Not a single sound.
No sign of life.
I was on my feet in an instant, my gifts locking on Granger as I roared into his thoughts. Every ounce of my wolf’s dominance went into that sound as Idemandedthat he submit.
His legs shook, but his hand remained around my Omega’s neck.
I didn’t think; I acted, sending another thunderous rumble into his head. My chest echoed that sound, causing the entire room to quake around me.
Or that was how it felt, anyway.
I wasn’t actually looking at the room or anyone nearby. My entire focus was on the Alpha holding my female captive. And her limp form. Her pale cheeks.Herlifeless state.
A third growling howl ripped from my mind to his, ordering him to obey. To release my Omega.To kneel.
Beads of sweat dotted his brow, his mental walls wavering beneath my oppressive commands.
Cillian?Ivana whispered, her mental voice stirring a wave of primal need inside.I… I…She trailed off, her mind seeming to seek mine out for comfort and support.
No.
Not just comfort and support.
Knowledge.
I felt her absorbing it, using it, and applying it with a soul-deep determination.
Then she released her own growl, her newfound ability flourishing to life as she blasted through Granger’s consciousness and demolished the barriers protecting his true thoughts.
I seized the advantage, taking hold of his mind with my own and leashing him with my power. My strength. Mydominance.
He snarled in response, releasing Ivana. I shadowed forward to catch her, my arms instantly locking around her beforeGranger landed in a heap on the floor. Another potent blast knocked him out, allowing my focus to fall to Ivana.
She shivered in my arms, her eyes still closed, her skin clammy.Kieran! I called with my mind.
He was beside me in an instant, his palm ghosting across Ivana’s form.She’s okay,he told me.The baby is okay, too.
Then why isn’t she awake?I asked, my mental voice resembling gravel.Why is she barely breathing?
“She’s breathing just fine,” he said out loud. “Give her a moment, Cillian.”
I didn’t have a moment.
I needed her awake right fucking now.
I needed her to be mine.
Alive.
My mate.
Gods, the power she’d just exuded, the beautiful talent, the way we’d just taken Granger out together… I held her closer, my lips near her ear. “Wake up,” I demanded. “Wake the fuck up so I can bite you.”
Because I couldn’t wait a second longer.
This female was mine. And I needed her to finish this. To complete us. To embrace our future together.
Please, Vana,I whispered into her mind.Please wake up.