Quinn’s heart was racing. I hoped I’d had something to do with it, but more than likely, this was a reaction to what we’d heard. I could feel him, eager to run off. Patience, Quinn. We can’t go running headlong into danger. We can’t help anyone like that. I strained to hear who was speaking to see if I recognized the voices. Fairly quickly, I discovered Dallas, my Beta, was the wolf in trouble. Who were the other wolves?

Lifting his nose, Quinn sniffed the wind, which was moving in our direction. A low growl began in his throat, but he quickly controlled his instincts. Sorry. I…

My brow wrinkled, and I guessed what Quinn couldn’t say. You know them. My blood boiled. What were they doing in Phoenix Pack territory? I edged around the rock and stared down the hill to the plateau where all the action seemed to be taking place. Even with my wolf vision, I had trouble truly seeing everything. Luckily, I could listen in. I ducked back behind the rock. No more words. If we can hear them, they can hear us. Got it?

After a nod, Quinn moved to crawl out into the open first. I nipped at his heels, hoping he’d stop and let me go first. Dallas was in my pack. I was the Alpha, the one who was supposed to protect everyone. I should be leading. Naturally, he ignored me. We’d discuss this later, whether he liked it or not. For now, I had to get over my anger and focus on the task at hand: saving my Beta.

We managed to stay low behind more rocks and the occasional undergrowth. As we neared the group, I pawed at Quinn to urge him to wait. This time, he complied. He must be as eager as me to understand what was happening.

You were supposed to be the Alpha. The strange shifter stood over Dallas, who was curled up on the ground like a damn coward. What happened? How could you fail so miserably?

Before he could answer, the other wolf confronted him. Who’s the Alpha now? Who do we have to take out next?

I swallowed hard and Quinn turned to check on me. His eyes searched mine for any sign I’d been affected by this revelation. Slowly, I shook my head, hoping he’d look away. There was a really good chance I’d be crying before the night ended.

You can’t take out the Alpha. Dallas whimpered.

Watch us. We have our orders from Stewart. Besides, we made a deal. The wolf snapped at Dallas. I should kill you right now.

I’d actually welcome death. I deserve it. Dallas turned away from them and saw us peeking out of the underbrush. He sucked in a breath and jumped a little as his eyes widened.

With a sigh, I considered killing him myself. Not only had he betrayed my father somehow, now he’d given away our location. Why the fuck should I even save him now? I could feel Quinn staring at me, silently wondering what our next move would be, given this new revelation. In some ways, I wanted to walk away and leave him to these beasts. Oh, but I had a responsibility to my pack. If there was to be punishment, I’d be the one doling it out. Never having to reveal the depth of his treachery would be easier on Dallas than having to face me, the elders, and admit his guilt before the pack.

My head hung lower as I worked to protect my neck, which was really my most vulnerable spot. Then I slowly stalked toward them, growling as I closed the distance. You’re on Phoenix Pack land. I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt. I glowered at them, glancing back and forth between the two wolves hovering around Dallas threateningly. Go. Now. And never make the mistake of stepping foot on our land again.

They laughed as they looked first at each other and then me. You’re no match for me little girl. The bigger wolf shook his head. I’m not worried about facing anyone, but the Alpha.

Slowly, Quinn emerged from the shadows and joined me. I watched with satisfaction as the enemy shifters sniffed the air in an effort to discover my mate’s identity. He’d used his spray, same as always. They’d never figure it out.

Who are you? The second wolf took a step closer and sniffed again, his nostrils expanding and contracting from the effort. What are you?

Though he wanted to strut right up to Quinn, I stopped his progress when I moved to stand in the way. Did you not hear me? Go back to your lands while you can.

His eyes narrowed. Who do you think you are, little girl? He leapt at me, his jaws snapping.

I could feel Quinn’s fear. He worried I’d be hurt. Ignoring him would be the challenge. Having him around when I was defending my territory and my pack made me vulnerable. While he would probably be an asset, at the moment, he was a liability. As the wolf soared through the air toward me, I stepped aside and whipped around, teeth bared, ready to fight.

The wolf rolled on the ground and skidded to a stop a few feet away. He seemed surprised he hadn’t connected with me. When he recovered, he chuckled. She fights better than you do, Dallas. My Beta looked away, refusing to meet my accusing look. Too bad she doesn’t fight better than me. He snarled and decided to charge this time. Again, I knew how to handle him. Soon we were a whirling, snarling, mass of fur, until I decided I’d had enough. I knocked him off his feet, and when he landed in shock on his back, I grabbed his neck.

