Page 54 of The Wolf's Kidnapped Mate

We drifted out of the spare tunnel into bright sunlight, kicking up dust behind us as we cut to the left and kept running. The wolf on our heels barked menacingly, a sound that bounced off the towering rocky walls surrounding us. An incline ahead dipped toward the right and over a hill. That might give us a better vantage point.

Except when we had nearly reached the top of the incline, the black wolf stepped into our path. Saliva coated his snout, and fresh scars ran along his ears where I’d injured him. Recognition flashed in those glossy dark eyes, and I stepped in front of Kylieto protect her. Coming up fast in the rear was the other wolf who Kylie flipped around to face.

We were trapped.

There was no way to avoid this fight anymore.

Fred, Kylie said in our mental connection.I just want you to know—

I barked at the black wolf.Save it for later, Kylie. When we’re both alive.

The black wolf snapped at my paws, causing me to hop into the air. I smacked his snout with my front paw, used the motion to launch myself into the air, and came down hard on his head with my rear legs. As he shook me off, I skittered to the left, ending up near the edge of the path. Over the side, a sharp drop of about ten feet would probably knock me out if I fell on my head.

I couldn’t afford for that to happen.

Kylie trotted around her enemy, giving him plenty of space to move as he turned his back to his accompanying friend. She glanced at me briefly before focusing entirely on her enemy, snarling viciously as she advanced. The wolf bounced back and knocked the black wolf, who snapped angrily at the smaller wolf.

Good thinking, I praised.Make them mad, sweetheart.

Yes, sir, she replied.

My heart soared at hearing her say that inside my mind. I rushed the black wolf as soon as he broke eye contact, slamming into his massive neck with my head. He growled while pushing his weight into me and snapping his jaws at my side. Though I managed to avoid his bite, my ribs were sore from the pressure.

I danced back and rushed forward again, jumping at the last minute to use his hard head as a launch pad. On his back, I snagged his scarred ear into my mouth and clung tight to him. A deafening roar vibrated the air as he recklessly shook about.

Kylie laughed.It’s working! He just stepped on his friend!

Triumphant energy burst through me as I clawed relentlessly at the black wolf’s fur. Chunks of flesh tore under my nails, causing the beast to wail as he trampled the ground. Thunderous bellows resonated around us, blocking me from being able to hear what was happening with Kylie.

Another violent shake forced my jaws loose and I flew back, but not without plunging my nails deep into the beast’s back. His whimpering growl turned to a higher pitch—it sounded like I was doing more damage than our first round together. If I could push him over the edge of the path just right, then I could possibly knock him out for good.

Kylie yelped.

The sound sliced right through my heart and yanked my attention away from the wolf, showing me a horrifying sight that I never thought I would witness. She was on the ground, on her side. She was lying in a puddle of blood.

Rage consumed my entire form as I ripped my way up the black wolf’s back and snapped my jaws around the side of his throat. Another piercing wail told me his injuries were getting worse. He couldn’t keep up and he couldn’t swipe or shake me from his back.

Once I tore a chunk of flesh from his throat, I left him bleeding to address the wolf who had hurt Kylie. He was hovering over her, growling close to her throat, probably trying to frighten her to death before he dished the deadly blow. He wasso absorbed by his temporary success that he didn’t notice my approach.

I snarled at the wolf. He jumped back from Kylie, startled by my presence, his blue eyes reflecting a frightened sheen that stuck out against his charcoal fur. Dust from the mines clung to his fur and shivered from his body when he moved. I glanced at Kylie. Her side rose and fell in quick breaths. Good—she was still alive.

But this wolf wouldn’t be alive for very long.

I locked eyes with the wolf while calming my heartbeat, listening to the black wolf behind me whine about his bloody neck. He was probably trying to cover the wound now. But I didn’t feel compelled to check. Some quiet force encouraged me to stare down the wolf who had attacked Kylie with a confident stance and serene position.

The wolf pounced at me and stopped. He barked. He growled. He was trying to fool me with fake advances, trying to get me to break.

I barely even blinked.

Frustration curled his lips back and exposed a wide row of sharp canines. His eyes narrowed in on me. He crouched low, preparing for a real assault this time.

Slam, slam, slam.

Kylie batted the wolf repeatedly with her paw to knock him to the ground. He rolled to get away from her but caught in her pounding paws that continuously beat on his head. Whimpers of surrender echoed from him, crunching sounds coming next. I pushed Kylie aside and delivered a hard blow to the wolf’s head to knock him out.

He slumped silently on the ground.

A loudthumpbehind me signaled the black wolf had collapsed as well. Without missing a beat, I nudged Kylie with my nose, checking her for wounds or broken bones orsomethingto explain that giant puddle of blood. I located the coppery fluid and licked the wound as much as I could.

---