here, sitting, watching, waiting.

Before coming out, I’d had another short talk with them, telling them what we’d do if anyone attacked. I wanted them in the basement, locked in, while I handled things. I didn’t want them to come out until I came for them. They’d promised to do as I said. The basement door would hold. It was strong enough to keep me in case my cuffs didn’t hold me during a rut.

The porch creaked beneath me as I shifted my position, my eyes scanning the tree line beyond the cabin. The moon cast faint silver threads through the trees, weaving shadows that moved with each gentle breeze and sway of the branches. And then I saw it. A flicker of motion too imperfect to be the shadows of the swaying branches.

Shadows were creeping through the brush, moving in tight formation. My jaw clenched.They were here.I stood slowly, the rifle steady in my grip. Turning toward the cabin, I slipped inside and shut the door silently behind me. Sofia was curled around Greek in the nest, their voices hushed as they talked. They looked up when they saw me.

“What’s wrong?” she whispered, already pulling herself free from the blanket.

“Movement in the tree line. Four of them. At least one alpha.”

Greek’s voice trembled, his hands clutching the blanket like it was the only thing tethering him to safety.

I knelt in front of him, my rifle propped against my thigh. “You’re going to the basement with Sofia. She’ll keep you safe.”

“And you?” His voice cracked, his fear spilling into the room.

“I’ll handle them.”

“No!” Greek shot to his knees, grabbing my arm with surprising force. “You can’t go alone. Please, Demon. Don’t leave us.”

I cupped his face, my thumbs brushing over his cheeks. “I have to. They’re here for you, and I’ll be damned if they get anywhere near you or Sofia.”

He shook his head, tears pooling in his silver eyes. “You might not come back.”

“I will,” I said firmly, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “I swear it.”

Sofia knelt beside us, her hand resting on Greek’s shoulder. “Greek, we’ll be okay,” she murmured, her voice steady and soothing. “But we have to listen to our alpha. He won’t be able to focus unless he knows we’re safe. You and I will hold the fort down here. Demon’s got this.”

I met Sofia’s eyes, floored by her trust in me. I would not disappoint my Little Fox. “You take care of him. Keep him safe.”

“Always,” she answered, her hand brushing mine briefly before she turned to grab the weapons we’d prepared. She handed Greek a knife, tucking another into her waistband.

I kissed Greek’s forehead again and then his bond mark, his tears streaking my skin, as I squeezed Sofia’s hand. “Get to the basement. Don’t come out until I come for you.”

Sofia nodded, her fiery determination burning bright in her gaze. “We’ll be waiting.”

I hesitated. “I love you both. I never knew love until the two of you stumbled into my life.”

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