Don’t make me kill you. This is your last warning. I tightened my grip on his throat. My teeth had cut through several layers of skin. I could feel blood trickling down toward the ground. I could taste the coppery thick liquid in my mouth.

Too late, I realized my mistake. I’d been so focused on the one I had control over, I’d failed to pay attention to the other wolf. From the corner of my eye, I spotted him coming at me.

Quinn charged toward him, heading him off and effectively protecting me. Even with my head down, I could tell he wasn’t quite himself. These wolves had hurt him in the past and for some reason, he didn’t believe he could win. This weakness impacted every decision, every action, every move he made while fighting.

Initially, I wasn’t worried. After all, no one was guarding Dallas. He’d soon jump into the fray to help us. The odds would be in our favor. Only, my Beta never joined us. I moved to glance at the spot on the ground where I’d last seen him, but he was gone. The wolf I’d been struggling to protect had left us to fight his battle on our own. The anger I’d been resisting ever since I learned these bastards had been involved in my parents’ deaths had been simmering beneath the surface, looking for an excuse to show itself. Dallas’ action had been like fuel to the fire.

I stomped on my conquest’s neck, just enough to make breathing uncomfortable, enough to scare him. Then I released him, but not before raking my claws down his sides. As the final blow, I ripped the skin on the back of his neck with my teeth. None of these were mortal wounds. He’d heal soon enough, but in the meantime, he’d be completely useless in a fight, totally incapacitated. Plus, the smell of blood would draw other predators. Based on the look in his eyes, he knew it.

Go! I growled as he scampered away. I expected his pack mate would follow, but instead, he was enjoying scuffling with Quinn. Rather than rush in and help, I wanted to give him a chance to man up and fight the demons, which seemed to haunt him. Instead, when he saw the other wolf stumble past him, he lost his focus. In a battle of this nature, a mistake like that could cost him.

Sure enough, the other wolf took full advantage and struck at his throat, his jaws snapping shut, closing on a hunk of Quinn’s neck. Then rather than threaten, the wolf viciously tore his skin. Blood spurted and my mate whimpered. To see him harmed, to hear his pain changed something inside me. Though we hadn’t mated, there were feelings and a connection already. So, I snapped, unleashing all my pent-up fury on this lone wolf who had the audacity to threaten me in my territory. He watched my transformation to rabid beast and released an evil laugh.

Did you think to frighten me by wounding him? I chuckled. You thought wrong. I’m not scared. I’m even more determined to destroy you now than ever.

His head lowered as he turned to face me, and I realized his next move would be to race at me. I was ready. Mirroring him, I charged toward him, facing him head on, then I moved aside so I could do some damage. My teeth caught his lip and shredded it instantly. He whined, a combination of shock and pain. Usually, hurting my opponent would be enough, but not this time. My father had taught me mercy was for the strong, but I seriously wanted to kill my opponent. In my mind, I saw me ripping out his throat. I saw blood pouring out of his jugular and carotid while he collapsed and then died. At the end, he’d shift into human form, and I’d know one of my parents’ killers. Before I could do this, however, I heard Lennie and Tanner in my head.

Don’t, Savvy! Lennie was shrieking. Take care of Howl!

Alpha, tell me how to help. The edge in Tanner’s voice told me he wouldn’t hesitate to kill the shifter, if I asked.

For a moment, I was torn. Did I hate the killer more than I loved my mate? I shook my head. Howl. We must care for Howl. Then I shifted as I raced to his side and stared deeply into his pained eyes. “Stay,” I murmured, hoping he would understand. I gently pet him. He couldn’t shift now. He’d heal faster as a wolf. More than that, I wasn’t ready to share him with the rest of the pack if he wasn’t ready to join us. Better that he should remain a big, fluffy, protective dog. Quinn whined. I sensed his pride was hurt even more than his body. “Hush, big guy. I’ll take you to the vet as soon as we make it back to my vehicle. You’ll be good as new before you know it.”

My head hurt from all the deceit. I rubbed my temple. If they stayed around Quinn too long, they’d know he was a shifter when his wounds began to disappear. I glanced down at him. He was moving so much. The agitation had to be more than pain. I watched him for a moment. His head kept turning toward Tanner and then me, over and over. Then it hit me. Quinn didn’t want me naked around another man. I sighed as I shifted. Tanner, can you carry him for me?

Without a word, my sister’s mate shifted and hefted Quinn into his arms. “Don’t worry, pup. We’ll get you all fixed up.” Then he started the trek back to the tiny house with me and Lennie taking the lead.