Page 57 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

I took a step towards Brad. "Fine, I'll go with you. But you have to let her go. I won't go until I know you are leaving her here."

I took another step and watched April lower her hands, dropping them to her side.

Another step, and I watched her fingers curl into fists. She straightened her back and took a deep breath in.

Another step, and her shoulders relaxed.

By the time I stood just a step in front, Brad was fully focused on me. April took a moment, pulling her hand up and swinging her hand down her fist, connecting with his crotch.

I was going to step back, but Brad grabbed me as he tumbled forward. I screamed, trying to break free, but his hold on me was tighter.

Before I could really even try again, I heard Cayden's growl, and suddenly, I was slammed into the ground. My head hit the ground, and a sharp pain pierced my left shoulder.

I squeezed my eyes shut as my head felt like it had been used as a basketball, and a scream erupted around me.

"Riley!" April's voice filled my head, and I forced my eyes open. She was hovering over me, shaking me. Her eyes were wild as she looked at me. I felt her hands on my shoulder, the pain not as sharp as it was. When she pulled her hand back, I could see red.

Was I bleeding? Had he stabbed me?

I looked past her towards Brad and Cayden. Cayden shoved Brad hard against the wall, landing a punch.

I squeezed my eyes shut, a wave of pain coursing over my entire brain.

"Riley, talk to me. Oh my god, your shoulder. You're bleeding. Oh my god, what do I do?"

I opened my eyes again, looking down at my shoulder, and right where my arm rotated was a stab wound. It didn't hurt as badly as I thought it would, but maybe that was adrenaline. I'm sure I would feel it in a little bit.

I heard a growl, and we both turned to see Cayden and Brad shift into wolf form. They were pouncing on each other, and the sound of snarls and biting filled the space. There was yipping and snapping that followed.

I felt my heart bounce into my throat, and I wanted to vomit. I pulled a hand up, covering my mouth, stopping myself.

"What do we do?" April asked, her hands pressed hard against my shoulder. I didn't know if she was talking about me or the fight of the guys in the living room.

My eyes were glued to the fight. The two wolves snarled at each other, biting and ripping at fur. Brad had the upper hand, and it took my breath away. The thought of losing Cayden made me sick. I had just found him, and I couldn't lose him. And if Brad won, what was I going to do?

But suddenly, Cayden pinned Brad, and the sound of his neck cracking filled the air. Brad went still, and Cayden stood breathing heavily in his wolf form. Blood coated his teeth, and it dripped onto the carpet.

I pushed myself up, practically running across the living room towards him. Tears broke free as I started to cry. "Cayden."

Cayden shifted back into his human form, catching me as I landed on him. I ran my hands over him, needing to make sure he wasn't hurt.

I sobbed as I ran my hands over him, searching for wounds. "Are you hurt? Are you okay? Is any of this blood yours?"

"I'm okay. I'm not the one bleeding. Jesus, Riley. You're hurt. Oh my god, your shoulder."

I shook my head, ignoring his comment. "I can't lose you," I said, feeling all my emotions breaking to the surface. "I can't lose you after just finding you. I can't."

His hands reached up, cupping my face. "Riley, I'm okay. I'm not hurt. You're the one hurt. We need to get you to a hospital."

I leaned forward, kissing him. Another wave of tears broke free, and Cayden pulled me close, cradling me in his arms. I tightened my hold on him, never wanting to let go.

"I told you that I would protect you and that I would never let anything happen to you. I clearly didn't do a good enough job seeing the state you're in."

"You did, though," I said, shaking my head. "You protected me and April. You risked your life for us, and you could have gotten hurt. You are amazing, and I'm so lucky to have you."

He smiled ear to ear, his fingers grazing my cheek. "I did it because I will do anything to protect my mate."

He pulled me tightly, kissing me deeply. I wrapped my arms around his shoulder, holding him tightly, knowing that he was still alive. He was still here with me, and we were okay. We were going to be OK.

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