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I start to follow Austin when a firm hand pulls me back.

“Let the guard handle this, Yelena,” Malakai rumbles. “You’ll only put yourself at risk.”

I try to wrench my arm away. “Malakai, please! Cleo is out there! Your granddaughter. We have to go get her.”

Malakai’s emerald eyes soften slightly, but his grip remains iron-tight around my arm.

“Your Alpha told you to stay put, Luna,” he says firmly.

I exhale sharply. “He did. But he also knows that I will do whatever it takes to protect my family,” I argue, slumping in frustration. “Can’t you understand that?”

His eyes flash and his grip on my arm loosens.

“I watched my son disappear into himself when he lost you the first time. I can’t watch that again,” he says softly. “You are his world.”

“Half of his world,” I correct him, looking out at the woods. “The other half is still out there. In danger.”

The urge to run headlong into the woods and not stop until I find Cleo is overwhelming. Ineedto have her in my arms. My wolf is anxious, and so am I.

Malakai curses and then, to my surprise, turns to me and grabs my shoulders.

“You will follow me every step of the way, do you understand?” he says fiercely. The echo of his days as my Alpha are evident in his words and his tone.

I nod vigorously. “Of course. All I want is to get Cleo and Aurelia to safety, and then I will be home and not leave until it’s safe.”

“Give me your word, Yelena,” Malakai orders. “Your word that you will stay where I can protect you.”

My stomach is in knots, but I nod my head. “You have my word.”

A piercing, agonized howl cuts through the air, making my blood run cold. Malakai and I exchange an alarmed look before he shifts into a massive gray wolf and takes off toward the sound.

I stand frozen for a moment before I shift into my own tawny wolf and take off after him

The howls continue to rend the air, sounding the alarm. I can't shake the ominous feeling settling over me. Soon, we aredashing through the woods. The branches whip my arms and face as I run.

I rely on my senses, urging my wolf to find Cleo and Aurelia.Before it’s too late.

The heavy, metallic scent of blood fills the air, and we both skid to a stop, sniffing. Slowly, Malakai picks his way through the underbrush, leading us toward a small outcropping of rocks. I follow until I hear a soft whimper.

Frantically, I look around for Cleo or some sign of life, but I see no one. I creep forward another ten feet, and the smell intensifies.

When I round the corner, behind an old rotting log, I almost fall over.

Aurelia lies motionless on the ground, covered in deep gashes. Her long pale hair is matted with dark blood. I shift back immediately and fall to the ground.

“Malakai!” I call out, reaching for her wrist to feel for her pulse. She’s alive.Barely.

Her wounds are extensive, and I know she will need the healers immediately in order to live. Malakai comes crashing through the trees, shifting back to kneel beside me.

“Watch her,” I order, “I need to find Cleo.”

Malakai gently places his hands on Aurelia’s wounds, trying to stem the flow of blood. She moans softly, her eyelids fluttering.

“Cleo!” I call out, searching the surrounding trees. “Sweetheart, can you hear me? You can come out. It’s safe.”

But the only answer is the distant howl of the wolves and the whistle of the wind in the trees. My panic starts low in my gut and travels up my chest.

“Cleo!” I call out, wringing my hands.