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The words hit Kieran like physical blows, though his expression remained stoic. Inside, a storm of emotions raged. He'd known this was coming, had calculated it as the most likely outcome, yet the finality of it—the public severing by his own father—cut deeper than he'd anticipated.

"Was my brother implicated?"

"Not yet," the blue-haired girl answered. "But there are whispers."

Kieran nodded once, absorbing the information. The rational part of him processed the strategic implications, while something deeper—something primal—mourned the loss of his birthright and family connection. But when he felt Maya's hand slip into his, he knew with utter certainty he'd make the same choice a thousand times over.

"My father chose politics over blood first," he said, his voice carrying the weight of command. His eyes surveyed the room. "And he's about to discover exactly how much he's underestimated me."

The acrid scent hit Kieran first—a chemical tang that cut through the cabin's woody aroma. His nostrils flared, his body tensing despite the silver still coursing through his veins. There was no mistaking that smell. Wolfsbane oil mixed with gunpowder.

"Everyone down!" He lunged toward Maya as the first window shattered, glass spraying across the wooden floor. "Hunters!"

The blue-haired girl crumpled instantly, a tranquilizer dart lodged in her shoulder. Two more young shifters dropped before they could react.

Kieran's tactical mind assessed their situation in milliseconds. Ten heartbeats outside—all pumping with adrenaline. Ten human hunters with specialized weapons. Against four remaining young shifters, one silver-poisoned Alpha heir, and one newly awakened wolf.

Maya's eyes met his, wide but focused. "How many?"

"Ten," he growled, dragging her behind the heavy oak table as bullets splintered the doorframe. "They shouldn't have been able to track me with this silver dampening my scent."

Understanding dawned on her face. "Unless they knew exactly where to look."

The remaining wolves huddled near them, looking to Kieran for direction despite his compromised state. Their fear scent was sharp, cutting through the chaos.

"They'll be coming through every entrance," Kieran commanded, his voice steady despite the rage building in him. "Maya, you need to shift."

She shook her head, panic flashing across her features. "I can't control it very well yet—last time it was chaotic and?—"

"I'll guide you." His hand clasped the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in her copper hair as he pressed his forehead against hers. "Our mate bond. Use it."

Their connection flared between them, a tether of primal energy. Kieran's consciousness brushed against hers, his wolf reaching for her emerging one.

Feel it in your bones, in your blood. Let it rise naturally, like breathing.

Her breath quickened as she closed her eyes. The first snap of transforming bone made her gasp.

"That's it," he murmured against her ear. "Don't fight it."

The front door crashed inward as three hunters stormed the cabin, their weapons raised. Kieran shoved Maya behind him, shielding her transformation with his body as he bellowed to the young shifters, "Now!"

Four wolves leapt into action, their bodies blurring mid-air as they shifted and attacked. But these were inexperienced fighters against trained hunters. Two more dropped under tranquilizer darts.

Behind him, Maya's transformation accelerated. Through their bond, Kieran channeled decades of shifting experience, guiding her through the cascade of biological changes.

Release your human form. Embrace your wolf. Let go.

The final barrier within her broke. Where Maya had stood seconds before, a breathtaking russet wolf emerged—sleek and powerful with intelligent green eyes that held her human consciousness intact.

Beautiful,he thought, unable to stop the admiration flooding their bond.

She bared gleaming teeth in response, her mind clear in his.What's the plan?

Five hunters had breached the cabin now, while the others maintained position outside. Kieran couldn't shift to help them, but his strategic mind was unimpaired.

Circle left,he directed through their bond.Take the one with the rifle first. Go for the wrist, then throat.

Maya moved like liquid fire, her wolf form surprisingly agile for one so newly awakened. She launched herself at the hunter, her teeth sinking into his wrist with surgical precision. The rifle clattered to the floor as she pivoted toward his throat.